EVERYONE’S WELCOME AT A CATHOLIC SCHOOL.

Role Details

St Thomas More and St Mary Magdalene’s Schools are seeking an experienced and strategic Business Manager to join our dedicated Leadership Team across two vibrant Catholic primary schools. While operating as separate business entities, both schools are led by a shared Principal and supported by a Head of Campus at each site, enabling strong collaboration and connection between students and staff.

This unique dual-campus role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the delivery of high-quality Catholic education through effective financial, infrastructure, and operational management. The Business Manager reports directly to the Principal and is a key member of the Leadership Team, responsible for supporting each school’s strategic goals while ensuring sound financial stewardship and compliance.

Success in this role requires a collaborative and adaptable approach, with the ability to respect and uphold the individual vision and context of each school while maintaining consistency in financial management and operational processes.

This is a permanent position, working 37.5 hours per week across 46 weeks per year.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Principal and Leadership Team to draft and implement the School’s Strategic Plan, Annual Improvement Plan, and Master Plan, aligning with building projects and ensuring compliance with statutory and legal obligations related to business and finance operations
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for long-term financial planning, including oversight of capital works and infrastructure development
• Partner with the Principal to manage and deliver large-scale school projects and programs efficiently and within budget
• Prepare financial reporting and analysis, offering informed advice to the Executive Leadership Team and School Board to support sustainable and responsible decision-making
• Manage the preparation of the school’s annual budget, oversee all accounting processes, and proactively monitor budget performance; approve requisitions, supervise accounts payable and receivable activities and payroll processing
• Lead the development, distribution, and ongoing management of school fees in consultation with the Principal, including proactive monitoring and communication with stakeholders
• Provide expert advice on employment conditions, salaries, leave entitlements, and industrial compliance; lead recruitment and reclassification processes; and support the selection and allocation of non-teaching staff to ensure alignment with legal and organisational requirements.
• Ensure WHS and Return to Work matters are effectively managed in consultation with the Principal and CSaIM, maintaining compliance with all legislative requirements.
• Oversee contract management processes for outsourced services, including security, cleaning, maintenance, and other facilities-related operations
• Manage and continuously improve administrative systems, workflows, and operational priorities to enhance overall school efficiency
• Actively participate in meetings, school events, and key community activities, contributing to the broader school community

About You

We are seeking an individual who brings strong capabilities in business and financial management to support the strategic and operational goals of the school.  The ideal candidate also must have a genuine passion for shaping meaningful learning experiences for every child, and who excels in building strong, positive relationships with staff, students, and the broader school community.

To be successful in this role you will:

• Commit to upholding and actively contributing to the Catholic ethos of the school.
• Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related discipline (essential)
• Proven experience in leading finance and administration teams, with demonstrated capability in managing complex financial operations
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant Catholic Education SA systems, such as Civica and SEQTA
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the capacity to manage competing priorities and work effectively across dual school sites
• Understanding of Catholic education systems, governance, and compliance frameworks (desirable)
• CPA/CA membership or working towards professional accreditation (desirable)

About Us

St Thomas More School and St Mary Magdalene’s School are united in their commitment to providing quality Catholic education grounded in the Mercy Tradition.

St Thomas More School offers a modern education anchored in the traditional Mercy values of service, courage, hospitality, compassion, justice, and respect. With a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, the arts, physical education, and Auslan, the school fosters a love of learning through collaboration, empowerment, and the celebration of community achievement.

St Mary Magdalene’s School provides tuition-fee free primary education for children in Adelaide’s north, welcoming families from all faiths and backgrounds. It is a warm and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, nurtures collaboration, and encourages professional growth—offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in shaping a child's learning journey.

Additional Information

• Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to interview shortlisted candidates and appoint prior to the closing date.
• The successful applicant will be required to attain and maintain a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).

The successful candidates will be required to undergo our screening process, which includes a Working with Children Check, E-Screen, Applicant Declaration Form, First Aid Certificate and RRHAN.

Please refer to the Position Description for further information.

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