CFO Services – A Practical Guide for International Companies Operating in Australia

Managing business operations in a foreign country like Australia requires more than just meeting regulatory requirements. It demands a clear understanding of local financial practices, accurate reporting and the ability to make informed strategic decisions. ABN Australia offers chief financial officer (CFO) services to international companies with operations in Australia to provide structure, insight and local financial leadership.

By Ro Elvinia

Our CFO Services are suitable for companies that do not have a dedicated CFO in Australia but require a senior finance resource to oversee local activities, ensure compliance and contribute to financial planning and performance monitoring.

ABN Australia’s CFO services refer to the provision of outsourced chief financial officer functions on a part-time, ongoing or project basis. Our services cover both financial management and strategic financial guidance, without the cost or commitment of hiring a full-time CFO locally.

Our CFO services are delivered by qualified professionals with extensive knowledge of Australian financial regulations, reporting requirements and commercial practices. These include:

  • Chartered Accountants
  • Registered Tax Agents
  • Registered BAS Agents
  • Certified Xero Partners
  • Public Practising Accountants
  • Members of the Institute of Public Accountants

Core Components of ABN Australia's CFO Services

Our CFO Services can be customised to suit your needs. A typical engagement will include a mix of the following:

Financial Reporting
ABN Australia prepares accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements in line with Australian Accounting Standards (AASB). Reports are delivered reliably and on time, with formats tailored to meet both Australian compliance obligations and the reporting expectations of your global head office. We ensure clarity, consistency and traceability across all reporting periods.

Financial Control
We oversee critical financial activities including cash flow management, accounts payable and receivable, payroll and internal control procedures. By maintaining tight financial oversight, we help minimise risk, ensure data accuracy and support your business in meeting its local operational and compliance obligations – even when managed remotely.

Management Reporting
Our team prepares detailed management reporting packs that offer a clear view of your Australian operations. These reports typically include actuals versus budget, variance analysis and trend reporting. Designed for business owners local teams, and offshore stakeholders, they support better, faster decision-making across time zones.

Budgeting and Financial Projections
We work with you to build robust annual budgets and forward-looking financial forecasts. These planning tools are informed by local operating conditions, historical data and realistic assumptions, helping you anticipate funding needs, plan for expansion and manage your resources with confidence.

Benchmarking and KPI Monitoring
We help define and track meaningful KPIs relevant to your local operations in Australia. Where applicable, we benchmark your performance against internal targets or industry norms. These insights help identify strengths, flag risks and focus your efforts where improvement is needed most.

Capital Raising Support
Our team supports your capital raising efforts by preparing clear financial models, forecast reports and supporting investor materials. We also assist during financial due diligence processes, ensuring your numbers are reliable, your reporting is transparent and your business is ready for scrutiny.

Business Strategy Input
Our CFOs offer practical financial input into your broader business planning. We support decision-making on matters such as pricing, resourcing, market entry, product launches and cost control. By aligning financial data with your commercial goals, we help you move forward with confidence.

Systems and Technology Advisory
We review your existing accounting systems, workflows and reporting tools, and offer straightforward recommendations to improve efficiency and accuracy. Our team also assists with the setup and optimisation of cloud-based accounting platforms, including Xero, to ensure your systems are fit for purpose and scalable as your operations grow.

Who Engages CFO Services in Australia

Many international companies expanding into Australia start with a lean local structure, sometimes only a few employees or even just a registered entity. In such cases, managing financial matters from overseas can lead to delays, inefficiencies or gaps in reporting. Our CFO services are commonly used to address the following situations:

  • No local finance team in Australia
  • Local team lacks senior financial oversight
  • Need for accurate and timely reporting to overseas head office
  • Requirements to meet Australian tax and financial compliance standards
  • Involvement in capital raising, investor reporting or due diligence processes
  • Internal decision-making requiring Australian financial data and analysis
  • Growth phase requiring structured budgeting and financial planning

ABN Australia’s CFO services are designed for international businesses that want clarity, control and confidence when operating in the Australian market. Whether you are in a growth phase, managing compliance or preparing for capital raising, our experienced professionals offer the strategic oversight and local knowledge you need.

Get in touch with us today to discuss how our tailored CFO solutions can support your business in Australia.

Published: 01st July 2025 | Last updated: 01st July 2025