Who We Are

As women leaders enabling women leaders, CEW’s 1,200+ Members hold leading roles in Australia’s largest public and private organisations. They oversee more than 1.3 million employees and $749 billion in revenue. Members have a combined market capitalisation greater than $1.44 trillion and contribute in excess of $249 billion to Australia’s GDP.

Since 1985 CEW has influenced and engaged all levels of Australian business and government to achieve gender balance. Through advocacy, research, targeted programs and scholarships, CEW helps to remove the barriers to women’s progression and ensure equal opportunity for prosperity. CEW’s members work actively to realise our vision of a community where women and men have equal economic and social choices and responsibilities

CEW is a not-for-profit organisation.

About the role

The GM Corporate Services at CEW is a pivotal role within the executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing Finance, HR, Legal, Risk Management, Facilities Management, Secretariat and IT functions. This role drives continuous improvement and ensures a sustainable business environment by providing strategic leadership across all corporate services. The GM Corporate Services works closely with the CEO to lead these functions to deliver timely, accurate, and high-quality services that meet the needs of the business, aiding in shaping CEW’s future.

This is a 12-month fixed-term parental leave cover contract from mid-June 2025.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic Leadership and Corporate Services Management:

• Lead the management of Corporate Services, including Finance, Reporting, Commercial, and Risk functions, to foster a continuous improvement philosophy and a sustainable business environment.
• Ensure the delivery of efficient business performance through effective leadership, promoting a business partnership environment that supports CEW’s strategic goals.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including GMs responsible for lines of business, external partners (Deloitte, EY, bankers, IT providers), the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee, and the CEW Board

Financial Management:

• Oversee the Finance function to deliver timely, accurate, and comprehensive financial, risk management, and business performance reporting.
• Prepare and present monthly, annual, and periodic corporate reporting, including Board papers, presentations, and variance analysis.
• Manage cash flow, including forecasts, and oversee all taxation matters, ensuring timely and quality tax returns (BAS, IAS, payroll, and FBT).
• Provide guidance, supervision, and development of CEW’s Accountant to optimise their performance and contribute to achieving organisational goals.
• Actively support the Annual Audit and Statutory reporting processes.

Governance, Legal and Compliance:

• Act as Company Secretary to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, support to the Board of Directors, and management of CEW’s administration and governance.
• Ensure governance and maintenance of CEW’s financial policies, procedures, insurance, and compliance to meet all obligations.
• Oversee the risk management framework, ensuring risks are effectively identified, assessed, managed and reported across the organisation.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk and control assurance framework to safeguard CEW’s assets and interests.
• Monitor key risk indicators across the Corporate Services division and develop mitigation strategies.

Information Technology and Systems Management:

• Oversee the IT function, ensuring technology effectively supports CEW’s operations and strategic objectives.
• Implement IT strategies that enhance efficiency, security, and innovation, managing relationships with IT vendors and service providers.
• Ensure robust cybersecurity measures are in place to protect CEW’s data and systems.

HR and Team Culture:

• Oversee the HR function, ensuring best practices in recruitment, talent management, performance management, and employee engagement.
• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture aligned with CEW’s values.
• Manage the onboarding and offboarding of all CEW employees.

Operations Management:

• Oversee management of office facilities and procurement processes to ensure cost-effective sourcing and compliance with organisational policies.

Required qualifications and experience

• Degree in Accounting; post graduate qualifications preferred.
• Significant senior management experience in an accounting/finance role.
• Proven ability to lead a high-performance finance function with contemporary accounting systems, and financial reporting skills.
• Experience with Xero, HubSpot, Calxa, and Monday.com preferred.
• Advanced Excel and Microsoft office skills (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong understanding of payroll, superannuation, and contract management.
• Thorough knowledge of management and regulatory accounting for not-for-profits (NFPs).
• Familiarity with employment obligations and HR systems, including payroll and agreements.
• Previous experience in NFP, industry, or member-based organisations, particularly those with an advocacy role, is highly regarded.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the CEW Board, members, and external service providers.

Personal attributes

• Strategic thinker with a strong focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• High integrity and commitment to ethical practices and transparency.
• Collaborative leader who can engage cross-functional teams.
• Passionate about gender equity and advancing women in leadership.

Our benefits include:

• Hybrid and flexible working conditions
• Salary packaging
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential wellbeing support
• The opportunity to work with some of Australia's most senior and influential women leaders.

Please click "Apply Now" to submit your application.

To discuss the role or have a confidential conversation, contact Courtney Inkpen, GM Corporate Services at [email protected] using the subject line: General Manager Corporate Services enquiry via EthicalJobs.