Group Financial Controller

About Woods Bagot – Architecture for Worlds Ahead

We design places that meet the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world. Our commitment to exploration, impact and community creates enduring, forward‑thinking outcomes, unlocking humanity’s highest potential. We are a global architecture firm with studios in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, North America, London and Dubai. With a global design culture devoted to creativity, resilience, and purpose – we ensure every project contributes to our client’s vision, inspiring future generations.

Woods Bagot is part of the 7C network, which is a total place design network of businesses including:

• Woods Bagot – a global architecture and interior design firm
• ERA-co – a placemaking consulting firm
• Customs Bureau – a luxury hotel interiors business; and
• Impact Futures – a sustainability consulting business.

About the Role

The 7C business has local accounting and finance teams in its regional studios, supported by a central Group Finance function based in Melbourne and headed by Woods Bagot global Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This multifaceted role spans technical financial reporting, group-level financial planning and analysis (FP&A), and business partnering. The role provides critical support to the CFO and collaborates across global studios to drive financial performance, consistency, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

• Lead the statutory consolidation and preparation of group financial reports in accordance with relevant accounting standards.
• Liaise and work with financial auditors to ensure global audit timelines are met.
• Prepare and coordinate Australian income tax returns and liaise with external tax advisors.
• Review and oversight of overseas entity corporate tax submissions.
• Oversight and management of global transfer pricing policies.
• Review indirect tax (BAS, IAS) submissions in Australia.
• Review payroll processes and outputs for Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
• Ensure consistency of accounting treatment and compliance with global accounting policies.
• Ad hoc reporting and analysis as directed.

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A):

• Oversee monthly compilation of suite of management reports and dashboards, review results and assist in the reporting to key stakeholders.
• Assist in the compilation of key financial performance reports to the Global Studio Executive (GSE), Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and Board.
• Coordinate the annual global budgeting process.
• Oversee the consolidation of group cash flows and provide insightful analysis and forecasting.
• Identify and implement improvements in group-wide financial processes and reporting tools.

Business Partnering and Strategic Support:

• Attend and participate in monthly financial reviews with regional studios, providing analysis, insights, and recommendations to improve performance.
• Act as a trusted finance partner to Studio Leaders, regional directors, and non-finance stakeholders.
• Prepare clear and compelling reports, board papers, and presentations to support decision-making.
• Support the CFO with strategic projects, scenario modelling, and ad hoc financial analysis.
• Provide support to the CEO, CEO and other senior leaders within the business as required.

Team Development:

• Oversee activities within the Group Finance function based in Melbourne, including providing guidance, performance development and general support.
• Partner with Regional (UK, USA, UAE, CN, HK) Finance Leaders to both provide support and to understand regional finance activity.
• Foster and champion a can-do, service centric, value-add approach to finance within the organisation.

Shareholder and Capital Management:

• Oversee shareholder accounting including annual profit pool calculations, reporting, facilitating distributions, and stakeholder communications.
• Calculate and oversee key metrics such as EBIT per share, returns to shareholders, revenue per shareholder and others.

About You

You’re a hands-on, solutions-driven finance professional who thrives on variety and enjoys tackling complexity. You build strong relationships across functions and geographies, using your influence to drive meaningful outcomes. Adaptable, curious, and commercially minded – you know how to get things done and make a real impact.

You will be able to Demonstrate

• CA/CPA qualified or equivalent, with 8-10 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and statutory reporting experience.
• Proficient in Australian tax compliance and indirect tax review.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Proven experience in group-level budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships and influence decision-making across diverse teams.
• Positive, proactive attitude with a focus on continuous improvement.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a resume via the Group Financial Controller LinkedIn job advertisement. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or names from agencies. All personal data collected by the firm will be kept confidential and only used for recruitment purposes.

Mandatory requirement: It is an essential requirement that at the time of applying for this position applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia (an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident).

Inspiration. Innovation. Inclusiveness. We are Woods Bagot.

Woods Bagot is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

At Woods Bagot, we are committed to creating an environment where difference is celebrated, valued and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong. We accept that none of us is smarter than all of us. We believe building a diverse workforce is the foundation to creativity and innovative design – it is only by working together that we can realise the potential of our people, clients and communities around us. Through our inclusive leadership and our truly global studio network of strategists, experience designers and scientists, you will find your voice and have the support and flexibility required to bring your whole self to work and build an exceptional career.