director of finance job description

A finance director performs a series of roles that vary depending on the company's organisational structure. Some of your duties and responsibilities include: managing the company's finances: as the director of finance, you are responsible for the company's financial health. Hence, you oversee the development of the long-term financial plan and management of the company finances. managing budgets: as the finance director, you oversee the company's financial planning. This includes developing and managing the organisation's annual operating budget. You also ensure the company achieves its targets. analysing financial information: as the director of finance, you review and interpret financial reports in the company. You perform a financial analysis to predict future trends and develop strategies to improve the company's revenue. implementing financial systems: you are responsible for implementing financial policies in the company. You develop procedures and processes to ensure statutory regulations are adhered to and that the company meets Australia's tax obligations and compliance requirements. establishing and maintaining relationships with partners: as the finance director, you seek growth opportunities for the company and maintain lasting relationships with its partners. For instance, you identify potential investors and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, like banks or investment partners.

As a director of finance, you have employment opportunities in companies from a variety of sectors, including large and small organisations. You work in finance, mining, manufacturing or technology companies. The main working environment is an office, but you travel, as you may be responsible for financial relations with third parties. There is also the possibility that you will spend long hours at work. At times, you work at night or on weekends to complete all your commitments or an important presentation. It may be possible to perform your work remotely as well. As such, remote director of finance positions are available.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include finance managers, finance analysts and chief finance officers. You might also be working in close proximity to operations managers and product managers , as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, business analysts, finance business partners and controllers .

The normal working schedule is 40 hours per week, usually spread over eight hours. A director of finance often puts in a lot of overtime hours from Monday to Friday. In addition to the time it takes to review detailed management reports and create budget or revenue reports, there may be more time spent travelling and doing business with third-party companies. Some companies may allow you to work part-time, especially if the organisation is small. However, in larger companies, expect to work full-time hours. When financial problems arise, you spend longer hours at work until you sort out all the issues. For companies that allow you to work remotely, you can create your own work schedule so long as the projects are finished on time.

Finance directors work in different industries, such as technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, mining and more. Many companies need a professional to create budgets for their departments, implement strategies to make profits and keep track of their expenditures. Large companies, especially those that trade on the public stock exchange, are more likely to need a director of finance than smaller companies. They need a director of finance to handle large financial operations and their portfolios. In addition, as the finance industry starts to implement artificial intelligence (AI) systems , finance directors who are skilled in leveraging this kind of software will become invaluable. More companies are also embracing remote work, making it possible for finance directors to expand their employment opportunities.

advantages of finding a director of finance job through randstad

Finding your director of finance job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a director of finance is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what is the main role of the director of finance?

As a finance director, you manage the company’s financial affairs. You oversee budgeting and financial planning and ensure the company complies with the statutory regulations.

how much does a director of finance make in Australia?

As a director of finance, you typically earn an average salary of $195,000 per year. The lowest salary in the role is $185,000 per year, but experienced finance directors take home over $205,000 per year.

what is the director of finance responsible for?

As a director of finance, you are responsible for the company's financial health. You also ensure the company grows its revenue and assets by developing strategies to increase revenue.

who is higher than the director of finance?

As a director of finance, you work under the chief finance officer in the company. However, in some companies, you are a senior finance leader and report directly to the chief executive officer (CEO).

is being a director of finance stressful?

Managing the finances of an entire company comes with a great deal of responsibility. The pressure associated with the role can cause stress. However, managing your workload helps you reduce stress levels.

how do I apply for a director of finance vacancy?

Applying for a director of finance job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here .

Working as a director of finance

what is a director of finance?

As a director of finance, you are responsible for a company's financial growth. Some of your main duties include creating revenue reports and implementing financial policies. With your in-depth knowledge of accounting and finances, you are responsible for a company's financial health. Part of your responsibilities are maintaining transparency in the finance department and preparing financial statements at the end of the fiscal year. You also implement strategies that allow the company to grow financially and earn profits.

As the director of finance, you make investment decisions to improve and grow the company's portfolio. You continuously monitor the investment portfolio and take appropriate risks when growing it. You also create monthly, quarterly and annual revenue reports and budgets for each department.

Another key responsibility you have is to track the company's expenditures and profits. It's your job to reduce or eliminate financial risks for the company and find solutions to the organisation's financial issues. You report the company's finances and activities to your immediate supervisor, the CFO.

view jobs

1

average director of finance salary

The average salary of a director of finance in Australia is $195,000 per year. However, the remuneration package fluctuates based on various factors, ranging from work experience to company size and the complexity of duties. When you join the finance director position, you start with a salary of $185,000 per year. As you improve your experience, your earnings gradually increase, and you can take home over $205,000 annually.

how to increase your salary as a director of finance

Your remuneration package as the director of finance increases with experience and educational qualifications. When you have a high level of expertise, you are likely to earn more compared to a director of finance with minimal experience in the role.

The industry you work in also affects your earnings. Working in high-revenue industries, like investments or telecommunications, improves your earning prospects. Working in large organisations with complex duties also attracts higher salaries since you handle diverse duties. Big companies often have multiple branches, increasing your workload compared to a small company with only one branch.

When you work in metro areas, you are likely to earn a higher remuneration than in smaller cities. The high demand for directors of finance improves your earning prospects.

Want to know what you will earn as a director of finance? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

2

types of directors of finance

The director of finance is typically in the same position across different companies. However, the role has different titles, such as director of financial planning and analysis or director of finances and operations.

