Patricia Roberts
Melbourne,Australia
Summary
Finance Executive with extensive experience in enhancing productivity and efficiency. Specialises in financial analysis, strategic planning, and risk management. Proven ability to drive organisational success through effective communication and leadership.
Committed to improving financial performance and growth for not-for-profit organisations, leveraging data-driven insights and strategic initiatives, to positively impact the communities we serve.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager Financial Planning and Analysis
Kangan Institute of TAFE
Melbourne, Australia
12.2024 - Current
- Responsible for the development of the institution's budgets and forecast
- Responsible for the financial reporting to the institution's Executive and the Board
- Prepare feasibility modelling of the financial impact of the opening of new Campuses or sites
- Prepare competitor analysis of BKI's performance compared to other TAFE's
- Responsible for the forecasting of the Institutions cash balance
- Prepare letters to Minsters and other Government Departments advocating for changes to the TAFE funding model
- Monitor the institutions employee compliment to ensure sustainable delivery of education
- Lead the financial analysis of student numbers and course profitability
- Financial Reporting: Prepare and consolidate financial reports, financial scenario modelling, cash flow reporting and other relevant financial analytics as requested by external stakeholders and in compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements, Turnover $240m.
- Financial Compliance: Ensure compliance with accounting principles, company policies, and relevant regulatory requirements in all financial reporting activities.
- Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and enhance financial reporting processes, methodologies, and tools to streamline operations and improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Ad hoc Analysis: Respond to ad hoc requests for financial information or modelling to support senior management and government departments.
- Audit Support: Support in the coordination and preparation of materials for internal and external audits.
- Bendigo Kangan Institute's 2025 Strategy aims to position the organisation as a nationally renowned education institute, teaching and training students to meet industry and government demands of today, while being equipped to adapt to the requirements of the future.
- Developed new reporting for Executive to link data to financial performance through Key Performance Indicators
- Submission of the Institutions 2025-2028 Budget with minimal questions received from OTCD.
- Linkage of the budget and reporting process to the 2030 Strategic Plan.
Senior Finance Reporting Partner
Kangan Institute of TAFE
03.2024 - 12.2024
- Responsible for the oversight of Project and Grant accounting including the supervision of 1 staff member
- Coordinate and prepare the 2025-2028 Institute Budget, including preparation of Board Pack, and presentation to OTCD.
- Coordinate monthly reporting to the Executive and the Board on Financial Performance
- Prepare feasibility modelling of the financial impact of the opening of new Campuses, sites
- Prepare competitor analysis of BKI's performance compared to other TAFE's
- Provide insights into the monthly Executive Dashboard
- Financial Reporting: Prepare and consolidate financial reports, financial scenario modelling, cash flow reporting and other relevant financial analytics as requested by external stakeholders and in compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements, Turnover $240m.
- Business Analysis: Conduct in-depth financial variance analysis in regard to the organization's financial performance, identifying key financial drivers, opportunities, and risks.
- Budgeting and Forecasting: Collaborate with the CEO's offices and other business units to develop accurate and comprehensive budgets and forecasts. Lead in monitoring full year financial projections against budgeted financial targets and provide recommendations for improving financial performance.
- Stakeholder Communication: Present financial reports and analysis to senior management, department heads, and other external stakeholders in a clear and concise manner. Communicate financial information effectively, tailoring the message to suit the needs of the audience.
- Financial Compliance: Ensure compliance with accounting principles, company policies, and relevant regulatory requirements in all financial reporting activities.
- Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and enhance financial reporting processes, methodologies, and tools to streamline operations and improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with various departments, such as Performance & Reporting, Accounting, Operations, to gather financial information and support financial variance commentary to support financial strategic decision-making.
- Ad hoc Analysis: Respond to ad hoc requests for financial information or modelling to support senior management and government departments.
- Audit Support: Support in the coordination and preparation of materials for internal and external audits.
- Bendigo Kangan Institute's 2025 Strategy aims to position the organisation as a nationally renowned education institute, teaching and training students to meet industry and government demands of today, while being equipped to adapt to the requirements of the future.
- Led the team through the 2025-2028 Budget process when two staff members unexpectedly left the team
- Attended the Board meeting for the 2025-2028 Budget in the CFO's absence
- Develop Feasibility models to assess the financial impact of opening new campuses
- Streamlined the reporting on projects, and improved the relationship with the Project Management Office
- Reconciliation of the Employee Establishment List and the Budget.
Business Manager
Edmund Rice Education Australia
07.2022 - 07.2023
- Developing and implementing appropriate financial policies and procedures in line with EREA guidelines.
