Chief Financial Officer – Coast2Bay Housing Group

Windsor Group has been commissioned by Coast2Bay Housing Group to manage this important assignment. Windsor Group is a profit-for-purpose organisation providing expert advice, HR services, executive search and recruitment services for executive, permanent and temporary/contract roles across nonprofit, commercial and government sectors.   

Coast2Bay Housing Group is an independent, not-for-profit company committed to providing affordable safe and appropriate homes to individuals and families throughout the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Moreton Bay, Redcliffe and Gympie regions. 

We lead the way in developing community and affordable housing by working with our partners in government, the private sector and the community to expand local housing options. 

In July 2021 Coast2Bay was elevated by the National Registry Framework Community Housing (NRSCH) to a Tier One community housing provider. 

Coast2Bay received high praise for the standard of performance and quality of evidence material submitted. Coast2Bay is a fully registered provider and receives funding from the Department of Housing and Public Works, Queensland. 

Client Website
ACNC Profile
Annual Report – 2024 – 2025
Directors Financial Report
Organisation Chart

Windsor Group and Coast2Bay Housing Group are both committed to equal opportunity employment practices. Applications for the position of Chief Operations Officer will be assessed on merit and selected applicants invited to interview. An offer of appointment will be made to the applicants whose written application and interview responses best demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements of the role.  

Candidate Briefing Pack

Although this role does not have a closing date, we recommend you lodge your application as soon as possible. Windsor Group will be reviewing applications, aiming to conduct interviews the week commencing 1st December 2025 with shortlisting following shortly after.  

Coast2Bay has achieved significant recognition for its work in community housing. The organisation has won the Sunshine Coast Business Award three years in a row and is now listed in the Hall of Fame. It also regularly receives Australasian Housing Institute awards for its operations and approach. Benchmark data from regulators confirms that Coast2Bay performs highly in key areas such as occupancy and tenancy outcomes. Notably, the organisation has not evicted a tenant in 18 months, which reflects its strong commitment to tenancy support and stability. 

In March, Coast2Bay adopted Deloitte’s business transformation model, marking a shift beyond traditional change management. The organisation is simultaneously transforming six interdependent areas: refreshing its mission, which will be relaunched publicly at the AGM; updating core processes; overhauling software systems; implementing a workforce development plan in partnership with Sunshine Coast University; renewing its executive and board leadership; and evolving governance structures. As part of this strategy, long-serving board members are stepping down to make way for new leadership, ensuring alignment with the transformation agenda. Coast2Bay is also working closely with McCullough Robertson to support these changes.  

Coast2Bay is actively addressing the growing housing crisis in Australia, with a particular focus on Southeast Queensland and the Sunshine Coast. Vulnerable groups—such as older women, low-income earners, and individuals experiencing sudden life changes—are finding it increasingly difficult to access private rentals. Over the past 20 years, non-market housing has significantly declined, prompting urgent action from all levels of government. In response, Coast2Bay is navigating a surge in funding opportunities and must carefully determine which projects to pursue to ensure sustainable growth and impact.  

Business Streams 

1. Community Housing – Core service for 30 years 
2. Affordable Housing – New model for low/moderate income workers 
3. Development Pipeline – 177 dwellings under contract, with 300–400 more in planning (some land already purchased) 
4. Special Projects & Philanthropy – Includes corporate sponsorships and foundation-led initiatives 

Innovation and Philanthropy 

The Rise Foundation focuses on providing housing for women and children affected by domestic and family violence. This initiative has grown significantly, expanding from just two homes to 28 homes in the past three to four years, supported by a mix of government funding and philanthropic contributions, including a notable $500,000 donation from Bendigo Bank. Another key initiative, Better Together Housing, encourages older women to share tenancies, promoting affordability and fostering a sense of community. These niche foundations were created in direct response to community needs, such as the original idea from the Zonta Club of Caloundra, which sought practical solutions to pressing social issues.  

A proud achievement for Coast2Bay is that it has not evicted a tenant in the past 18 months, demonstrating the strength of its tenancy management practices. The organisation’s growth strategy is focused on responding to the housing crisis and leveraging a surge in government funding. Its future model combines large-scale borrowing with capital funding, subsidies, and institutional investment. Coast2Bay is actively engaging superannuation funds and impact investors, supported by appointed consultants, and is currently negotiating a pilot scheme with a national land developer to deliver more than 500 dwellings. The organisation operates across four main business streams: community housing, which remains its core business; affordable housing for low- to moderate-income workers; a development pipeline that includes 177 dwellings under contract and an additional 300–400 in planning; and special projects supported by philanthropic investment, such as the Rise Foundation for women and children affected by domestic violence and Better Together Housing for older women.  

In the 2024 financial year, Coast2Bay recorded a turnover of $75 million, with the majority of this revenue coming from capital grants. The organisation achieved a significant improvement in its EBITDA, increasing from less than 10 percent to 26 percent within a single year. Its operational budget sits at approximately $20 million, and it is generating between $3 million and $4 million in cash annually. Coast2Bay also maintains strong audit results and operates under robust delegations and risk management frameworks, ensuring sound governance and financial stability. 

The key challenges for Coast2Bay include managing rapid organisational growth while maintaining operational stability, navigating complex funding arrangements and debt covenants, and ensuring disciplined financial and governance practices during a period of significant transformation. 

The Chief Financial Officer will provide strategic leadership across all financial functions, including treasury, compliance, risk management, and oversight of ICT. Reporting to the CEO, this role manages a stable and highly competent finance team. Key responsibilities include overseeing high-volume transactions and cost centre management, managing grants and treasury functions to optimise interest income and expense, and ensuring compliance with debt covenants. The CFO will play a critical role in supporting development feasibilities and funding negotiations, act as Secretary for the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, and participate in executive meetings focused on planning and performance. The position also requires regular engagement with banks, financiers, auditors, and institutional investors. 

The challenges of the role centre on scaling corporate infrastructure to support rapid organisational growth and maintaining strict financial discipline while managing complex debt arrangements. This is a pivotal leadership position for someone who can combine technical expertise with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.  

The CEO provides full responsibility for the financials to the CFO, the business is seeking a Chief Financial Officer who is committed to working hard as part of a collaborative executive team and contributing to the organisation’s ambitious growth agenda. 

Position Description

• Experience with debt and property or aged care sector (facilities/assets/property) ideal. 
• Strong leadership and communication skills. 
• Collaborative, team-oriented, able to travel for national roundtables. 
• Looking for a leader to coach, mentor, requires soft skills to grow and lead the team.  
• Collaborative leadership style; open board engagement. 

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 SMCFOC to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information please contact Sonia Matthews or Dylys Bertelsen on 07 3211 0001. Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day. 

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