
DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND IMPROVEMENT
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
CENTRAL ADELAIDE LOCAL HEALTH NETWORK


We acknowledge and respect the Kaurna People whose ancestral land the
Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) provides services on.
We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
The network also acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the many
lands our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers travel from to receive services.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we also acknowledge the non-Aboriginal people who contribute to our reconciliation journey
Executive Summary
- Provide strategic support and operational leadership
- Drive financial management excellence through business reform
THE OPPORTUNITY
Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) is South Australia’s largest health network, covering almost 30% of the population. Central Adelaide LHN has an expenditure budget of around $2.5 billion and an employed workforce of over 9,100 FTE. CALHN delivers public health services to two major Adelaide Hospitals, the Royal Adelaide Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and a range of rehabilitation and mental health facilities. CALHN also delivers specialised community and clinical health services across South Australia.
THE ROLE
The organisation is now seeking to appoint a Director, Financial Management and Improvement responsible for providing strategic support and operational leadership to ensure that CALHN optimises its resources and delivers high quality, highly efficient care for its communities. The role enables the provision of strong business support, analytics and insights across the organisation through a team of Finance Business Partners embedded in the operational areas of CALHN.
The Director is responsible for providing high quality management reporting and financial advice to CALHN relating to historical, actual and forecast performance. The role is responsible for establishing a a strong reporting and analytics framework and driving efficiencies throughout the programs. The Director is responsible for linking clinical activity, with key costs drivers and financial results. This Director plays a critical role in overseeing CALHN’s financial health and ensuring financial processes are optimised for efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability. The Director will also be accountable for driving continuous improvement and business reform across the functional areas of CALHN.
THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will need to have:
- Experience in providing positive leadership in a business support and improvement role in a large complex organisation, preferably in healthcare
- High level of financial expertise with experience in complex financial forecasting, strategic planning, and financial modelling.
- Experience in the management of financial resources and developing strategies to improve financial performance, preferably in a large complex healthcare related organisation
- Strong decision-making capabilities, particularly under pressure with a focus on aligning decisions with the strategic goals of CALHN.
- Strong ability to present financial data in a clear and concise manner, especially for non financial stakeholders.
- The ability to lead and facilitate teams and secure cooperation from others; and
- A relevant tertiary qualification.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Liz Hlipala, HardyGroup Principal Search Consultant
M. +61 0401 122 301
E. lhlipala@hardygroupintl.com
Central Adelaide Local Health Network
Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) is South Australia’s largest health network, covering almost 30% of the South Australian population.
We deliver public health services through two major Adelaide hospitals and a range of rehabilitation and mental health facilities. We also deliver specialised community and clinical support services across SA.
Our ambition is to shape the future of health in South Australia through world-class care and world-class research. This is key to achieving our vision of becoming one of the top five performing health services in Australia and one of the top 50 performing health services in the world.
Our Sites and Services
Central Adelaide Local Health Network includes South Australia’s major quaternary hospital the Royal Adelaide (RAH), The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH), the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, and the Repat Health Precinct. CALHN also delivers mental health and primary health care services at Glenside.
We support the health and well-being of the South Australian community through our world-leading sites and specialised community and clinical support services.
Our services not only cater for the health needs of residents from Adelaide’s eastern, central and western metropolitan areas, our highly specialised capabilities also provide world-class care to people from rural and remote regions, as well as interstate and overseas.
Our statewide clinical services include Breastscreen SA, SA Pathology, SA Medical Imaging and SA Pharmacy and our community health services include SA Dental, SA Prison Health and Donate Life SA.
Explore all our sites and services.

