Candice Heapes

Background

About Candice Heapes

With over 20 years’ experience in financial management I have worked in the independent schools sector since 2015. My contagious energy, growth mindset and passion for empowering people drives team excellence along with an unrelenting desire to make a contribution, to transform lives and make a difference. I am currently the Business Manager at Ascham School in Sydney – leading the School’s Corporate Services team with responsibilities stretching from strategic financial planning to operations including Risk and Compliance, HR, ICT, facilities, project management and strategic acquisitions. My team and I also work to ensure the School meets its statutory obligations and conducts its business under its governance charters. I support both the Ascham School Board and the Ascham Foundation Board in the capacity of Company Secretary. In 2018 I was instrumental in delivering the first PPA agreement for a school in NSW. The agreement was the first major step taken towards accomplishing Ascham School’s long and short term sustainability goals. Sustainability at Ascham not only a financial measure but has been broadened to encompass financial, educational and environmental outcomes. • An experienced and valued full-time executive in multiple sectors including commercial and NFP • Strong interpersonal skills, combined with extensive financial and strategic assessment and experience delivering major projects • Highly innovative with the ability to manage expectations of multiple stakeholders with foresight and empathy • Leader of team development and cultural change • Promoter of autonomy and empowerment of staff • Celebrates diversity and leads with the head and the heart • Respected for integrity, courage, sound commercial judgment, inquisitiveness and pragmatism • A demonstrated ability to come up to speed quickly on complex issues and add value to an executive/ leadership discussion and subsequent decision-making process. • Growing knowledge in sustainability and social responsibility • Intimate knowledge of risk management frameworks