Head of Management Company Finance

Job description

At Blackbird, our mission is to be a generational owner of the most ambitious tech companies founded by Aussies and Kiwis, wherever in the world they might be. Our CFO is leading the transformation of the Fund Finance, Fund Operations and Management Company Finance teams into one world-class function, and we need a Head of Management Company Finance to own the side that supports Blackbird itself.This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll own day-to-day financial operations as well as budgeting, forecasting and reporting for Blackbird's management companies end to end, and lead the team that delivers it. You will partner with our CFO to shape the frameworks that sit above your day-to-day work, tax strategy, risk and controls, as well as the systems and AI tools that let the function scale.We want someone who is AI-first and genuinely curious about where automation belongs in finance, in the same way we expect it of our CFO. This isn't a role for someone who wants to run finance on spreadsheets and instinct alone.This role is full-time, based in our Sydney office with flexibility to work from home when appropriate.

‍Key responsibilities

• Lead the team: lead, mentor and develop the Management Company finance team -  responsible for the finances of Blackbird's own corporate entities (as distinct from the funds themselves).
• Bring an AI-first mindset: work with the CFO as part of a tools-first approach to running a finance function.
• Keep the lights on: own financial operations for our management companies - month-end close, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, cash management and the day-to-day ledger work that keeps the business running.
• Lead reporting, budgeting and forecasting: provide financial reports, insights and analysis (including the annual budget, rolling forecast and long term planning) that helps Blackbird make better decisions.
• Keep us compliant: operate and support our risk, controls and licensing (including AFSL and GS007) frameworks, keep our tax, transfer pricing and compliance obligations on track with our external advisers, and make sure our day-to-day processes are always audit ready.

What we're looking for

‍Technically strong: CA or CPA qualified, with solid technical accounting skills and experience managing multi-entity, multi-currency environments (AFSL / financial services experience ideal).

• A proven leader: experience leading and developing a team. You set the bar and hold people to it.
• Owns the outcome: strong sense of ownership and initiative. You run the function, you don't wait to be told, and you front-load engagement across the business so people buy in before numbers get handed down.
• Low ego and a hospitality mindset: excellent communication and stakeholder management. We're a small team, everyone pitches in, and we treat colleagues with the same generosity and respect we show our founders.
• AI-first: genuine interest in how AI and automation can improve the way a finance function runs, not just theoretical, you've actually used these tools to change how work gets done.

We want someone who wants to help build an iconic investment business, with the ownership mentality to take responsibility for outcomes, not just tasks.

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Working at Blackbird

‍We believe that building a diverse and inclusive team is critical to Blackbird's success. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or marital, veteran, or disability status.

‍We offer:

• Flexible working: whether it's working from home, leaving early to pick up the kids or fitting in your favourite exercise class. We encourage you to explore when you're most productive and work in that style.
• Generous parental leave: we know family comes first, and we are proud to offer 20 weeks of parental leave for all parents (an additional 4 weeks for the birth parent), with no minimum tenure. In addition, we offer IVF, adoption and surrogacy leave. We also continue to pay superannuation for up to 12 months of parental leave, and offer a supportive return-to-work policy to help with the ramp back.
• Learning and development budget: our team is hungry to continuously learn and you'll receive a budget to spend on books, conferences, training, coaching and courses relating to your profession.
• Wellbeing: we think in decades not days. To support our Blackbirds over the long haul we offer a range of holistic wellbeing benefits including a monthly healthy living allowance, 24/7 access to wellbeing support, a home office allowance, personal kit-kat days, and more.
• Unplugged weekends: we work hard without letting work get in the way of life. We've implemented no Slack or emails on weekends, so you can switch off and enjoy yourself.
• Connection: while being big fans of a fully distributed workforce, we value our vibe and time to connect online and IRL through team and company offsites, monthly social activities, weekly lunches and our many social clubs (#fun-manis, #fun-fantasybookclub, #bb-craft, just to name a few).

Blackbird is a Pledge 1% member. We pledge 1% of our time, equity and profits to help not-for-profit causes in our community. Through Pledge 1%, we established the Blackbird Foundation to supercharge the creative capabilities of young people.We are also very proud to have won the 2023 AFR Best Place to Work award in three categories including Overall winner. In 2022, we became certified as one of Australia's Great Places to Work. Additionally, you can find us on the Hatch Hotlist for 2024 and 2025.

‍About Blackbird

‍Blackbird is a venture capital firm with offices across Australia and New Zealand. We invest in technology companies founded by Australians and New Zealanders, wherever they are in the world. Founded in 2012, we've backed more than 190 companies worth over $10B combined, including Canva, Airwallex, PsiQuantum, Halter, Eucalyptus, Heidi and Baseten.We are inspired by investment firms such as Berkshire Hathaway and Bridgewater Associates. Like the companies we back, we want to build a business that lasts for decades and produces excellent returns for our investors. Most of all, we want to support our region’s most talented founders build category-defining technology companies.We’ve written a lot about what we love at Blackbird, so check out our blog if you want some more information about us. In particular, you should read about our mission and values, our Blackbird’s Operating Principles (BOPs) and what we look for in founders.

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