Our Vision
To shape the future of health with world-class care and world-class research - to become one of the top-five-performing health services in Australia and one of the top-50-performing health services in the world within five years.
Values
Our values and behaviours were defined by our workforce and are the core principles we are all expected to abide by. They reflect our network’s aspirations for appropriate workplace behaviour and will play a role in helping build a positive workplace culture. The values and behaviours are our ‘being’ and help us remain true to our purpose – giving our patients the best possible care.
People first
- I am there for my patients and colleagues when they need me most.
- I put myself in my patients and colleague’s shoes to understand their needs.
- I go out of my way to make sure my patients and colleagues achieve the best outcome and have a great experience.
- I respect uniqueness in my colleagues, our patients and their families
Future focused
- I embrace leading practices and use them to evolve our ways of working.
- I lead and support change to improve patient and organisational outcomes.
- I am continually looking out for opportunities to improve.
Ideas driven
- I look and listen to ensure I fully understand the problem and find a solution.
- I look for ways to break down barriers and ‘silos’ to hear new perspectives and solve complex problems.
- I invest in my own learning and look for opportunities to explore and introduce new ideas.
- I am interested in critical research and how it informs thinking.
Community minded
- I put my hand up to lead work that matters.
- I am accountable and focused on value. I value and champion diversity.
- I embrace collaboration and constructive partnerships.
Strategic Ambition
As we look ahead, we are excited about our future, and are committed to shaping the future of health in South Australia with world-class care and world-class research.
We will work towards connecting care with our partners to wrap holistically around our patients both within our facilities and the community and strive to create a workplace where our people are encouraged and supported to achieve the extraordinary, every day.
Our strategic ambitions are a means to ensure we deliver on our world-class care and research goals and will help us to achieve our vision of becoming one of the top-five-performing health services in Australia and one of the top-50-performing health services in the world, within five years.
Our strategic ambitions recognise our commitment to care, community, investment, research, technology and importantly, recognise the influence of our world-class workforce on our ability to achieve our vision.

Our strategic ambitions are the outcome of extensive consultation and collaboration with our consumers, executive leadership and staff.

