Request for information · OC-RFI-2026-002
Fractional Chief Financial Officer
A new Australian foundation. An independent Australian foundation in establishment, using responsible AI to reduce social inequality and lift socio-economic mobility, productivity, healthcare quality and household wealth. It will have an independent-majority board. Its name is shared with shortlisted respondents once they agree to keep it confidential.
Set up the finance function for a new foundation and its public fund: bank accounts, gift receipting, budgeting, ACNC and ATO compliance, and first-audit readiness.
Context. The foundation is being established as two entities: a charity company and a Public Ancillary Fund that will hold its endowment and host named giving funds. Both are expected to be registered with the ACNC in early 2027.
Why it matters. Funders judge a new foundation on how it handles money before they read its strategy. Sound finance from day one is what lets gifts be received, receipted and reported properly.
What we're looking for
- Chartered accountant with charity, foundation or fund experience
- Working knowledge of ancillary fund and tax-deductible gift rules
- Experience setting up finance functions in new organisations
- Understanding of disadvantage and inclusive practice
- No conflicting role with the founder's other business interests
Scope
- Chart of accounts, bank accounts and a separate research fund account
- Gift receipting for deductible and non-deductible gifts, pledges and gifts of shares
- Budget and cash-flow model for the first 18 months
- ACNC and ATO registrations support; preparation for the first audit
- Monthly reporting to the board's Audit & Risk committee
How responses are assessed
- Relevant charity finance experience (30%)
- Approach and practicality (25%)
- Understanding of disadvantage and inclusion (15%)
- Availability and continuity (15%)
- Value for money (15%)
Timeline
- Questions close: 2026-10-30
- Proposals due, 5pm AEDT: 2026-11-06
- Shortlist conversations: 2026-11-10
- Decision: 2026-11-13
Responses are confidential and assessed by a panel against the published criteria.