Get to Know the ADF: Claire Ferreira

As an organisation dedicated to fuelling Catholic mission, we want to introduce you to the people who are behind the flexible solutions, strategic advice and specialised services, and who help to deliver a different set of dividends for those we serve. 

Meet Claire! 

Claire joined the ADF in August 2022 as Finance Manager, bringing with her strong technical expertise and a passion for sound financial stewardship. In her role, she oversees ADF’s financial management, ensuring robust governance, careful liquidity oversight and clear, timely reporting to support informed decision-making. 

Claire began her career in South Africa as an auditor, progressing to Audit Partner before moving into the financial services sector as Finance Manager of an insurance company. After relocating to Australia in 2018, she joined a growing SME where she established and led the finance function. 

“Working across audit, financial services and a growing business has helped me see the story behind the numbers,” Claire explains.  

‘I love breaking down intricate transactions and translating financial data into meaningful insights that help people make confident decisions,” she adds. 

Since joining ADF, Claire has been focused on improving financial processes, including cash forecasting to give the team a clearer view of cash positions and customer funding needs, supporting better-informed funding and investment decisions across the organisation. 

Looking ahead, Claire sees strong financial governance as central to ADF continuing to fuel Catholic mission. 

“Sound financial management builds trust,” she says. “By maintaining appropriate liquidity and capital, we can ensure we are ready to support Catholic communities into the future.” 

Outside of work, Claire’s weekends are often spent with her husband on the sidelines of a soccer field cheering on their boys or building LEGO creations at home. She is a self-confessed true crime fan and loves a trip to the theatre or a stand-up comedy event when she gets the opportunity. 

Claire’s thoughtful leadership and commitment to financial integrity play an important role in supporting the mission of the ADF.