Role Specification
The Director, Financial Management and Improvement provides financial leadership to the Program and Corporate leadership teams to ensure that CALHN optimises its resources and delivers high quality, efficient care for its communities. The Director also provides strategic support to the Executive Director, Finance and Business Services and the wider executive team.
The Director is responsible for providing high quality management reporting and financial advice to CALHN relating to historical, actual and forecast performance. The role is responsible for establishing a robust internal control framework and ensuring that strong financial governance arrangements support the delivery of financial targets. The role is responsible for the provision of strong business support, analytics and insights through a team of Finance Business Partners embedded in the operational areas of CALHN. The Director will also be accountable for driving continuous improvement and business reform across the functional areas of CALHN.
The role will lead:
- The implementation of a Finance Business Partner model that is built upon trusted relationships with CALHN Program and corporate leadership teams.
- The development and monitoring of key performance metrics, working closely with internal program and corporate teams.
- The identification of appropriate data, analysis and insights to drive efficiencies, improve financial performance and deliver world class care.
- The deployment of continuous improvement methodologies that support contemporary business practices, optimise the use of existing technologies, enhance the patient journey and ensure the optimal use of resources.
The key outcomes required of the role include:
- Provide strategic leadership, direction and management to facilitate, support and enhance the network’s ability to achieve strategic and business objectives, and to achieve performance standards established in the Service Performance Agreement.
- Enable and enhance an effective and trusted business partnership model with the CALHN Program and corporate leadership teams.
- Manage the production of multi-layer forecasts of CALHN financial performance at all points in time, ensuring incorporation of the effects of all pressures, efficiency improvements and actions being taken across the organisation.
- Lead the monthly review of financial performance at all levels within deadlines and make recommendations on actions to ensure financial performance meets targets and is fully understood and agreed by the programs and corporate functions.
- Identify and highlight quickly and appropriately any divergence from financial plans, targets or forecasts at any level and work with budget holders to develop mitigations to return performance to plan.
- Support the Executive Director, Finance and Business Services in implementing and maintaining accountability frameworks and processes that drive the delivery of program and corporate performance against budgetary targets, agreed key performance indicators and specific funded initiatives.
- Support the development of ambitious, achievable and aligned service plans and budgets, maintaining robust linkages with enablers including workforce, information, asset and capital planning and procurement.
- Accountable for all aspects of the trust management accounting service, including management of the monthly reporting cycle and delivery of effective financial reports to agreed deadlines.
- Ensure that financial management and governance processes are best practice and are followed appropriately.
- Provide timely and high-quality strategic insights, commercial/financial analysis, advice and reports to facilitate and enhance the achievement of business objectives.
- Develop a long-term strategy for the financial management service in the context of the shifting healthcare environment and agree with the Executive Director, Finance and Business Services.
- Lead and develop a team of Finance Business Partners, coaching them to provide excellent support to Program and corporate leadership teams, including a range of expert financial strategic / decision support reporting and actionable insights.
- Providing high level direction, recommendations and advice to Executive Management, Program Leadership and senior staff in relation to complex and critical business reform matters to ensure business practices are contemporary and fit for purpose.
- Leading, developing and fostering a positive work culture which is based on CALHN and SA Health values and promotes customer service, learning and development, safety and welfare of employees, acknowledges differences, and encourages creativity and innovation.
Essential skills, experience and knowledge include:
- 1.Tertiary qualification in accounting, economics or related financial / business management field.
- 2.Accreditation and membership with a recognised professional accounting body.
- 3.Outstanding interpersonal skills and self-awareness with proven ability to manage team dynamics and engage with key stakeholders at all levels.
- 4.Excellent organisational skills with great attention to detail, able to work independently and proactively to prioritise and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- 5.Proven effectiveness in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, a strong team player with high energy and a can-do attitude to lead, develop and motivate others to successfully achieve effective results within tight timeframes.
- 6.Demonstrable senior experience leading business improvement in a large complex organisation.
- 7.Demonstrable experience of building outstanding relationships and the ability to lead and facilitate teams and secure co-operation from others, including stakeholders from other functional groups within SA Health.
- 8.Experience in providing positive leadership in a financial management and improvement role in a large complex organisation.
- 9.Demonstrable experience in the management of financial resources and developing and implementing strategies to improve financial performance in a large complex organisation.
- 10.Excellent presentation and communication skills both oral and written.
- 11.Proven ability to evaluate projects and support the development of business cases.
- 12.Substantial experience in establishing and managing strong performance and accountability frameworks.
- 13.Knowledge of the Australian health system and emerging directions within health nationally and internationally.
Desirable skills and experience include:
- Senior leadership experience in a finance role within a healthcare setting/quaternary hospital setting
- Awareness of the political and socio-economic sensitivities that impact on the planning, development, funding, delivery and management of health services.
The Director, Financial Management and Improvement reports directly to the Executive Director, Finance and Business Advisory.
Key Relationships:
Internal
- Reports to the Executive Director Finance and Business Services (Direct Line)
- Finance Business Partners (Direct Reports)
- Strong working relationship with Executive Director Operations and Performance and Executive Management Team.
- Strong working relationship with Director of Finance and Business Advisory Services
- Strong working relationship with the Program Leadership teams (Program Director, Medical Lead, Nurse Lead and Allied Health Lead), corporate leadership teams, and business support staff that report to the Finance Business Partners.
- Strong working relationship with CALHN senior management, clinicians and other service key stakeholders.
External
- Strong working relationship with the integrated Finance function within the Department for Health and Wellbeing.
- Functional relationship with other SA Health local health networks and services.
- Representation for CALHN in relevant SA Health and SA Government network groups and business support and improvement/reform stakeholder groups.
- Working relationship with other external health providers and government agencies as required, including external corporate service providers e.g. SA Health Shared Services, E-Health, Finance and Procurement.
- Fosters a collaborative working relationship with a range of external agencies providing services to the Program.
The incumbent must have a tertiary qualification in accounting, economics or related financial / business management field.
The immediate challenges for the role include, but are not limited to:
- Providing financial leadership to the Programs and corporate functions, ensuring that CALHN continues to deliver and improve its financial performance.
- Continuing to enhance CALHN’s financial governance framework and business management capabilities; and
- Providing strategic and operational financial leadership in the delivery of services, in a climate of significant reform and continuing change, to achieve the optimal use of resources.
Staffing: 9100 FTE
CALHN Annual Budget: ~$2.5 Billion
Service Location: Adelaide
Remuneration: SAES – 1. A total remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate dependent upon skills and experience. Further details can be discussed with the Principal Consultant.
Special Conditions / General Requirements:
- A contract term up to three years.
- Maintain a safe working environment by adopting appropriate management practices and understand, experience in, and ability to manage legislative requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012.
- Work within the legislative requirements of the Public Sector Act 2009 and the Work Health & Safety Act 2012 (SA), Return to Work Act 2014 (SA), Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2012 (SA) and other relevant Acts and Regulations.
- Achieve performance targets that are negotiated and mutually agreed with the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Finance and Business Services.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROBITY CHECKS
Information on a person’s suitability for appointment is obtained for all appointments. Potential appointees will be asked whether there are any reasons why they should not be appointed such as: Information on a person’s criminal history and other associated probity checks will be sought from those candidates whose application has progressed to shortlisting for interview.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
HG complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), all applications are treated by HG in strict confidence, however in submitting an application you are extending permission to share your application with the Selection Panel.
Personal Information will be used to assess your suitability for appointment to this Positions Health Services. As part of the selection process, personal information will be dealt with in accordance with HG’s Privacy Policy and the Information Privacy Act 2009.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 6 May 2025
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5051
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Natasha Tirado: M: +61 (0)468 301 310 / E: ntirado@hardygroupintl.com
Your application must include:
- 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- 2.A written response addressing the key selection criteria; and
- 3.An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
- 4.Pre Employment Declaration
It Is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion about this fantastic opportunity, please contact:

