Finance Manager

About Malt DonkeyA pioneering producer in South Australia’s premium beverage sector is redefining how fine ales are crafted, grown and brought to market. Operating from a world-class facility in the Adelaide Hills, the company partners with elite wineries and brands to create terroir driven malt-based beverage that delivers the taste, theatre and storytelling usually reserved for fine wine.With a vertically integrated model spanning research, grain cultivation, malting, brewing, and brand partnerships, the business is positioned at the forefront of a new luxury beverage categoryThe OpportunityThis hands-on Finance Manager role offers a clear path to Financial Controller as the company continues to scale. The successful candidate will combine strong technical accounting skills with commercial acumen and thrive in a lean and ambitious team environment.You’ll manage all aspects of day-to-day finance; from payroll and reconciliations to board-level reporting and cashflow forecasting, making this an ideal opportunity for someone seeking career progression and genuine ownership of the finance function.Key ResponsibilitiesBookkeeping & Payroll·      Process fortnightly payroll for staff and monthly payroll for senior management·      Manage quarterly superannuation payments for all employees·      Reconcile Xero transactions for both company and individual expense accounts·      Maintain accurate financial records, ensuring all transactions are coded correctly·      Prepare and lodge BAS and IAS returns in line with ATO requirements·      Accounts & Cash Management·      Manage weekly bill payments and supplier cashflow·      Load invoices into Xero and generate weekly payment reports for management·      Liaise with suppliers to resolve payment queries and maintain good relationships·      Process overseas supplier payments and manage petty cash fund top-ups·      Manage company credit card reconciliations and top-ups·      Financial Management & Reporting·      Prepare monthly management accounts, cashflow forecasts and variance analysis for the CEO and board·      Maintain the general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations and fixed asset register·      Lead annual budgeting and rolling monthly reforecasting·      Liaise with external professional services providers for compliance and year-end reporting as requiredGovernance & Administration·      Provide administrative and financial support to the board, including preparation of the finance section of meeting packs·      Maintain statutory registers, company filings and insurance renewals·      Manage supplier and service contracts, ensuring compliance and cost efficiency·      Strategic & Project Support·      Partner with the CEO on strategic initiatives, capital planning and grant funding·      Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, controls and reporting·      Support broader operational projects including R&D tax submissionsSkills & Qualifications·      Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Commerce; CA/CPA qualification (or working toward)·      5+ years’ experience in finance or management accounting, ideally within manufacturing, FMCG, or beverage sectors·      Proficiency in Xero (essential) and strong knowledge of payroll, BAS/IAS, and ATO compliance·      Advanced Excel and reporting skills with the ability to present to board level·      Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive, hands-on approachWhy This Role?·      Join an innovative malted beverage scale-up, creating a new premium category·      Broad exposure across operations, production and finance·      Genuine progression opportunity to Financial Controller as the business grows·      Be part of a close-knit, entrepreneurial team shaping the company’s futureWhat we ask of you?A positive attitude and a desire to learnAbility to work efficiently within a team and as well as independentlyExceptional communicator with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with othersExceptional presentation and interpersonal skillsHow to ApplyIf you’re ready for a unique opportunity to genuinely grow your career, and you enjoy learning alongside a dynamic team of professionals in an entrepreneurial, start-up environment, we’d love to hear from you.Please submit your resume and a cover letter to emma@maltdonkey.com.au. In your cover letter, tell us about:your relevant experienceyour values and what matters to youyour personal goalsa bit about who you arePlease note: applications without a cover letter will not be considered.