About Our Client
Our client is a high-growth, venture-backed climate technology company headquartered in Melbourne, focused on transforming the lithium supply chain through proprietary, next-generation processing technology. Backed by leading global investors across mining, energy, and venture capital, the business is entering a critical phase of commercialisation and scale.
Job Description
Financial Leadership & Strategy
* Partner with the CEO, Board, and investors to shape financial strategy and support key business decisions
* Lead financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting processes aligned to scale-up milestones
* Prepare and deliver bi-monthly Board reporting, including insights on performance, cash runway, and strategic initiatives
* Support fundraising activities, including financial materials, investor engagement, and due diligence
Financial Operations & Control (Hands-On)
* Own the full finance function, including month-end and year-end close processes
* Maintain accurate financial records, including GL management, reconciliations, and reporting integrity
* Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring strong financial discipline and controls
* Manage and optimise finance systems, processes, and reporting frameworks
Compliance, Tax & Audit
* Lead all tax compliance and regulatory reporting requirements (local and international as required)
* Manage external advisors and oversee the annual audit process end-to-end
* Ensure compliance with accounting standards, governance requirements, and investor expectations
Grants & Government Funding
* Take ownership of Australian government grants and funding programs, including application support, reporting, and compliance
* Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure accurate tracking and utilisation of grant funding
Commercial & Investor Engagement
* Act as a key interface with investors, board members, and private equity / venture partners
* Support commercial decision-making through robust financial analysis and insights
* Contribute to strategic initiatives including partnerships, project development, and international expansion
Financial Modelling & Scale-Up
* Initially support and eventually take full ownership of financial modelling, including scenario analysis, capital planning, and project economics
* Build scalable financial infrastructure to support rapid growth and operational complexity
* Lead the build-out of the finance function, including future hiring, systems, and process design
The Successful Applicant
Core Experience
* Proven experience in a Head of Finance / CFO (or 2IC) role within a high-growth, VC/PE-backed business
* Demonstrated success scaling a business from Series A through to later-stage growth
* Strong technical accounting foundation with hands‑on ownership of core finance processes
* Experience managing audits, tax, and compliance in a growing organisation
* Exposure to capital raising and investor engagement
Highly Desirable
* Experience working with or managing government grants / R&D funding (Australia)
* Background in deep‑tech, climate tech, energy, mining, or infrastructure‑heavy environments
* Experience working with institutional investors, venture capital, or private equity stakeholders
* Advanced financial modelling capability
Personal Attributes
* Roll‑up‑your‑sleeves mentality - comfortable operating at both strategic and detailed levels
* Commercially minded with strong problem‑solving capability
* Ability to operate in a fast‑paced, evolving environment with ambiguity
* Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders
* Builder mindset - motivated to create and scale systems, teams, and processes
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