Flying Arts Alliance

Art for Life

General Manager – Finance, Operations & People

At Flying Arts, our vision is Art for LIFE – lives transformed and sustained through the Arts. Our purpose is to be a catalyst and a connector for individuals and communities, particularly for those in regional, rural and remote Queensland.

The General Manager – Finance, Operations & People is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the organisation’s financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, and people capability. The role supports the Chief Executive Officer and Board by providing strategic and operational leadership across finance, governance, risk, human resources, systems, and organisational performance to enable the successful delivery of programs and achievement of Flying Arts’ vision and strategic objectives.

Major Responsibility Areas:

  • Financial Management and Sustainability
  • Operations and Risk Management
  • Human Resources and People Leadership
  • Governance and Compliance
  • Strategic Planning and Organisational Performance

Key Result Areas & Major Activities

Finance

  • Lead organisational financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
  • Prepare and manage annual budgets in collaboration with the CEO and leadership team
  • Monitor cash flow, financial performance, and financial risk
  • Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for the CEO and Board
  • Oversee payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and financial controls
  • Manage relationships with external accountants, auditors, and funders
  • Ensure compliance with all statutory, funding, and reporting requirements
  • Contribute to long-term financial sustainability and revenue diversification strategies

Operations

  • Provide strategic oversight of organisational systems, processes, and infrastructure
  • Ensure effective operational policies, procedures, and internal controls are in place
  • Oversee contract management, procurement, and supplier relationships
  • Lead risk management, insurance, and business continuity planning
  • Support the delivery of programs through efficient operational frameworks
  • Drive continuous improvement in systems, workflows, and organisational effectiveness

Human Resources & People

  • Provide leadership and oversight of all human resources functions
  • Lead workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and performance management
  • Oversee learning and development, succession planning, and capability building
  • Ensure compliance with employment legislation, awards, and industrial relations
  • Provide advice and support to managers on people management matters
  • Lead wellbeing, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives

Governance & Compliance

  • Support the CEO in meeting governance obligations to the Board
  • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, funding agreements, and policies
  • Coordinate organisational policy development and review
  • Support Board reporting, audits, and risk reporting processes
  • Uphold best practice governance and ethical standards

Workplace Health and Safety

  • Ensure organisational compliance with WHS legislation and best practice
  • Promote a safe, healthy, and supportive workplace
  • Oversee WHS policies, reporting, and incident management
  • Cooperate with management in fulfilling legislative WHS obligations

Other

  • Carry out other duties as requested by the CEO
  • Act as a senior representative of Flying Arts at events, meetings, and sector forums
  • Contribute to organisational strategy, planning, and change initiatives
  • Prepare accurate and timely reports as required

Essential Criteria

Qualifications & Experience

  • Relevant tertiary qualifications in finance, business, management, or a related field
  • Significant senior management experience across finance, operations, and HR
  • Demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting, and reporting
  • Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management

Skills & Attributes

  • Highly developed leadership and people management capabilities
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • High level of organisational and strategic planning skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure
  • Advanced proficiency in financial systems and Microsoft Office 365 (Excel essential)
  • Commitment to organisational values and collaborative leadership

Leadership and Teamwork

  • Inspiring, collaborative leadership style that builds trust and accountability
  • Ability to lead change and support teams through transformation
  • Strong capacity to work in partnership with the CEO and leadership team

External Relationships

  • Ability to represent Flying Arts professionally and ethically
  • Experience managing relationships with external advisors and stakeholders

Desired Criteria

  • Experience working in the arts, not-for-profit, or cultural sector
  • Knowledge of Regional, Rural, and Remote Queensland
  • Experience working with Boards and governance committees
  • Experience in funding, grants management, or acquittals

If you are an extraordinary arts leader with a passion for supporting the creative life of Queenslanders, we would love for you to join our team. Please send your CV and cover letter to employment@flyingarts.org.au. Applications close February 9 2026 with an immediate start available.