Your first career step shouldn’t be taken alone. Hear Jade Blackburn and Jani Peut on Perigon Group’s Buddy and Mentor Program. Graduate Program 2027 is open.
What does it look like to build a career in recruitment at Perigon Group? It starts with the right foundations. Our Rookie Program gives new consultants hands-on training, guidance and support as they take their first steps in recruitment. As they grow, our Talent Development Program provides the next stage of development, helping our people continue building their skills and confidence. And who better to talk about that journey than someone who has lived it? Our Director Sara Vanderheld started her career as a principal consultant and has progressed through the business to become a Director, supported by our Talent Development Program along the way. In this video, Sara chats with Elle Borissow , who experienced our Rookie Program firsthand, about career development, growth and what it’s like to build a career at Perigon Group. Career growth shouldn’t be left to chance. It should be supported, developed and built with you. If this is the career and experience you're looking for, register your interest today for our latest Graduate Program 2027 below!
The role of the Finance Manager is changing. Traditionally, Finance Managers have been responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and compliance. Today, organisations increasingly expect them to do much more: influence strategy, support commercial decisions and lead finance transformation. For businesses hiring their next finance leader, the question is no longer simply whether someone can manage the numbers. Can they help the business make better decisions? 5 capabilities shaping the next generation of Finance Managers 1. Commercial thinking Finance Managers are increasingly expected to move beyond reporting what happened and help shape what happens next. That means understanding the broader business, challenging assumptions and translating financial insights into commercial recommendations. In Australia, Hays has identified commercial acumen as one of the most important capabilities for senior finance leaders, highlighting the growing importance of finance professionals who can operate as true business partners. 2. FP&A and strategic planning Forecasting and budgeting remain core responsibilities, but today's Finance Manager needs to think in scenarios. Strong FP&A capability allows finance leaders to identify risks, model opportunities and give leadership teams a clearer view of what lies ahead. 3. Technology and transformation Automation, AI, data and ERP transformation are changing how finance teams operate. Finance Managers don't need to be technologists, but they do need to understand how technology can improve processes, reporting and decision-making. According to Hays, 51% of organisations in Australia's Financial and Insurance Services sector report skills gaps, reinforcing the challenge businesses face in finding professionals with the right combination of technical and future-focused capabilities. 4. Communication and influence The modern Finance Manager needs to communicate with more than the finance team. Whether presenting to executives, partnering with operations or challenging a commercial decision, they need to turn complex financial information into clear, actionable insights. Technical expertise gets the conversation started. Communication and influence help move it forward. 5. People leadership As finance functions become more strategic and multidisciplinary, Finance Managers are also becoming increasingly important people leaders. The ability to develop talent, lead change and build high-performing teams is becoming just as important as technical capability. Hiring for what comes next The best Finance Manager for an organisation isn't necessarily the person with the longest list of technical credentials. It is the person whose capabilities match where the business is going. For a growing organisation, that might mean commerciality and FP&A. For an ASX-listed business, it could be reporting, governance and stakeholder management. For a business undergoing transformation, technology and change leadership may be critical.
Your first career step shouldn’t be taken alone. Hear Jade Blackburn and Jani Peut on Perigon Group’s Buddy and Mentor Program. Graduate Program 2027 is open.