- Preparing annual budgets and supporting documentation in conjunction with the Principals and key stakeholders.
- Providing ongoing and long-term financial advice and planning to the Principals.
- Providing regular financial statements and reports (including interpretation and recommendations) on financial and operating data to the Principals and EREA.
- Contributing to the equitable distribution of financial resources within the Network.
- Establishing and maintaining up-to-date financial management, accounting and reporting systems.
- Maintaining regular contact with auditors, bankers, legal advisors, in relation to the Network's financial position, and overseeing the implementation of appropriate recommendations.
- Negotiate the letting and monitoring of the performance of contracts to outside contractors in accordance with EREA delegations and appropriate code of conduct understanding.
- Assisting in the formulation of strategic initiatives of the Network by conducting feasibility studies and preparing impact scenarios of proposed changes from the financial/resource perspective.
- Assisting in the development of the Network's Strategic Plan and Capital Development Master Plan.
- Ensuring the Network has an effective, proactive building and plant preventative maintenance program for the schools' building and grounds.
- Overseeing all new construction, structural alterations and repairs.
- Monitoring specifications, negotiations and supervision of all maintenance contracts.
- Overseeing the purchase of new furniture, equipment and plant as required and the disposal of surplus assets.
- Overseeing the upkeep of the grounds and supervising the work of the maintenance staff.
- Overseeing the decision-making process in relation to the acquisition, use and evaluation of information technology.
- Since 1872, Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition have been educating young Australians in every state and territory. Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) aims to offer a Liberating Education, based on a Gospel Spirituality, within an Inclusive Community committed to Justice and Solidarity. EREA is committed to creating an environment in which the safety, wellbeing and participation of all children and young people are paramount.
- Led the team through a clean 2022 financial year audit
- Modelled the financial implications of opening two new campuses
- Implementation of a centralised ICT support system.
- Address the recommendations of a Structural Engineers report on the status of the school's infrastructure.
Senior Manager Group Accounting
Monash University
10.2021 - 06.2022
- Leading a team of 6 responsible for the delivery of the University's Annual Financial Statements and Consolidated Financial Statements (Turnover $3.2 Billion), under requirements of the government regulations, applicable Australian Accounting Standards, Financial Management Act 1994 and Financial Reporting Directions applicable to Victorian Public-Sector agencies.
- Responsible for year-end financial statement and supporting working papers for Victoria Auditor-General's Office.
- Oversight of month-end and year-end closes.
- Deputising as the Director, Group Accounting & Taxation to cover leave periods.
- Responsible for the reporting on the University's Controlled Entities (including budgeting and reporting).
- Responsible for the implementation of new Accounting Standards as required.
- Responsible for approval of the controlled entities' taxation requirements, BAS, FBT.
- Development of policy and procedures concerning financial management.
- Responsible for the financial set-up and system set-up of new Controlled Entities of the Group.
- Responsible for Government reporting as required.
- Financial modelling of various complex projects, including financial leases, borrowing, financial instruments and fair value of the University assets.
- Motivate and manage the team and provide guidance and skill transfer.
- Monash is a modern, global, research-intensive university, delivering education and research excellence in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific.
- Led the team through a clean 2021 financial year audit - for the University and its controlled entities.
- Led the lease transfer from a Controlled Entity to the University.
- Led the team through a clean balance sheet review by one of the big four firms.
- Led the team through the implementation of AASB 16 and AASB 15.
- Led the installation of new finance systems at Monash Indonesia, Malaysia and the World Mosquito Program.
Deputy CFO - Monash College
Monash College, Melbourne
07.2016 - 10.2021
- Led a team of 21 staff to manage the full finance function (Financial Planning and Analysis, Financial Services, Payroll, Risk Management, Procurement, Accounts Payable and Receivable).
- Manage the full finance function - turnover $150m.
- Present financial and risk management reports to Senior Management, Audit and Risk Committee, and the Board. Including the annual budget, annual financial statements, monthly finance reports, risk management reports and the development of the risk appetite statement.
- Deputise as the COO/CFO as required, including in periods of leave.
- Responsible for the College's end-to-end Procurement function, including relevant policies and procedures.
- Responsible for the Financial Planning and Analysis function - including budgeting, forecasting and management reporting.
- Responsible for the College's Financial Accounting function - Including year-end and month-end close, statutory reporting, taxation and government reporting requirements, preparation of annual financial statements, and external audit.
- Responsible for the delivery of the College's payroll function including leading the installation of SuccessFactors.
- Responsible for the management of the College's finance systems, security and related policies and procedures.
