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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