Finance Manager – Synapse

Synapse provides a range of support services for people who have been impacted by brain injury and disability. These services promote quality of life, self-determination, and choice through information, specialist support, and targeted research activities.

Synapse’s mission is to ensure the rights of people impacted by brain injury, connecting knowledge, policy, services, and systems. Synapse focuses on both government and public support to realise funding for the development of specialist services nationally.

Synapse’s commitment to reducing the massive unmet need for services and support in Australia is unwavering. The team at Synapse are resolute in seeing specialist and individualised services available to all in need, no matter where they live or which culture they belong to.

We’re looking for a commercially astute and purpose driven Finance Manager to join a bold and evolving not-for-profit organisation that provides critical support to people living with brain injury.

This is a pivotal time in the organisation’s growth.

Following a period of transformation and operational change, we are seeking a senior finance leader who can bring clarity, rigour and strategic foresight to financial operations ensuring long-term sustainability and supporting the delivery of life-changing services across Australia.

To work closely with the CEO, Executive Team and Board to steer the organisation’s financial health, optimise resources, and embed contemporary financial frameworks to support expansion and innovation.

Link to website: https://synapse.org.au/

Link to ACNC: https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/be20ce82-133e-ed11-bba2-002248933dda/profile

The organisation is entering a new phase in its development, navigating its way through an ever changing and challenging funding environment. This critically important role is central to the future and ongoing success of the organisation.  If you are a great problem solver, and love developing and implementing best practice systems and processes, this is the role for you.  With direct access to the CEO and a new structure in place, the opportunity exists to jump in and really make an impact.

Since beginning as Headway Qld in 1984 Synapse has grown to have a national reach and become Australia’s brain injury organisation, supporting individuals in Queenland, NSW and Western Australia.  Everything runs from the Queensland office, located in a rich and vibrant cultural precinct close to the Brisbane CBD.  With a team of around 150 staff, repurposing of the finance team is a priority, commencing with the Finance Manager recruitment.

With an eye on the future, the organisation is currently implementing a future-focused strategy to ensure funding longevity. The success of this strategy will be underpinned by strong financial stewardship, robust cross team collaboration and best practice systems and processes.

The Finance Manager is part of the newly recruited finance team reporting directly to the CEO.  Ideally you are a seasoned Financial Controller/ Finance Manager looking for a fresh new role.  You are someone who can work autonomously with a laser focus on financials – agile and experienced in using existing financial, budget and reporting tools (SAGE/MYOB/SALESFORCE/WORKDAY).  You are a problem solver, resilient and able to support the organisation to “turn things around” and “better prepare for the future”.

The creation of a strong and cohesive team through great communication, mentorship, upskilling and a positive outlook, lie at the heart of all you do.  Transparency and authenticity are critical as you may need to deliver some tough messaging, always in an honest and respectful way.

You are a true business partner, not just someone who is “counting the money” – you bring a safe pair of hands along with resilience, responsiveness and great attention to detail.   You are a positive force for change, a seasoned professional, leading by example, but with a spring in your step!

Experience with EBA agreements, NDIS pricing, understanding of NDIA and SCHADS is welcomed.

Download the Position Description here: Finance Manager PD Synapse_20250711

The Finance Manager is responsible for the management, budgeting, reporting, and applicable financial compliance functions – including financial risk identification and mitigation of the organisation. This role plays a critical part in supporting the strategic and operational decision-making of the leadership team, ensuring the organisation’s financial health, sustainability, and compliance with all regulatory obligations, including ACNC and ATO requirements.

This is not just a finance function it’s a leadership role where your work will influence both strategy and service delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing high-level financial oversight, analysis and forecasting to support strategic decision-making
• Managing end-to-end finance operations, including budgeting, compliance, audit, reporting, payroll, and grant acquittals
• Advising on funding models, pricing structures (including NDIS), cost controls, and financial risk
• Leading restructuring and process improvements to ensure best-practice governance and accountability
• Building financial capability across the organisation through mentoring, systems strengthening, and clear communication
• Collaborating with executive and operational teams to align finance with service delivery goals
• Contributing to a values-based, trauma-informed culture built on transparency, compassion and impact

When submitting your application, ensure your application includes:

• An up-to-date resume (in Word format)
• A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role

Submit your application quoting reference number KBFEMR to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information, please contact Kevin Beach or Lindy Fentiman on 07 3211 0001. Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day.

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