Hire a Finance Manager in Sydney

Finance team lacking direction? A sharp Finance Manager combines leadership and a strong process-driven mindset to bring the best out of your Accounting function.

Typically found in smaller to medium-sized businesses, a Finance Manager isn't just someone who understands the numbers - they analyse, interpret, and report those numbers in the context of your business objectives.

It’s one of the most commercially influential roles in your finance team, directly impacting profitability, compliance, and growth potential.

Ready to find a Finance Manager who will propel your business forward? Contact us now.

Job hunting? See our Finance Manager job description & career guide.

Why hiring a Finance Manager is essential for your business

A high-performing Finance Manager doesn’t just support your business, they help lead it.

They oversee the day-to-day financial health of your business, ensuring its continued viability and setting the stage for growth.

Here's why you can't afford to go without one:

1. Financial oversight

They don't just crunch numbers; they provide insights that align financial performance with business objectives.

2. Liquidity management

By monitoring and managing expenses, they can ensure a healthy cash flow for the business.

3. Growth enablement

With accurate forecasting and financial reporting, they allow senior leadership to make informed strategic decisions.

4. Team leadership

They oversee junior finance team members, fostering a culture of excellence.

Discover Top Finance Manager Candidates Today

How to hire a Finance Manager who fits your company culture

Finding the right Finance Manager isn't just about qualifications and experience, it's about finding someone who fits seamlessly into your team and aligns with your company values.

At Richard Lloyd, we specialise in connecting businesses like yours with top-tier Finance Managers who are the perfect fit.

• Extensive network: access a curated pool of pre-screened, highly qualified candidates.
• Personalised matching: we take the time to understand your specific needs and company culture.
• Expertise in finance recruitment: with over a decade in business, we know what it takes to find the right match.

How to hire a Finance Manager in Sydney: skills, salary and fit

Looking for a visual summary of what makes a great Finance Manager? Here are the top four traits our experts recommend focusing on when hiring for this pivotal role:

1. Define the ideal candidate

• Skills: look for candidates with strong technical skills combined with a process improvement mindset. They should excel at interpreting data, spotting trends, and providing relevant financial reporting and forecasting.
• Experience: prior experience as a Finance Manager is invaluable. They should have a proven track record in overseeing financial health and leading teams.
• Qualifications: typically, a degree in finance or accounting, coupled with professional qualifications like CA, ACCA, CPA, or CIMA.

2. Seek the right soft skills

• Interpersonal skills: strong communication and negotiation abilities are crucial for interacting with stakeholders.
• Attention to detail: precision is essential when preparing reports—an extra zero can make a big difference!
• Commercial acumen: they should understand how business operations impact financial performance.

3. Consider cultural fit and values alignment

• Company culture: a candidate who fits your organisational culture is key to ensuring the finance team are all pulling in the same direction
• Values alignment: especially important if you want them to promote your company's mission and vision.

4. Offer a competitive salary

Offering a competitive package will attract higher-quality candidates. Remember, the right Finance Manager can significantly impact your bottom line.

📊 Hiring for forecasting, BI, and insights-driven planning? Here’s how to win Sydney’s top FP&A talent in under 72 hours.

Interview questions to surface A-grade Finance Managers

1. Talk us through how you would set yourself and the team up for success in your first 90 days?
2. Give an example of a cost-saving initiative you led and the dollar impact.
3. How will you know after the first year that you have been successful in this role?

Salary benchmark

Sydney salary range:  $130k – 160k + Super + bonus

Finance managers in business-partnering and digital-reporting roles

Modern Finance Managers act as commercial business partners, owning Power BI dashboards, scenario modelling and cross-functional decision support that drives EBITDA growth.

Overcoming recruitment challenges

Given the current recruitment climate, you might be struggling to find the right Finance Manager. But don't settle for less!

Richard Lloyd can help you:

• Save time and resources: let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on your core business.
• Access hidden talent: we connect you with candidates you won't find elsewhere.
• Ensure the perfect fit: our personalised approach means we find candidates who meet your technical requirements and fit your company culture.

Also hiring senior finance talent? See our Finance-director guide and FP&A-manager tips.

Ready to hire a Finance Manager who will drive your business forward?

Don't let the wrong hire hold your business back. The right Finance Manager can make all the difference in achieving your business goals.

Contact Richard Lloyd today and find the Finance Manager who will help your business thrive.

• • Call us at: 02 8324 5640
  • Email us at: enquiries@richardlloyd.com.au; OR
  • Complete our online form and we'll be in touch.

For hiring managers ready to recruit a Finance Manager, download our job description template.

Final thoughts

Hiring a Finance Manager is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business's success. By focusing on the right skills, experience, and cultural fit; and knowing where to find them; you set your business up for sustained growth and profitability.

Don't leave this important role to chance. Let Richard Lloyd connect you with the Finance Manager who will make a real difference.

Frequently asked questions about hiring Finance Managers

What does a Finance Manager do?

They oversee the accounting functions of small to mid-sized businesses and provide transactional and mid-level analytical support to the Senior leadership team.

What’s the salary range in Sydney for this role?

$130k–$160k + Super

What makes a great Finance Manager candidate?

CA/CPA qualified (or equivalent), excellent forecasting and reporting skills, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement ability.

Is cultural fit important in this role?

Yes - they typically lead finance teams and influence decision-making, so values alignment impacts retention and performance.

Written by Geoff Richard Balmer, Founding Director at Richard Lloyd 🔗 View Geoff’s profile

About the author

With over 25 years in recruitment, Geoff Richard Balmer is one of the founding directors of Richard Lloyd. Geoff is respected for his hands-on experience supporting clients and candidates across Sydney’s accounting landscape. He regularly runs interview coaching and career workshops, reflecting his passion for giving back to the profession.