- Responsible for the College's internal audit function and management of the internal audit provider.
- Responsible for the College's Risk Management function, including Critical Incident Management.
- Responsible for the College's Accounts Payable and Receivable functions.
- Responsible for the preparation of cost proposals for new business opportunities.
- Responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of all finance, payroll, procurement and risk management policies and procedures.
- Lead and develop staff in Finance and Payroll Services Team.
- Manage the relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including auditors and other key contacts for the Finance and Payroll Services team, including the presentation of financial data to non-financial people.
- Monash College is a college specialising in transition education and is the preferred pathway to Monash University, Australia's largest university, for international students.
- Development and implementation of a new finance structure and the business partnering model for service delivery.
- Development and implementation of the College's procurement and risks management functions.
- Led the crisis response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Led the cost reduction response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including recommending cost reduction strategies.
- Delivered the College's first clean audit in 2016 with clean audits each year, as Deputy CFO.
- Led the identification and Implementation of new payroll and finance systems (SuccessFactors, Jedox and Sage 300).
- Implementation of new legislation for Single Touch Payroll and Accounting Standards (AASB 15 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers' and AASB 16 'leases.').
- Development of new reporting template to the Board - Feedback from Board Chair that it was the 'highest quality financial reporting they had received'.
- Nomination for young women in finance award.
Director, Financial Services - Monash College
Monash College
11.2015 - 07.2016
- Responsible for the College's Financial Accounting function - Including year-end and month-end close, statutory reporting, taxation and government reporting requirements, preparation of annual financial statements, and external audit.
- Responsible for the College's Accounts Payable and Receivable function.
- Responsible for reporting on the College's performance to budget.
- Responsible for the Financial Accounting policies and procedures, including design, implementation and monitoring.
- Lead and develop the staff in Financial Services Team.
- Manage the relationships with key internal and external stakeholders for the Financial Services team, including the presentation of financial data to non-financial people.
- Led the team through the 2015 year-end audit.
- Review of the capability of finance team staffing and restructuring as required.
- Development of policy and procedures to ensure segregation of duties.
- Directly appointed to the new position of Deputy CFO.
Director Finance (Enterprise Portfolio)
Deakin University
10.2012 - 10.2015
- Responsible for the delivery of all financial services to the Enterprise Portfolio - $400m operating and capital budget.
- Responsible for the delivery of all financial services and reporting to the Board on the financial outcomes of Deakin Residential Services.
- Manage the relationships with key internal and external stakeholders for Enterprise Financial Services team, including the presentation of financial data to non-financial people.
- Prepare and evaluate business plans for new capital or operational business ventures, including the assessment of commerciality for the Portfolio and Deakin Residential services.
- Lead and develop the staff in the Enterprise Financial Services Team (12 staff).
- Lead the development of the University's 10 year infrastructure works plan.
- Manage the planning, forecasting and performance measurement/reporting of the Enterprise Portfolio and Deakin Residential Services.
- As one of Australia's leading tertiary education providers, Deakin offers a personalised experience enhanced by world-class programs and innovative digital engagement.
- 2014 Vice Chancellors award for excellence - excellent contribution for the establishment of Deakin Residential Services.
- Establishment of a centralised finance team to support the Enterprise Portfolio.
- Key panel speaker at 2nd Annual Women in Finance and Accounting leadership summit.
Senior Finance Manager
Deakin University
01.2011 - 10.2012
- Coordinate the production of all University monthly financial reports (Capital and Operating).
- Coordinate, consolidate and analyses accurate and relevant budgets and forecasts.
- Analysis of financial and non-financial information, including making recommendations.
- Provide support for reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and business plan development.
- Ensure adherence to university financial policies, procedures and processes.
- Implement changes to accounting policy and procedure.
- Participate in projects teams and consultative groups as (capital working group).
- Coordinate the annual budget, quarterly forecasts and monthly reporting.
- Facilitate financial training to non-finance staff.
- Funding request secured for new Project Accounting System.
- 3 Staff under my mentorship were promoted to senior finance roles.
- Attend budget meetings with the CFO to provide advice on the budget submissions of areas.
Group Finance Officer (Engineering Services)
City of Melbourne
12.2008 - 01.2011
- Coordinate and prepare annual operating & capital budgets - $120m.
- Prepare Engineering Services Group Budget Model Template.
- Coordinate and prepare the annual forecast.
- Prepare & reconcile employee cost budget.
- Prepare monthly variance report and commentary.
- Coordinate month-end and year-end close off.
- Monitor finances against approved budgets.