Liz Hlipala, HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M: +61 (0)401 122 301
E: lhlipala@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING IN ADELAIDE
Adelaide is one of the world’s most liveable cities, perfectly positioned just a short drive from some of Australia’s most unique, globally renowned regions, so whether you choose city, suburban or country life, South Australia offers something for everyone.
South Australia is one of the more affordable places to live and work in Australia, with more than two-thirds of residents owning their homes. Adelaide continues to be one of the most cost-competitive markets for setting up business and leasing office space, and the regions are even more affordable.
A short drive from Adelaide is the Adelaide Hills which are brimming with wildlife encounters, cultural discoveries, wineries and some of the best scenery. The Barossa Valley and Clare Valley are about a two hour drive north, the Fleurieu Peninsula one hour south, and Kangaroo Island accessible within a few hours by ferry or 30 minutes by plane.


South Australia nurtures a diverse cultural experience: from food and wine through to hosting outstanding world-class art, cultural and sporting events. Many of Australia’s best wine regions are also spread across South Australia, and with more than 200 cellar doors on Adelaide’s doorstep that are well worth a visit.
Affectionately known as the ‘Festival State’, South Australia prides itself on hosting outstanding internationally recognised cultural events. Home to the ‘Adelaide Fringe Festival’, the ‘Adelaide Festival’ and ‘Womadelaide’ just to name a few.

South Australians love to play and watch sport, and for many it’s a passion and a way of life. Adelaide Oval is one of the nation’s most highly-regarded sporting venues, and plays host to Australian Rules Football, Cricket as well as concerts and other events. The Vailo Adelaide 500 is an annual event and the Adelaide Street Circuit is world renowned both for the excellent racing and the race atmosphere that takes over the city. LIV Golf Adelaide offers an unparalleled weekend of golf, food and entertainment as well.
Whether you are looking for things to do in Adelaide’s city or are seeking to visit South Australia’s beautiful regions, you will be amazed by the diversity of experiences on offer.
ABOUT US
HardyGroup’s (HG) mission is simple
Find and Grow Great Leaders - and we have been doing exactly that for more than 30 years in public and private health, primary, community and aged care as well as the broader public service.
Our synergistic business model of Executive Search and Recruitment integrated with Executive Leadership and Learning is our unique point of difference.
It ensures our clients can count on us for the lifecycle of their organisations leadership journey and why we are regarded as the leading trans-Tasman partner agency by clients.
When engaging HG you can be confident in a deeply personalised experience and service as nothing matters more to us than relationships and results.