Southern Premium Vineyards partnered with TESS Search Partners to appoint David Thomas as Group Financial Controller.
The role required an experienced finance leader to oversee financial management across the Group, with responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, financial reporting, internal controls and statutory obligations. Strong leadership was also important, with the position managing the Corporate Finance function and working closely with the Executive Team and operational leaders across the business.
The search focused on senior finance professionals with strong technical accounting knowledge, commercial awareness and experience managing finance teams. The ability to improve reporting, systems and processes while building strong relationships across the business was equally important.
With more than 20 years’ experience in accounting and financial management, David was well aligned to the role. A CPA-qualified finance executive, he spent more than 17 years with Liebherr Australia, progressing through senior finance positions before becoming Head of Finance. His experience spans financial reporting, treasury, tax, cash flow, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls and business partnering across a large multi-division organisation.
David also led significant improvements to financial reporting and systems, including developing automated reporting across more than 150 business units, improving month-end processes and supporting ERP implementation. His combination of finance leadership, commercial understanding and systems experience aligned strongly with Southern Premium Vineyards’ requirements.
This appointment reflects Southern Premium Vineyards’ continued focus on strong financial management and TESS Search Partners’ ability to identify experienced finance professionals for key leadership appointments.