- Prepare capital works reports, analysis and commentary.
- Provide Oracle and IP5 functionality to Engineering Services Group.
- Provide high-level financial advice and recommendations to Management.
- Coordinate Branches Accounts Payable & Receivable functions.
- Participate in internal and external audits.
- Provide financial details for the annual business plan.
- Melbourne City Council is the local government body responsible for the municipality of Melbourne.
- Personal recognition award for developing the first based budget approach for the City of Melbourne.
- Part of Lean project work team that resulted in process improvement work and financial savings to the organisation.
Accountant
Bass Coast Shire
04.2006 - 11.2008
- Supervised Accounts Payable/Receivable.
- Supervised/technical support cash receipting.
- Monthly Reporting for council/variance analysis.
- Sundry Debtor (aged debtor) reporting.
- Monthly GL Reconciliation/updates.
- Account for all councils' Assets.
- Provide Treasury Function for council.
- Payroll reconciliation and update.
- Purchasing Cards Report.
- Various Government Returns (grants commission, local government indicators etc.).
- Prepare/Assist with Budget/Budget Reviews.
- Monthly Rates Reconciliation/Reporting.
- Monthly Sundry Debtor Reconciliation/Reporting.
- General/Standing Journals.
- Asset System/General Ledger Reconciliations.
- Liaise with internal/external auditors.
- Bass Coast is one of Victoria's fastest growing rural municipalities.
- Member of the team for Local Government Management challenge.
- Member of interview/selection panel for Asset Accountant.
Accountant/Acting Plant Accountant
Dana Australia Pty Ltd
06.2005 - 01.2006
- Company Overview: A recognised leader in drivetrain, sealing and thermal products for Automotive, Commercial vehicles and Off-Highway applications.
- Assist with month-end/quarterly/year-end reporting.
- Complete month-end reconciliation (Sales and COGS etc.).
- General/standing journals.
- Sustaining accurate petty cash records and maintaining sufficient funds to run the plant.
- Accounts Payable.
- Coordinate and prepare reports for the accounting department.
- Raising and processing purchase orders.
- Entering all expense data in the 6Q spreadsheet.
- Maintenance of asset register.
- Maintain spreadsheets for DLE invoices.
- Assisting in the running of stock take.
- Importing and posting journals in oracle.
- Debtors and creditors reconciliations.
- A recognised leader in drivetrain, sealing and thermal products for Automotive, Commercial vehicles and Off-Highway applications.
Financial Services Assistant
Fletchers Real Estate
01.2005 - 06.2005
- Daily bank reconciliations.
- Payroll via MYOB.
- Enter sales files into MYOB.
- Check that the sales file complies to legislation and contract.
- Daily payment to Landlords (EFT run and cheque run).
- Receipting of deposits received sales/ rent monies received.
- Payment of deposit monies in accordance with S27.
- Calculation of commission to be paid to agents and firm.
- Accounts receivable.
- Debt collection.
- Fletchers is a proud, fourth-generation family-based real estate agency with a history of 100 years in the industry that has earned us an unsurpassed reputation for servicing our clients.
Education
Bachelor of Business - Accounting
Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne, VIC12-2004
Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) -
Skills
- Strategic financial leadership
- Board and executive engagement
- Funding reform and government relations
- Long-term forecasting and scenario modeling
- Risk and governance oversight
- Finance transformation and systems implementation
- People, leadership, and capability building
- Stakeholder engagement and partnerships
- Business planning and performance management
- Organisational transformation
- Strategy development and execution
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Manager Financial Planning and Analysis
Kangan Institute of TAFE
12.2024 - Current
Senior Finance Reporting Partner
Kangan Institute of TAFE
03.2024 - 12.2024
Business Manager
Edmund Rice Education Australia
07.2022 - 07.2023
Senior Manager Group Accounting
Monash University
10.2021 - 06.2022
Deputy CFO - Monash College
Monash College, Melbourne
07.2016 - 10.2021
Director, Financial Services - Monash College
Monash College
11.2015 - 07.2016
Director Finance (Enterprise Portfolio)
Deakin University
10.2012 - 10.2015
Senior Finance Manager
Deakin University
01.2011 - 10.2012
Group Finance Officer (Engineering Services)
City of Melbourne
12.2008 - 01.2011
Accountant
Bass Coast Shire
04.2006 - 11.2008
Accountant/Acting Plant Accountant
Dana Australia Pty Ltd
06.2005 - 01.2006
Financial Services Assistant
Fletchers Real Estate
01.2005 - 06.2005
Bachelor of Business - Accounting
Swinburne University of Technology