Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer

Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Commerce, Finance, or a related discipline, together with current membership of a recognized professional accounting body such as CA ANZ or CPA Australia
• Demonstrated experience in a senior financial leadership role within a complex organization, including acting as a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive Officer, Executive team, and Board, and building and developing high-performing teams through effective coaching, mentoring, and performance leadership
• Proven ability to develop and implement financial strategies that support organizational objectives, including budgeting, long-term financial planning, forecasting, treasury and investment oversight, cash-flow management, financial modeling, business case development, and accurate and insightful financial reporting
• Extensive knowledge of accounting standards, statutory reporting, and taxation, together with experience establishing strong governance frameworks, internal controls, and enterprise risk-management practices that meet legislative, regulatory, funding, and donor requirements
• Experience overseeing Operations and IT functions and leading finance and operational transformation initiatives, including the implementation or optimization of enterprise systems, digital technologies, and data analytics, and the development of responsible strategies for AI use
• Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Exposure to alternative and innovative financing such as impact bonds, impact investment, or social enterprise and developing new revenue models within a purpose-driven organization
• A champion of the EDO Values & Cultural Pillars
• Strong initiative and self-motivation
• Commitment to the protection of human rights and the environment
• A strong sense of ethics and understanding of professional obligations
• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of First Nations and peoples from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations in both the delivery of our work and our internal culture
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment

Nice to have:

• Experience managing government funding and associated compliance and reporting obligations
• Experience using Sage Intacct or a comparable financial-management system

Benefits

• Flexible and family-friendly workplace
• Option to work from home
• 8 weeks paid parental leave, regardless of gender or carer status
• 15 days personal/carers leave
• 20 days annual leave
• 3 days paid cultural leave per year
• Extra paid leave over the Christmas period
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Opportunities and encouragement to attend NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Week events including paid leave
• ICIP and Colonial Loading protection within employment contract
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• JEDI (Justice, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion) Committee
• Mental Health Ambassador Committee
• First Nations Program with the aid of indigenous-led consultancies
• Three Affinity groups for Disability, Global Majority, and LGBTQIA+

Important Details

• Schedule: 37.5 hours per week
• Contract: Ongoing
• Application deadline: 19 October 2026, 9:00AM AEST

Application Process

• Submit a CV and a letter that clearly addresses each of the key selection criteria
• Applications will be assessed as they are received
• Your application may be considered for future roles at the EDO within the next 12 months without additional advertising, unless you notify otherwise
• All offers of employment may be subject to satisfactory background checks including a National Police Check, disclosure of previous or current disciplinary action, referee checks, proof of eligibility to work in Australia and qualification checks

About the Company

Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is the largest environmental legal center in the Australia-Pacific, dedicated to protecting climate, communities, and the shared environment by providing access to justice, running ground-breaking litigation, and leading law reform advocacy. EDO respects the deep understandings, knowledges, and experiences of First Nations and Indigenous peoples in taking care of their Countries in Australia and the Pacific, and believes these are critical to maintaining the health and vitality of Australia and the Pacific’s unique wildlife and ecosystems.