Directors of finance work for companies of varying sizes, from small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to multinational organisations, with significant commitments and investments in the international market. If you work in a multinational company, you are responsible for large investment portfolios and big company budgets. It is also possible to work with external businesses on behalf of your company.

3

working as a director of finance

The director of finance requires a strategic vision and technical abilities to carry out financial planning for companies. To do this, you need the necessary competencies and must develop the skills that allow you to perform your duties successfully. Here are some essential aspects of your work profile.

director of finance job description
A finance director performs a series of roles that vary depending on the company's organisational structure. Some of your duties and responsibilities include:
- managing the company's finances: as the director of finance, you are responsible for the company's financial health. Hence, you oversee the development of the long-term financial plan and management of the company finances.
- managing budgets: as the finance director, you oversee the company's financial planning. This includes developing and managing the organisation's annual operating budget. You also ensure the company achieves its targets.
- analysing financial information: as the director of finance, you review and interpret financial reports in the company. You perform a financial analysis to predict future trends and develop strategies to improve the company's revenue.
- implementing financial systems: you are responsible for implementing financial policies in the company. You develop procedures and processes to ensure statutory regulations are adhered to and that the company meets Australia's tax obligations and compliance requirements.
- establishing and maintaining relationships with partners: as the finance director, you seek growth opportunities for the company and maintain lasting relationships with its partners. For instance, you identify potential investors and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, like banks or investment partners.
work environment

As a director of finance, you have employment opportunities in companies from a variety of sectors, including large and small organisations. You work in finance, mining, manufacturing or technology companies. The main working environment is an office, but you travel, as you may be responsible for financial relations with third parties.

There is also the possibility that you will spend long hours at work. At times, you work at night or on weekends to complete all your commitments or an important presentation. It may be possible to perform your work remotely as well. As such, remote director of finance positions are available.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include finance managers, finance analysts and chief finance officers. You might also be working in close proximity to operations managers and product managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, business analysts, finance business partners and controllers.
work schedule

The normal working schedule is 40 hours per week, usually spread over eight hours. A director of finance often puts in a lot of overtime hours from Monday to Friday. In addition to the time it takes to review detailed management reports and create budget or revenue reports, there may be more time spent travelling and doing business with third-party companies.

Some companies may allow you to work part-time, especially if the organisation is small. However, in larger companies, expect to work full-time hours. When financial problems arise, you spend longer hours at work until you sort out all the issues. For companies that allow you to work remotely, you can create your own work schedule so long as the projects are finished on time.
job outlook

Finance directors work in different industries, such as technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, mining and more. Many companies need a professional to create budgets for their departments, implement strategies to make profits and keep track of their expenditures.

Large companies, especially those that trade on the public stock exchange, are more likely to need a director of finance than smaller companies. They need a director of finance to handle large financial operations and their portfolios.

In addition, as the finance industry starts to implement artificial intelligence (AI) systems, finance directors who are skilled in leveraging this kind of software will become invaluable. More companies are also embracing remote work, making it possible for finance directors to expand their employment opportunities.
advantages of finding a director of finance job through randstad
Finding your director of finance job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a director of finance is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

You require at least a bachelor's degree to become a director of finance in any company. Pursue a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance or accounting. These degree courses equip you with knowledge in accounting or finance, helping to prepare you for finance roles. Since the director of finance is a senior role in the company, you should pursue a master's degree to improve your job prospects.

Gain work experience in mid-level finance or accounting positions to improve your skills. Since managerial experience is mandatory, consider roles like finance manager or controller to improve your career prospects. You also need professional accounting or finance qualifications, such as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) or Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

director of finance skills and competencies

You need a variety of skills and competencies to be effective at your job as director of finance. Some of the skills include:

team management skills: finance directors work with other departments to create budgets, account for expenditures, and ensure the company is on track financially. Managing and leading these teams effectively is important.
communication skills: if there are financial issues, communicating the issues and possible solutions is an important skill to master. As a director of finance, you present your financial reports in a comprehensible and easy-to-understand manner.
financial forecasting skills: successful finance directors not only manage budgets but also efficiently forecast the company's performance. These analytical skills are important to ensure the company is always in good financial health.
stay updated: a good director of finance stays updated on any financial regulations that affect the company.
technological know-how: as new financial software continues to emerge, finance directors should learn and master the different software programs.
adaptable: financial situations are sometimes fluid. As a director of finance, you should remain flexible as changes happen at the company or within the financial industry.
crisis management skills: large portfolios at a company can sometimes take a hit, especially during a recession. You should be able to steer the company during times of crisis to ensure financial chaos doesn't ensue.

5

FAQs about working as a director of finance

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a director of finance.

what is the main role of the director of finance?

As a finance director, you manage the company’s financial affairs. You oversee budgeting and financial planning and ensure the company complies with the statutory regulations.
how much does a director of finance make in Australia?

As a director of finance, you typically earn an average salary of $195,000 per year. The lowest salary in the role is $185,000 per year, but experienced finance directors take home over $205,000 per year.
what is the director of finance responsible for?

As a director of finance, you are responsible for the company's financial health. You also ensure the company grows its revenue and assets by developing strategies to increase revenue.
who is higher than the director of finance?

As a director of finance, you work under the chief finance officer in the company. However, in some companies, you are a senior finance leader and report directly to the chief executive officer (CEO).
is being a director of finance stressful?

Managing the finances of an entire company comes with a great deal of responsibility. The pressure associated with the role can cause stress. However, managing your workload helps you reduce stress levels.
how do I apply for a director of finance vacancy?

Applying for a director of finance job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

director of finance.