Financial Controller

About Aries Rail

Aries Rail is a rapidly expanding business focused on the design, engineering, manufacture, and hire of road-rail vehicles (RRVs). The company supports major track operators, infrastructure, mining, and government clients with end-to-end road-rail solutions, including custom-built vehicles, aftersales support, and national hire services. Its operations span Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Port Hedland.

Role Overview

The Financial Controller will be responsible for the full scope of financial and administrative activity at Aries Rail. This includes reporting, analysis, audit coordination, cash flow oversight, supplier review, and customer credit management. The position plays a key part in business strategy by turning financial data into practical insights that support decision-making.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this leader will manage the finance and administration team and work closely with operational and commercial stakeholders to improve performance and support the company’s national growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts, including profit and loss statements versus budget, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash flow reports.
• Analyse variances and explain financial trends with clear, actionable insights.
• Create and maintain executive KPI dashboards and management reports that connect operational drivers to financial outcomes.
• Handle intercompany eliminations and month-end reconciliation activities.
• Contribute financial input to strategic planning and business development initiatives.
• Work with department leaders to ensure financial plans align with business objectives.
• Build board- and executive-level reporting packs that simplify complex results into concise recommendations.
• Improve reporting efficiency through automation while strengthening data integrity and financial governance.
• Manage the external audit process and prepare annual financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with Australian accounting standards, tax requirements, and internal control procedures.
• Prepare and submit tax and regulatory lodgements, including BAS and income tax returns.
• Maintain robust controls and segregation of duties across receipting, payments, reconciliations, and approvals.
• Oversee cash flow, working capital, and financial risk management.
• Manage accounts receivable and accounts payable processes end to end.
• Maintain supplier and customer financial relationships, including payment terms and credit control.
• Monitor daily cash positions to ensure obligations can be met on time.
• Supervise payroll operations to ensure accurate and timely payments across all entities.
• Keep insurance policies current, appropriately covered, and reviewed each year.
• Implement and maintain financial systems and controls, including ERP/CRM data quality.
• Lead, coach, manage, and develop finance and administration team members.

Qualifications, Skills & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, along with CA or CPA qualifications.
• Experience in a Big 4 firm or a similar environment.
• At least 5 years of experience in a senior financial accounting or controller position.
• Strong understanding of Australian accounting standards and tax rules.
• Solid knowledge of internal control frameworks and month-end close procedures.
• Hands-on experience with financial software and ERP systems, including MYOB Acumatica.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel capability.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.

Additional Information

This is a full-time role based in Perth, Western Australia, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.