The Presbyterian Methodist Schools Association (PMSA) is one of Australia’s most iconic faith based Not for Profit organisations. Built on strong Christian values, the PMSA owns four of Queensland’s well-known independent schools with students from Prep to Year 12: Brisbane Boys' College, Clayfield College, Somerville House and Sunshine Coast Grammar School.
At each school, students are encouraged and supported to achieve their best academically, spiritually and in co-curricular activities. Established in 1918, the PMSA is a joint mission of the Uniting Church of Australia, Queensland Synod and the Presbyterian Church of Queensland. One hundred years on, the PMSA plays a vital role in setting the direction and providing support and governance of these outstanding schools and is the connecting link between the schools and the two churches. The PMSA envisions a future where education is valued as a central pillar of society and where Christian independent education provides the finest opportunities and outcomes for future citizens of the world.
About the role:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at PMSA is a key executive role that goes beyond traditional financial management, serving as a strategic partner to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team. With oversight across four schools, three early learning centres, and an outdoor education facility, the CFO is responsible for driving financial strategy, governance, reporting, and compliance. The role involves managing major income streams, including student fees, government funding, and philanthropy, while also supporting capital planning, risk management, and long-term sustainability. As PMSA embarks on its 2024–2044 strategic vision, the CFO will play a pivotal role in aligning financial operations with the organisation's transformational priorities, such as digital innovation, operational excellence, and student-centred outcomes grounded in Christian values.
This role requires a leader with the ability to influence and collaborate across a complex network of stakeholders, including school principals, Board members, and the wider community. The CFO must balance commercial acumen with educational purpose, contributing meaningfully to strategic dialogue and guiding future investment. A strong emphasis is placed on talent development and succession planning, with the CFO expected to mentor the finance team and support internal growth. The role also includes modernising systems, enhancing business intelligence, and identifying innovative funding and efficiency strategies in a constrained fiscal environment. In essence, the CFO will be both a forward-thinking strategist and a values-driven leader, shaping PMSA’s financial future while championing its commitment to people and purpose.
Specifically, key accountabilities include:
- Lead the strategic direction, planning, decision making and overall performance of the Group financial function.
- Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO, Board, and Executive Leadership Team.
- Oversee the budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, payroll, audit, and compliance functions.
- Manage a multidisciplinary finance team and supports school-based finance operations.
- Ensure strong governance, financial controls, and risk management frameworks are in place.
- Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, reporting, and operational analysis.
- Develop and implement long-term investment, sustainability, and capital planning strategies.
- Maintain key relationships with banks, auditors, and other financial stakeholders.
- Support commercial transactions and strategic business planning across the organisation.
- Promote a culture of accountability, excellence, and financial insight across the PMSA Group.
We are seeking a seasoned and values-driven financial leader who brings a deep understanding of strategic financial management within complex, multi-disciplinary organisations. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to interpret business data, identify trends, and provide insights that inform decision-making and align with PMSA’s strategic and operational priorities.
The CFO will support the CEO in shaping the corporate services strategy, ensuring it is embedded into day-to-day operations, and will actively contribute to the delivery of exceptional educational outcomes within a Christian learning environment.
The successful candidate will be an experienced executive, ideally with 10–15 years in CFO, COO, or Executive GM-level roles, preferably within not-for-profit, education, or purpose-driven organisations. You will need to bring a blend of commercial and financial acumen, alongside exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and manage high-performing teams across the group.
Experience in leading large finance functions, managing risk frameworks, and driving continuous improvement is essential, as is the ability to manage sensitive information with integrity and professionalism.
This role requires a collaborative and influential leader who thrives on building strong internal and external relationships, works effectively as part of an executive team, and can confidently represent the PMSA externally. A commitment to ethical standards, Christian values, and the mission of the PMSA is fundamental. Post-graduate qualifications in finance or accounting, along with CPA or CA credentials, are required, and experience in the education sector will be highly regarded.
For a strictly confidential discussion, please contact Callan Raine, Director - Executive on 0411 686 652. Alternatively, submit your application (CV and cover letter) via the apply button.