Sumo Energy is an Australian‐owned energy retailer providing electricity and gas services to residential and small business customers across multiple states. Sumo has built a strong presence through competitive pricing, simple plans, and a customer‐first approach.
Sumo prides itself on delivering "good, honest service" with a strong local focus and commitment to improving the customer experience.
Sumo combines agility with a strong customer focus—offering a unique opportunity to shape finance in a growing, dynamic environment.
The Role
We are seeking a highly capable and hands‐on Head of Finance / CFO to lead Sumo Energy's financial function. This role will operate as a strategic partner to the CEO and the Board while remaining deeply involved in day‐to‐day financial operations.
This is a broad, high‐impact role requiring both technical depth and commercial leadership, particularly within the Australian energy market.
Key Responsibilities
* Financial Leadership & Strategy
* Lead financial strategy, planning, and performance management aligned to company growth objectives
* Partner with the CEO and leadership team to drive commercial decision‐making and profitability
* Provide insights on pricing, margin optimisation, and customer economics in a competitive retail energy market
* Support strategic initiatives including product expansion, partnerships, and potential M&A
* Energy Market & Treasury Responsibilities
* Oversee AEMO settlements, prudentials, and payment processes
* Manage network and distributor payments, ensuring accuracy and compliance
* Lead hedging strategy and derivative positions (electricity and gas), including risk management frameworks
* Monitor wholesale energy exposure and develop strategies to mitigate volatility
* Ensure robust forecasting of energy costs, demand, and margin
* Financial Operations (Hands‐On)
* Own end‐to‐end finance operations, including accounting, reporting, and controls
* Lead Xero‐based finance environment, including system optimisation and scalability
* Conduct and oversee journal clean‐ups, reconciliations, and balance‐sheet integrity improvements
* Ensure accurate and timely month‐end and year‐end close processes
* Maintain strong working capital management and cash‐flow forecasting
* Reporting, Compliance & Governance
* Deliver accurate financial reporting (board, executive, and external stakeholders)
* Ensure compliance with regulatory obligations (ASIC, ATO, AEMO, energy market rules)
* Manage audits and implement strong internal controls
* Develop governance frameworks appropriate for a scaling energy retailer
* Build, mentor, and lead a high‐performing finance team
* Foster a culture aligned to Sumo's values: simplicity, empathy, and continuous improvement
* Balance structure with agility in a growing organisation
Key Requirements
* Experience & Background
* Proven experience as a Head of Finance, CFO, or senior finance leader
* Strong experience in the Australian energy sector (essential)
* Deep understanding of AEMO settlements and prudentials
* Network/distributor billing and payments
* Retail energy economics and wholesale exposure
* Demonstrated experience managing hedging strategies and energy derivatives
* Experience in high‐growth or challenger businesses preferred
* Technical & Systems
* Strong accounting foundation (CA/CPA qualified)
* Hands‐on experience with Xero (or similar cloud‐based ERP systems)
* Proven ability to clean and optimise financial data and processes
* Strong financial modelling and analytical capability
* Leadership & Style
* Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen
* Willingness to be hands‐on and detail‐oriented
* Ability to operate effectively in a lean, fast‐paced environment
* Strong communication skills with the ability to influence at executive and board level
Why Join Sumo Energy?
* Be part of a growing Australian energy challenger brand
* Work in a business that values simplicity, empathy, and continuous improvement
* Opportunity to shape the financial future of the organisation
* High‐impact role with both strategic and operational ownership
* Collaborative, locally focused team environment
Success in This Role Looks Like
* Clean, reliable financial data and reporting
* Strong control over AEMO and network settlement processes
* Effective hedge management and reduced exposure to market volatility
* Finance function operating efficiently on scalable systems (Xero and beyond)
* Trusted strategic partner to the CEO and leadership team
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