Under the Stewardship of Mary Aikenhead Ministries (MAM), St Vincent’s College is an independent day and boarding school offering a contemporary Catholic education for girls Years 7-12.
Inspired by the values of the Sisters of Charity, St Vincent’s College is dedicated to developing confident, independent women who display a true generosity of spirit. Founded in 1858, St Vincent’s has over 750 students, with 55 students (60 in 2023) in their Boarding House.
The College is one of four incorporated apostolic works in education of the Sisters of Charity in Australia. As a company limited by guarantee, the Directors of St Vincent’s College Board are accountable for the governance of the College to the Members of the Company (Mary Aikenhead Education) within the context of the Mission of the Catholic Church and the Education Philosophy of MAM.
The Principal is appointed by the Board with the approval of MAM and is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Principal is responsible to the Board for implementation of the Educational Policy of the Board and for the internal administration of the College. This role reports to the Principal.
Further Information
Additional information on the College can be viewed by visiting their website located at
https://www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/
Position Overview
Position Title: Business Manager
Reports to: Principal
Position Purpose
The Business Manager is a member of the College COR Team and is accountable to the Principal. The Business Manager is responsible for the financial management of the College and is also, by invitation of the College Board, the Company Secretary and Public Officer of St Vincent’s College Limited.
As Company Secretary, the Business Manager ensures compliance with relevant legislation, the constitution of St Vincent’s College Ltd, and applicable policies and procedures of Mary Aikenhead Education Limited (MAEL).
St Vincent’s College Foundation Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of St Vincent’s College Limited, with the College Business Manager responsible for managing the Foundation’s financial accounting.
The position supports the Principal in managing the overall business administration of the College. It includes responsibility to the Principal for the College’s financial and business operations, maintenance of plant and grounds, management of construction and maintenance projects, and the supervision of support staff, as required by the Principal.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Religious and Cultural Leadership: collaborates with the Principal in the continuing development of a College culture that is in harmony with the Catholic tradition, the charism of Mary Aikenhead, the spirituality of Ignatius of Loyola and the heritage of the Sisters of Charity.
- Executive Leadership: exercising leadership that upholds the vision and mission of the College.
- Financial Leadership: leadership and management of the financial operations of the St Vincent’s College Limited.
- College Foundation: liaises with the Company Secretary of the Foundation to ensure that the financial administration of the College Foundation serves the strategic intents of the College.
- Company Secretary & Public Officer.
- Management of Group Investments.
- Administrative Procedures: ensures that efficient and effective administrative policies and procedures are in place.
- Management of College Property.
- Community Relationships.
At a later stage in this project you will be provided a full position description; and the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role.
Team Structure
The Business Manager is responsible for a team of 5 people, comprising the Assistant Business Manager; Payroll and Accounts Payable Officer; Fee Administrator; Facilities Manager; and Maintenance Officer.
An organisation chart will be provided at a later stage in this project.
Other Relevant Information
- The financial year is 1st January to 31st December.
- The annual revenue budget is in the vicinity of $18m
- External auditor is Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.
- The accounting software is MAZE and Payroll is run using Meridian.
- As Company Secretary, this role is involved with Board meetings.
- The Business Manager is also a member of the Finance, Governance, Risk and Compliance Committee; and the Building & Development Committee.
Reason for Vacancy
After 7 very successful years in the role, the incumbent is returning to his home state.
Location
St Vincent’s College is located in Rockwall Crescent at Potts Point, Sydney NSW.
Conditions of Employment
- The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
- Five weeks of annual leave.
- The initial contract period is 5 years. The standard 6-month probation period applies.
- There is an annual performance appraisal process
- Given the seniority of this role, the expectation is that the Business Manager will work the hours required of the position, which includes some out-of-hours meetings.
- Salary packaging arrangements are available
- Parking can be made available
- In accordance with Child Protection Legislation, the successful applicant will require a ‘Working With Children’ clearance prior to employment. Please visit kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au to obtain further information on this requirement.
- Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
Selection Criteria
We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:
- The desire and capability to fit within the ethos and values of a Catholic school setting.
- A career in finance and accounting with a minimum 5 years as a senior level finance and accounting practitioner.
- Willingness and capacity to learn and grow into the broader aspects of this diverse, multi-faceted role.
- Experience in leading a small team, with a hands-on style.
- Preparedness to support others, including people from non-financial backgrounds.
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
- CA or CPA and ongoing professional formation and training.
While people from all sectors will be considered, experience within the Education sector will be highly regarded.
Are You Interested?
If you are interested in this role, please use the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this webpage; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1489. All we require at the outset is a resume, email address and mobile telephone number. No other documentation is required from you to express your interest. All emails and resumes are acknowledged within 48 hours. Please contact us again if this does not occur.
Questions can be directed to John Chesher (0417 068 220) or by email to jobs@traksearch.com
If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our weekly email alerts.
The Selection Process
The timeline for this project is as follows:
| Date of project launch/advertising | By Friday 16th Sept. |
| Latest date for applications | Wed. 5th Oct. |
| SVC selection committee short listing | Early week commencing Mon 17th Oct. |
| Anticipated date for SVC interviews | Week of Monday 24th Oct. |
| Follow up meeting/discussion | Likely within 7 days of client interviews |
We have been instructed to provide a process that is transparent and welcoming.
- We are available for your confidential enquiries. We will also provide additional information to allow you to explore how the role aligns with your expectations and interests.
- Closing is 5.00pm on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the SVC schedule.
- We expect to contact a work-related referee prior to shortlisting. We anticipate speaking with another work-related referee between shortlisting and interviews. Final references are completed after SVC interviews. No referee will be contacted without your express consent.
- The selection committee will provide an option of a video interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
- Please be aware our standard practice utilises the services of an external specialist in pre-employment screening. This service includes employment history verification; National Police Check; and academic qualifications and professional memberships verification.
- All information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the Principal, or her nominee, unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
- To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search methodology, including our screening process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
- Only people with the unrestricted right to work in Australia may apply for this role.
Trak Search strongly supports the principles of equal employment opportunities in the workplace. We support our clients in recruiting a diverse range of people and a diverse range of talents.
Trak Search is committed to working with client organisations in the safeguarding of children and young people. Applicants should be aware that in addition to the Working with Children and National Police History Checks required by our client, Trak Search screening processes, interview questions and reference checking will also reflect this commitment.
You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.
