Chief Financial Officer
At Hickory, we don’t believe in standing still, for over three decades we have continually invested in researching and developing systems and products to improve the way we build. Our philosophy is ‘MADE for LIFE’ – it’s a commitment we honour, each day. Everything we do and everything we build is ‘MADE for LIFE.’ Whether it’s refining our patented, prefabricated building products, developing more efficient and sustainable construction practices, or bringing expertise inhouse to supply critical components, we always believe there is a better way. As a result, Hickory have become one of the most diverse property companies in Australia.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for leading the financial strategy, governance, and operations of the Hickory Group. As a key member of the Executive Team, the CFO oversees all financial activities across the group’s diverse businesses, ensuring financial discipline, transparency, and strategic alignment. They act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board, translating financial data into actionable insights and guiding investment, risk, and capital decisions. The CFO also maintains robust financial governance, reporting, and controls, ensuring resilience and scalability across all regions and entities, while identifying opportunities for ongoing enhancements.
WHAT HICKORY CAN OFFER
- Novated Leases: Take advantage of novated leasing options to maximize your salary and enjoy tax savings on vehicle expenses.
- Family-Friendly Policies: Receive paid parental leave to support your family needs.
- Employee Wellbeing: Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for valuable support and resources.
- Wellness & Fitness Amenities: Enjoy access to wellness and fitness facilities, including a yoga studio and gym, to promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Premium End-of-Trip Facilities: Benefit from premium end-of-trip amenities such as lockers, secure bike storage, towel and dry-cleaning service, and top-notch shower and change facilities.
- Modern Office Environment: Immerse yourself in a unique working environment within a state-of-the-art office building.
- CBD Convenience: Our location in the CBD offers easy access to public transport and is just a short walk away from Southern Cross Station, Southbank, South Melbourne Market, Albert Park, and more.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and execute the Group’s financial strategy, ensuring alignment with long-term growth objectives. Lead budgeting, forecasting, modelling, and scenario analysis to support executive decision-making.
- Oversee financial governance, risk management, compliance, and audit processes. Implement robust policies, internal controls, and fraud prevention measures across all entities.
- Ensure accurate and timely group financial reporting, including board packs, statutory accounts, tax, and audit readiness, with clear insights into performance and future outlook.
- Drive capital allocation and investment oversight, assessing opportunities, monitoring returns, and ensuring funds are deployed effectively to support strategic priorities using internal cash flows or bank facilities.
- Lead treasury and cash management, including intercompany cash flow, funding structures, banking relationships, and project bank accounts, while managing liquidity, credit, and market risk.
- Modernise financial systems and processes, standardise practices, and champion data integrity to enable automation, scalability, and reliable reporting across tools like MYOB, Xero, and CHEOPS.
- Act as the primary liaison with the Board, investors, banks, and external stakeholders, clearly communicating financial performance, forecasts, and strategic recommendations.
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing finance team, developing capability, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement through clear roles and matrix collaboration.
- Partner with operational and commercial teams to enhance project-level financial management, cost control, and profitability, fostering integration across construction and manufacturing entities.
TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE
- CA/CPA qualified with 15+ years of senior finance leadership, ideally in construction or property industries.
- Proven track record in financial strategy, governance, and board engagement.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to align financial planning with business growth and operational priorities.
- Experienced in managing multi-entity, complex environments and large-scale investments, including cost controls in construction.
- Deep knowledge of governance, risk management, compliance, and audit processes.
- Skilled communicator with the ability to engage boards, investors, and senior stakeholders with clarity and impact.
- Demonstrated leadership in building, mentoring, and developing high-performing finance teams.
- Experienced in modernising systems, embedding financial discipline, and driving continuous improvement.
- Strong systems and data literacy, with exposure to ERP and reporting platforms (e.g. MYOB, Xero, CHEOPS).
- Operational finance expertise with hands-on understanding of cost control, forecasting, and project profitability.
- Resilient, adaptable, and integrity-driven, a trusted custodian of financial health who balances strategic vision with operational rigour.