Head: Finance and Facilities – Bathurst NSW

The Diocese of Bathurst covers a large part of rural NSW extending from Bathurst, south to Oberon and Cowra; north to Coonamble; and west to Eugowra; with major regional centres including Orange, Dubbo, Bathurst, Mudgee and Lithgow.

Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB) provides a diverse range of educational options, from primary schools in small rural communities to large secondary schools. CEDB provides support to 33 school communities comprising: 26 primary schools; 1 K-10 school; 2 K-12 schools; and 4 secondary colleges.

With approximately 9,300 students and employing more than 1000 staff, the schools are supported by 60 staff located in two offices: the main office in Bathurst (Kelso) and a regional office in Dubbo.

Living in Bathurst

With a growing population of more than 40,000, Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland city and the perfect place for a tree change. It is less than a three-hour drive from Sydney, with great facilities, an affordable lifestyle, and a thriving social scene. This is all wrapped up among the city’s heritage buildings and rich history.

Bathurst is a regional education centre with many schools and a University (CSU). You’ll find everything you need in a city, including a state-of-the-art public hospital.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the CEDB website located at https://www.bth.catholic.edu.au/Home

Position Overview

Position Title: Head: Finance and Facilities

Responsible to: Executive Director of Schools

Position Purpose

The role exists to provide financial stewardship for the diocesan schools and Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB).

Key Areas of Accountability

• Promote the Vision and Mission of Catholic education in the Diocese.
• Finance and accounting, which includes leading the finance team to manage the system budget, reporting, funds management, financial governance and risk management for this System of 33 schools.
• Strategy and sustainability, including strategic planning and forecasting.
• Transformational leadership, including of projects to boost the capacity of schools to focus on educational rather than administrative activities.
• Property and facilities, including the capital works and maintenance programs.
• Applications for and management of capital grants.
• Represent the diocese in appropriate professional forums, such as the Heads of Finance, CSNSW meetings.
• Develop and maintain relationships with all diocesan agencies and external organisations, business partners and stakeholders.

This position is a member of the following CEDB committees:

• Leadership Team of the CEDB
• Finance, Risk and Audit Committee of the Diocesan Catholic Education Council;
• School Capital Works Committee

At a later stage in this project, you will be provided a full position description; and the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role.

Reporting Relationships

This role reports to the Executive Director of Schools and is a member of the CEDB leadership team. In addition to this role and the Executive Director, the leadership team also comprises the Head of Religious Education and Faith Formation; Head of Learning, Teaching and Wellbeing; Head of School Improvement, Data, Governance & Policy; Head of HR, Risk and WHS and the School Improvement Consultants.

This position leads a team of 12 people which includes:

• Team Leader: Finance and the finance team.
• Capital Projects Supervisor.
• School Facilities Officer.

The role also works closely with:

• School Principals;
• Parish priests and Diocesan Chancery;
• other Catholic agencies in the Diocese of Bathurst;
• CSNSW Finance Working Group and various Catholic educational forums within NSW.

An organisation chart will be provided at a later stage in this project.

 Other Relevant Information

• The financial year is 1st January to 31st December.
• The annual revenue budget is in the vicinity of $160m
• External auditor is currently Deloitte.
• The accounting software is TechnologyOne

Reason for Vacancy

The incumbent is stepping away for family reasons in April after nearly 7 years in this role.

Commencement

It is anticipated the successful applicant will be able to commence by April this year to facilitate a smooth transition of leadership.

Location & Travel

The CEDB office is located in Gilmour Street, Kelso. Kelso is a suburb of Bathurst; and is a 5-minute drive to the Bathurst CBD. This role is largely office-based, however (as for all CEDB leadership) there is an expectation of spending time in schools.

Professional Development

CEDB provides professional development opportunities for all employees. This includes a PD budget for the Finance and Facilities team. In addition, CEDB reimburses CA or CPA annual membership fees.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• A fully maintained motor vehicle is provided for work-related purposes.
• Salary packaging is available.
• Tenure: the initial appointment is for 5 years and, subject to a performance review in the 5th year, renewed for an additional period. There is a standard 6-month probationary period.
• Flexibility of working arrangements could be considered/negotiated.
• An annual appraisal process occurs.
• Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
• Prior to appointment the successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and complete a successful National Criminal History Check.
• Applicants will require a current Driver’s Licence.

Selection Criteria

The Executive Director of Schools invites expressions of interest from people who align with the following expectations:

• Capacity and willingness to work within the ethos of the Catholic Church and the Mission for Catholic education.
• A commercially astute, analytical, strategic, service-focused person, with financial leadership experience in a sizable organisation.
• This experience evidenced by:
  • providing strategic financial leadership to support long term objectives;
  • financial partnering with non-financial leaders;
  • having led large projects and change management processes;
  • experience in managing a sizable team.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills and capable of building strong relationships.
• Strength, energy & capacity to initiate, drive and evaluate organisational change.
• Either CPA or CA membership with a record of continuing professional development.

While people from all sectors will be considered, experience within the n-f-p, education or a values-based setting will be highly regarded.

Experience in capital works/facilities management is not essential – provided you have the desire and capacity to broaden into this diverse role.

Are You Interested in This Opportunity?

If you are interested in this role, simply complete the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this page; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1476. Please provide a brief resume and contact (mobile) telephone number.

If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our job alerts.

Questions can be directed to either (a) Director John Chesher (0417 068 220) or (b) email to jobs@traksearch.com.

The timeline and details for this project are outlined below. All emails and applications are acknowledged within 48 hours.

The Selection Process

Key dates as follows:

Trak Search has been instructed to provide a process that is welcoming for people interested in this role. Significant aspects include:

• Trak Search is available for confidential enquiries. They will also provide additional information to allow you to explore how this role aligns with your expectations and interests.
• Closing is 5.00pm on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the CEDB schedule.
• We expect to contact one work-related referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process.
• CEDB will provide an option of a video interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to the Executive Director or her nominee unless you instruct otherwise.
• To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search methodology, including our screening process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
• Only people with the unrestricted right to work in Australia may apply for this role.

Trak Search is committed to working with client organisations in the safeguarding of children and young people. Applicants should be aware that in addition to the Working with Children and National Police History Checks required by our client, Trak Search screening processes, interview questions and reference checking will also reflect this commitment.

 Trak Search strongly supports the principles of equal employment opportunities in the workplace. We support our clients in recruiting a diverse range of people and a diverse range of talents. We are committed to adapting our recruitment processes to accommodate neurodiverse candidates; or people with different physical abilities.

You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.