Commercial Analyst

ROLE SUMMARY:

We are seeking a commercially minded and analytically driven finance professional to join our team in a high-impact business partnering role. This position is responsible for delivering insightful financial analysis, enabling data-driven decision-making, and supporting the organisation’s strategic and operational objectives.

The role focuses on understanding and explaining variances between forecasted and actual performance, identifying key business drivers, and translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders across finance, procurement, operations, and senior leadership.  You will play a critical role in supporting planning cycles, including budgeting and forecasting, while proactively contributing to performance improvement initiatives.

Working closely with the CFO, CEO, and executive leadership team, you will act as a trusted advisor, providing high-quality analysis and commercial guidance.  You will also collaborate with the broader finance team to deliver short- and medium-term priorities, lead ad hoc analysis and projects, and drive initiatives through to measurable outcomes.  Success in this role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills, the ability to build effective relationships across the business, and a proactive, hands on approach to improving financial visibility, performance insights, and decision-making capability. 

This is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract - Based in North Sydney.  We are seeking a dynamic professional who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments. Experience working within rapidly scaling organisations will be highly regarded, as the role requires adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a deep understanding of variances between forecasted and actual business performance, identifying key drivers and trends.
• Provide clear financial analysis and actionable insights to stakeholders across finance, procurement, operations, and broader business leadership.
• Proactively assess key business performance drivers and deliver insights that support informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with the wider finance team to support short- to medium-term initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Partner closely with the CFO, CEO, and executive leadership team to deliver high-quality analytical insights and guidance.
• Prepare and deliver accurate reporting and analysis to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with managers and senior leaders across business units.
• Undertake ad hoc analysis and lead project work as required, including identifying and progressing previously parked initiatives through to delivery and measurable outcomes.
• Support stakeholders with commercial decision-making by improving financial understanding and visibility.
• Contribute positively to team culture, fostering a collaborative and productive working environment.
• Assist in quarterly forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning processes.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Strong financial analysis capability, including variance analysis, forecasting, and budgeting
• Commercial acumen with ability to translate data into actionable insights
• Experience partnering with senior stakeholders to influence decision-making
• Financial modelling and scenario analysis skills
• Advanced Excel and experience with ERP systems and/or BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
• Ability to identify key business drivers and improve performance outcomes
• Experience delivering cross-functional projects, including progressing and completing parked initiatives
• Strong reporting skills to support strategic and operational decisions
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Finance, Accounting, Economics (CA/CPA preferred)

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong communicator – able to translate complex financial information into clear, practical insights for non-finance stakeholders.
• Proactive and solutions-focused – takes initiative and follows through with outcome-driven recommendations.
• High attention to detail – ensures accuracy while maintaining a strong understanding of the bigger picture.
• Collaborative – builds strong relationships and works effectively across teams and functions.
• Confident and resilient – comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and constructively challenging where needed.
• Commercially curious – seeks to understand business drivers and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Adaptable and flexible – responds well to changing priorities and takes ownership of new or previously parked initiatives.
• Accountable and results-driven – committed to delivering high-quality outcomes and continuous improvement.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.