General Manager – Finance and Shared Services

Position Overview We are seeking an experienced finance and operations leader to take ownership of financial reporting, compliance, and shared-service delivery . The role will lead the development of a scalable offshore capability in Manila, focusing on accuracy, consistency, and data integrity across all financial processes. This individual will be responsible for managing all aspects of finance reporting and compliance, overseeing tax and audit requirements across entities, improving systems and processes, and developing enhanced reporting for management and the board. They will also be required to work closely with external tax agents and advisors in each region to ensure compliance with all domestic tax, regulatory, and audit obligation The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders in Australia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, where on-the-ground administrative support is based. The position will also require periodic regional travel to ensure alignment and operational oversight. Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Control & Reporting: Take ownership of all financial reporting across the businesses, ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of management, statutory, and board reporting. Develop and deliver weekly and monthly management reports, cashflow forecasts, and quarterly board packs. Compliance & Governance: Ensure compliance with all tax, audit, and regulatory requirements across entities, maintaining strong controls and governance frameworks to support audit readiness and risk management. Finance Transformation: Review and optimise finance operations across the businesses, identifying opportunities to transition roles offshore to improve quality, consistency, reporting, and cost efficiency. Lead the development and delivery of transition plans, systems improvements, and process automation. Data Integrity & Systems Review: Drive improvement of financial systems and data accuracy, ensuring robust integration, reporting reliability, and effective use of technology to support decision-making. Team Leadership: Build, lead, and develop a high-performing offshore team while overseeing on-the-ground administrative support roles in Australia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Establish clear KPIs, monitor performance, and foster a culture of accountability and collaboration. Stakeholder Partnership: Act as a trusted partner to finance and operations leaders, supporting change initiatives and providing actionable insights that enhance performance and decision-making. Strategic Planning & Business Performance: Support the executive team with financial insights, forecasting, and scenario analysis to inform business planning and strategic decision-making. Provide recommendations that enhance performance, optimise working capital, and manage risk. Qualifications and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline. A CA/CPA qualification or Master's degree is highly regarded. 10+ years' experience leading finance operations, reporting, and transformation within a multi-entity or multi-region environment. Proven track record of delivering robust financial reporting, tax, and audit outcomes. Strong understanding of data integrity, systems management, and process automation. Skilled in developing and delivering management reporting, cashflow forecasting, and board packs. Experience in shared-services leadership, particularly within offshore or cross-cultural teams. Background in apparel, garment manufacturing, or logistics sectors will be a strong advantage. Willingness to travel across Asia-Pacific periodically. Key Objectives & Year-One KPIs 1. Process Mapping & Transition PlanningComplete end-to-end documentation of finance processes by Month 3 and by Month 6. Deliver a transition plan, including sequencing, timelines, and expected benefits (by Month 6). 2. Team Design & Capability BuildProposed organisation structure and workforce plan completed and approved (by Month 3). ≥90% of key roles hired, onboarded, and trained (by Month 6). 3. Operating Model AssessmentReview and assess current third-party arrangements (by Month 4). Deliver recommendation for future offshore delivery model (by Month 5). 4. Transition Execution & Performance≥80% of identified roles transitioned offshore for Unique Retailing (by Month 9) and Apparel Group (by Month 12). Achieve >95% reporting accuracy and ≥25% cost savings within 12 months. 5. Financial Accuracy and Controllership During TransitionMaintain financial reporting accuracy and control throughout the transition period, ensuring no disruption to compliance, tax, or audit obligations. Oversee a structured handover of tasks between onshore and offshore teams, with clearly documented roles and responsibilities. Deliver consistent, timely board pack reporting, including profit and loss forecasts, balance sheets, and cashflow forecasts each quarter, ensuring data integrity and alignment across entities. 6. Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic ImpactMaintain ≥8/10 stakeholder satisfaction score on service quality and responsiveness. Implement ≥3 process improvement or automation initiatives within 12 months. Establish and maintain structured meeting cadence with Sydney-based teams.