Claire Thornton
Finance Director | Commercial Strategy, Capital Allocation & Governance
Perth
Executive Summary
Chartered Accountant and senior financial executive with extensive leadership in industrial contracting, engineering services, and resource logistics across Western Australia. Proven track record of safeguarding balance-sheet integrity, optimising debt structures, and driving capital efficiency in high-volume, project-driven environments.
Skilled in board governance, cross-functional commercial partnerships, and building high-performing finance teams to support sustainable corporate expansion.
Professional Experience
Kulin Infrastructure Services
Perth, Western Australia
Finance Director
May 2021 – Present
- Direct corporate finance, treasury, tax, and commercial accounting operations across multi-site engineering and maintenance contracts with annual revenues exceeding AUD 280 million.
- Restructured debt facilities and working capital arrangements with syndicated lenders, lowering annual financing costs by AUD 1.4 million.
- Established integrated project margin forecasting models across five operating divisions, improving commercial margin visibility and quarterly forecast accuracy.
- Oversee statutory reporting, compliance, and board governance engagements, partnering directly with the Managing Director and Audit Committee.
Osprey Resource Logistics
Perth, Western Australia
Head of Finance
Aug 2016 – Apr 2021
- Managed a finance and commercial team of fourteen staff supporting heavy haulage and bulk materials handling operations across the Pilbara region.
- Led annual budgeting, enterprise-wide financial planning, and board performance reporting for corporate entities generating AUD 190 million in turnover.
- Standardised ERP project accounting workflows, reducing month-end financial closing cycle from nine business days to four.
- Evaluated capital expenditure proposals for fleet replacements totalling AUD 45 million, establishing payback hurdle rates and asset life-cycle models.
Westralian Industrial Engineering
Perth, Western Australia
Commercial Finance Manager
Mar 2011 – July 2016
- Partnered with project managers on tendering models, contract pricing, and risk management for EPC and fabrication packages.
- Delivered cash-flow forecasting models that enhanced working capital predictability during major fabrication cycles.
- Conducted monthly commercial reviews of ongoing construction projects, identifying cost overruns and negotiating client variations.
Education
University of Western Australia
Bachelor of Commerce · Accounting and Corporate Finance · Perth, Western Australia · Distinction · Mar 2003 – Nov 2006
Graduated with major studies in financial accounting, auditing, and commercial law. Active member of the University Finance Association.
Key Strategic Initiatives
Corporate Acquisition & Synergy Integration
Jan 2023 – Mar 2024
- Led financial due diligence and transaction structuring for a bolt-on civil contracting acquisition valued at AUD 32 million, finishing integration within six months.
- Architected a zero-based budgeting transition across operational divisions that identified AUD 4.8 million in addressable operational overhead savings.
Core Competencies
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Capital Structure & Debt Refinancing
Statutory & Board Reporting
Cash Flow & Working Capital Management
Commercial Contract Negotiations
Enterprise Risk Management
ERP Systems & Process Automation
Corporate Governance & Compliance
Mergers & Acquisitions Diligence
Team Leadership & Mentorship
Languages
English
C2
French
B1
Certifications & Memberships
Chartered Accountant (CA)
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand · Nov 2010
Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)
Australian Institute of Company Directors · June 2018
Community & Advisory Roles
Swan River Youth Mentorship Trust
Perth, Western Australia · Feb 2020 – Present
- Honorary Treasurer & Board Member
- Provide governance oversight, financial stewardship, and strategic advisory on budget allocation and community development grants.