Finance Manager

Challenger Limited is an ASX-listed investment management firm managing $123.9 billion in assets (as at 30 June 2025). Life with us is fast moving and always exciting. Together we’re driving to deliver our vision to provide our customers with financial security for a better retirement.

We achieve this goal by providing a work environment where people from diverse backgrounds, with a range of skills and experiences can contribute and succeed.

• This is a hands-on finance manager role where you’ll lead a capable team, work across diverse asset classes, and contribute to high-value projects with visibility across Challenger Life’s finance and investment teams.

• Gain exposure to new deals and strategic initiatives from the start — a rare opportunity for a stat/financial control role. Collaborate closely with innovative investment teams to understand how accounting treatments and reporting outcomes are shaped.

• Thrive in a fast-paced, challenging environment that’s ideal for someone who loves learning, problem-solving, and being part of a forward-looking finance function.

• We offer a flexible hybrid model based out of our Martin Place, Sydney CBD office — typically 3 days in-office and 2 days from home.

We’re looking for a technically strong and commercially aware Finance Manager to join our Life Financial Control team.   You’ll have a proactive approach to process improvement and are someone who enjoys identifying inefficiencies and implementing smarter ways of working.

This role leads financial control and valuation oversight for Challenger Life’s investment portfolios including fixed income, alternatives, equity, infrastructure and direct investment properties. It manages two accountants and is responsible for financial control, valuation coordination, and stakeholder engagement across internal teams and external partners.   

Life Financial Control works closely with:

• Life FP &A Team to ensure seamless reporting between statutory and management results and has many areas of cross collaboration.

• Front office teams to ensure a strong commercial understanding of investment assets and strategies are entered.

You’ll play a key role in statutory reporting, valuation of investment assets, and process improvement initiatives, including the upcoming system transition project to State Street.

• Oversee core financial control activities, including month-end close, reconciliations, tax and distributions - and own the general ledger across multiple entities, ensuring alignment with asset movements and investment activity.

• Valuation oversight: coordinate valuation committee meetings, review inputs from external providers and ensure accurate fair value assessments.

• Team leadership: coach and develop two direct reports, fostering a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.

• Statutory reporting and audit: contribute to the Challenger Limited ASX listed financial report, prepare Tier 1 and Tier 2 general purpose financial statements, manage year-end and half-year processes, and liaise with auditors.

• Regulatory compliance: ensure accurate and timely APRA, BAS, and tax submissions.

• Process improvement: identify and implement efficiencies across reporting, controls, and data flows — including involvement in major system transitions (e.g. Charles River, State Street).

• Stakeholder engagement: collaborate with front office, investment teams, and external partners to ensure accurate reporting and alignment.

We’re looking for a technically strong and commercially aware Finance Manager with a logical mindset and a passion for improving processes. This role suits someone who enjoys diving into the detail — but also thrives when stepping back to drive broader initiatives and collaborate across teams.

• CA/CPA qualified with 3–5 years post-qualification experience in a complex financial environment.

• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including knowledge of financial instruments (e.g. derivatives, fixed income, equities).

• Proven experience in statutory reporting, consolidations, and APRA/ASIC compliance.

• Experience leading or mentoring junior team members.

• Advanced Excel skills and a logical, analytical mindset - comfortable working with large data sets and solving problems.

• Experience managing general ledger systems (e.g. Workday, Oracle, or similar) and ideally exposure to system migrations or data transitions.

• Strong organisational skills and a proactive approach to risk and controls.

• Exposure to valuation processes or accounting for financial investments in a fair value environment.

• Familiarity with Charles River, State Street, or similar platforms.

• Interest in data-driven finance and emerging technologies (e.g. AI in finance).

Why Challenger?

At Challenger, we’re small enough to be agile, but big enough to accelerate bold ideas. We support your growth and development, offering flexibility and a culture that values your unique contributions.

• Discretionary bonus scheme

• 18 weeks paid parental leave for all new parents

• Challenger Day – one extra day off every year in recognition of the effort our people make. 

• Additional support leave (fertility, gender affirmation)

• Extra superannuation contributions

• Employee share plan

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Subsidised on-site café and central location near Martin Place Metro

• Access to free onsite yoga, mindfulness and Pilates classes.

• Access to annual free flu shots.

Explore our benefits further: https://www.challenger.com.au/about-us/careers/our-benefits

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Challenger's employee value proposition guides how we work: Grow and realise your potential, supporting each other, stronger together and making things happen. Our culture encourages curiosity, considered thinking and meaningful contribution, with opportunities to build a broad and rewarding career.

We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace where people of all backgrounds, identities and ways of thinking can thrive, and promoting flexible working to support work-life balance. 

Challenger is proud to be a Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, a Family Friendly Workplace and recognised as a Bronze Employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), the national benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

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