Finance Manager

BlakDance is seeking a highly skilled Finance Manager to lead financial operations and support a thriving First Nations contemporary dance sector.

ABOUT BLAKDANCE

BlakDance is the national industry and producing organisation for First Nations contemporary dancers and choreographers. BlakDance produces First Nations independent choreographers and dance artists, cultivates emerging First Nations contemporary dance companies and leads national and international engagement with the arts and cultural sector to support a strong, sustainable First Nations contemporary dance sector.

Established in 2005 as a direct outcome of the National Indigenous Dance Forum, BlakDance is a self determined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation, governed by a First Nations led Board and supported by a dedicated Cultural Council that ensures First Nations cultural knowledge is embedded across all areas of activity. BlakDance is based on Turrbal and Yuggera Country in Meanjin, Brisbane, at the Judith Wright Arts Centre and operates with a national mandate.

Our PurposeRe futuring through First Nations contemporary dance

Our VisionClearing the ground, creating pathways and delivering new models for a self determined First Nations dance sector

POSITION SUMMARY

The Finance Manager is responsible for the day to day financial management, systems and reporting of BlakDance.

This is a hands on role that ensures the financial integrity, compliance and smooth operation of the organisation across a complex national program of activity including producing, touring and sector development.

Working closely with the Acting Co CEO, the Finance Manager supports organisational decision making through accurate reporting, strong financial systems and clear visibility across all projects and programs. The role plays a critical part in stabilising and strengthening BlakDance’s financial operations during a period of organisational transition and growth.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Financial Officer  is responsible for the strategic and operational financial management of BlakDance. The role ensures the organisation’s financial sustainability, integrity, and compliance, while supporting informed decision-making through high-quality financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis. Working closely with the CEO and Board, the Financial Officer enables the effective delivery of BlakDance’s programs by overseeing all financial operations, systems, and funding requirements.

REPORTS TO: Acting Co CEO

DIRECT REPORTS: Nil

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Works closely with:

 CEO Executive Producer

 Senior Producers and Program Leads

 Operations Manager

 External bookkeeper and payroll providers

 Board and Finance and Audit Committee

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial operations and systems

•  Own and manage day to day financial operations across the organisation
•  Oversee accounts payable and receivable, including approvals, payment runs and debtor management
•  Oversee payroll processing ensuring accuracy and compliance
•  Maintain and improve financial systems to ensure efficiency, accuracy and scalability
•  Develop and maintain the Financial Procedures Manual
•  Strengthen and monitor internal controls

Budgeting, forecasting and cash flow

•  Lead the development and management of the annual organisational budget in collaboration with the Acting Co CEO
•  Manage ongoing forecasting and cash flow to ensure financial stability
•  Monitor financial performance and flag risks or variances in a timely way
•  Support program leads to align budgets with delivery requirements

Project and program finance

•  Support Senior Producers and program leads with project budgets, tracking and reporting
•  Maintain clear financial visibility across multiple concurrent projects and tours
•  Manage financial requirements for touring including travel approvals, per diems and credit card management
•  Support accurate tracking of project expenditure against funding conditions

Financial reporting and analysis

•  Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports including Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow statements
•  Provide clear financial insights to support decision making by the Acting Co CEO and Board
•  Prepare reporting for external stakeholders including funding bodies and partners

Grants and compliance

•  Manage financial acquittals and compliance across all funding streams including Creative Australia and Arts Queensland
•  Ensure all reporting obligations are met accurately and on time
•  Support funding applications through budget development and financial inputs

Audit and governance

•  Coordinate the annual audit process and liaise with external auditors
•  Ensure audit readiness including reconciliations and documentation
•  Implement audit recommendations and continuous improvement actions
•  Support financial reporting to the Board and Finance and Audit Committee

Stakeholder support and organisational capability

•  Provide financial guidance and support across the organisation to build financial literacy and capability
•  Work closely with the Acting Co CEO to support both operational and strategic decision making
•  Contribute to a culture of accountability, transparency and continuous improvement

Cultural governance and accountability

•  Work in alignment with BlakDance’s cultural governance framework
•  Ensure financial processes support cultural protocols, community engagement and respectful ways of working
•  Support budgeting for cultural labour and community engagement as part of project planning

Other Duties

• Attend meetings, performances, events and activities as a BlakDance representative when required
• Undertake other duties as reasonably required within the scope of the role

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• In addition to performing the responsibilities of the role, all BlakDance employees are required to:
• Work in accordance with all BlakDance policies and procedures to contribute to a safe, healthy and ethical workplace
• Maintain respect, fairness, professionalism and integrity in all interactions with colleagues, stakeholders and the public
• Uphold BlakDance values of First Peoples first and Culture first practice

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Due to the nature of performing arts activity, this role may at times require:
• Weekend and evening work
• Interstate travel and occasional international travel              
• A valid Working With Children Check in relevant jurisdictions

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in a finance management role with responsibility for day to day financial operations
•  Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial reporting
•  Experience managing accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll processes
•  Experience overseeing financial systems and improving processes and controls
•  Sound knowledge of financial governance, compliance and regulatory requirements, ideally within the not for profit sector
•  Experience managing grants, including budgeting, acquittals and compliance across multiple funding streams
•  Experience preparing reports for senior leadership and Boards
•  Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
•  High level of integrity and attention to detail
•  Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams

Desirable

• Experience working in the arts, cultural or not for profit sector
•  Experience in project based or touring environments
•  Understanding of First Nations arts and cultural contexts
•  Experience working with government funding bodies including Creative Australia and Arts Queensland
•  Experience working in small to medium organisations requiring a hands on approach
•  Experience implementing or improving financial systems

Key Attributes

• Highly organised and detail oriented
•  Collaborative and solutions focused
•  Clear and confident communicator
•  Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic environment
•  Values driven with a commitment to First Nations leadership and self determination

WORKING AT BLAKDANCE

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, regardless of age, culture, disability, family and caring responsibilities, gender and sexual diversity.

BlakDance is an inclusive employer. We value diversity in our organisation. We encourage flexible working and recognise the importance of family and caring responsibilities. Together, we are consciously working to embody a culture which is self-reflective and human-centred. We aim to create a workplace where all employees are respected, supported and valued.