Business Manager

Southern Highlands Christian School

BOWRAL, NSW 


Business / Finance Manager

Contract Type: Permanent/Ongoing Position Full Time

Applications Close: 28 February 2026


This role holds the most senior non-academic leadership role within the School, providing strategic leadership, oversight, and management of all business operations including finance, ICT, HR, enrolments, risk, facilities, compliance, and support services. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that the School operates with financial integrity, operational excellence, and mission-aligned governance.

<p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <p><strong>1. Spiritual Leadership</strong></p> <p>• Actively model Christian values and foster a Christ-centred culture among all staff</p> <p>• Support the Principal in maintaining the Christian foundations and vision of</p> <p>the School.</p> <p>• Contribute to the growth of a Christ-honouring community involving staff, parents,</p> <p>and the wider School community.</p> <p><strong>2. Strategic Leadership</strong></p> <p>• Partner with the Principal to support the School’s vision and strategic direction.</p> <p>• Monitor and advise on external economic and social trends</p> <p>affecting School operations.</p> <p>• Oversee the development and implementation of the School’s Strategic Financial</p> <p>Plan.</p> <p>• Ensure resource allocation aligns with the School’s mission and future growth</p> <p>needs.</p> <p>• Lead the support staff encouraging a culture of servant-heartedness and dedication</p> <p>to the school’s vision and mission.</p> <p><strong>3. Financial Management</strong></p> <p>• Ensure financial sustainability through long-term planning, budgeting, and</p> <p>reporting.</p> <p>• Oversee financial operations including accounting, forecasting, audit and</p> <p>compliance.</p> <p>• Provide accurate, timely reports to the Principal, Board, and regulatory authorities.</p> <p>• Liaise with auditors and financial institutions to ensure transparency and best-</p> <p>practice governance.</p> <p><strong>4. Governance &amp; Compliance</strong></p> <p>• Act as Company Secretary, ensuring that the Board receives accurate governance</p> <p>and compliance reporting.</p> <p>• Maintain up-to-date corporate policies and regulatory compliance systems.</p> <p>• Support the Principal and Board with policy development and implementation.</p> <p>• Maintain comprehensive governance and statutory records.</p> <p><strong>5. Business Operations</strong></p> <p>• Oversee all non-teaching operations, ensuring they align with strategic and</p> <p>operational objectives.</p> <p>• Lead the preparation and management of the annual School budget.</p> <p>• Ensure efficient management of associated School entities.</p> <p><strong>6. Business Development</strong></p> <p>• Contribute to the development of long-term business and marketing strategies.</p> <p>• Support the Principal in identifying and assessing new commercial opportunities.<strong>7. Information &amp; Communication Technology</strong></p> <p>• Oversee ICT planning and implementation in collaboration with the ICT Manager.</p> <p>• Develop and maintain an ICT Strategic Plan that supports education, administration,</p> <p>and operations.</p> <p>• Promote a service-focused, learning-enabling ICT culture.</p> <p><strong>8. Facilities &amp; Property Management</strong></p> <p>• Oversee the long-term master planning and development of School facilities.</p> <p>• Collaborate with architects and stakeholders to ensure functional, future-focused</p> <p>learning spaces.</p> <p>• Ensure maintenance programs are appropriately resourced, implemented and</p> <p>aligned with curriculum priorities.</p> <p>• Lead the development of grant applications, and oversee for capital works.</p> <p><strong>9. Human Resources &amp; Staff Management</strong></p> <p>• Oversee the performance, development, and wellbeing of General Staff.</p> <p>• Address staffing concerns professionally and in accordance with School values and</p> <p>policies.</p> <p>• Manage payroll, employment contracts, and staff onboarding/offboarding</p> <p>• Oversee policies relating to workplace wellbeing, performance, grievances and</p> <p>industrial obligations</p> <p>• Support leadership development and Christian staff culture</p> <p><strong>10. Community Engagement</strong></p> <p>• Support the Principal in nurturing strong relationships with parents, alumni, and the</p> <p>broader community.</p> <p>• Oversee systems to monitor and report on community sentiment.</p> <p>• Ensure enrolment, communication, and marketing strategies are effective and user-</p> <p>friendly.</p> <p>• Coordinate annual marketing plans, publications, and strategies</p> <p>• Collaborate with the Principal to promote enrolments and uphold the school’s</p> <p>public witness</p> <p>• Align communications with Christian values and educational priorities.</p> <p>• Supervise enrolments and admissions processes through the Registrar</p> <p>• Ensure accurate student records, compliance with funding requirements,</p> <p>and enrolment process</p> <p>• Monitor enrolment trends, capacity planning, and student retention strategies.</p> <p><strong>11. Trading Operations</strong></p> <p>• Manage outsourced and internal trading services to ensure alignment with</p> <p>the School’s values and financial sustainability.</p> <p>• Monitor profitability and operational effectiveness of all trading entities.</p> <p><strong>12. Workplace Health &amp; Safety (WHS)</strong></p> <p>• Champion a culture of safety, respect, and responsibility.• Ensure compliance with WHS regulations and support integration with operational</p> <p>systems.</p> <p>• Participate in risk management, WHS audits, and ongoing training.</p> <p><strong>13. Partnerships and External Advocacy</strong></p> <p>• Explore business opportunities and partnerships that support the work of</p> <p>the school</p> <p>• Write, speak and participate in external forums that promote the school’s broader</p> <p>Christian mission.</p> <p><strong>Qualifications &amp; Experience</strong></p> <p><strong>Essential</strong></p> <p>• Minimum of 3 years in senior financial or operational leadership.</p> <p>• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.</p> <p>• Experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and long-term planning.</p> <p>• Experience in governance, compliance, and risk management.</p> <p><strong>Desirable</strong></p> <p>• Relevant Tertiary qualifications in Business, Finance, or Management.</p> <p>• Significant governance experience, particularly in a not for profit/school context.</p> <p>• Experience within the education sector, particularly in mid to medium size schools.</p> <p>• Project management experience in large-scale developments.</p> <p>• ASBA membership or similar professional affiliations.</p> <p><strong>Personal Attributes</strong></p> <p>• A committed Christian with active church involvement.</p> <p>• Strong alignment with the mission and values</p> <p>of Southern Highlands Christian School.</p> <p>• Commercially astute with a heart for Christian education.</p> <p>• Strategic thinker and creative problem solver.</p> <p>• Resilient, adaptable, and highly organised.</p> <p>• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.</p> <p>• Inclusive and collaborative leadership style.</p> <p><strong>What We Offer</strong></p> <p>• Collegial support within the CEN Business Managers network.</p> <p>• Support package of programs and mentoring for those new to the profession, and</p> <p>mentoring for all new staff.</p> <p>• A supportive, caring Christian environment.</p> <p>• Onsite gym and Fitness Passport.</p> <p>• Access to our Employee Assistance program (EAP).</p> <p>• Salary sacrifice packaging.</p>

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