Lead our Finance function. Influence key decisions
We're seeking an experienced and strategically minded Chief Financial Officer to join our team. Reporting to the Group Manager, Corporate Services, this is a Tier 3 leadership role with significant organisational influence. The CFO leads the finance function and provides trusted financial leadership and advice across Council. While not a formal member of the Strategic Leadership Team, you'll act as a quasi-member, contributing a financial perspective to strategic discussions and ensuring financial implications, risks and opportunities are fully considered in significant organisational decisions. Leading a team of seven finance professionals, you'll play a pivotal role in supporting sound decision-making, maintaining strong financial performance and ensuring Council's long-term financial sustainability.
About the Role
As the Chief Financial Officer, you'll play a key role in supporting Council's long-term financial sustainability. Working closely with the Strategic Leadership Team and elected members, you'll provide trusted financial advice and contribute to informed organisational decision-making. In addition, you'll:
Lead Councils budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting processes.
Advise on long-term financial planning and financial sustainability.
Responsible for cash management, investments, insurance, asset valuations.
Lead the preparation of the Long-Term Plan, Annual Plan and Annual Report.
Ensure effective financial governance, compliance, risk management and internal controls.
Build and maintain strong relationships with elected members, auditors, financial institutions and external stakeholders.
Champion financial accountability and sound financial management practices across the organisation.
About you
You're a credible and influential finance leader with significant financial management experience within a complex organisation. You'll combine strategic thinking, technical expertise and strong relationship management skills. In addition, you'll bring:
Membership of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, or a relevant post-graduate tertiary qualification in Finance, Business Administration or a related discipline.
Local government experience is preferred.
Proven success providing financial advice that supports strategic and operational decision-making.
Strong expertise in financial planning, reporting, governance, compliance and risk management.
Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex financial information to elected members, senior leaders and diverse audiences.
Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
The ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes across all levels of an organisation.
What we offer
At South Wairarapa District Council, we are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth and development. You'll have access to a range of benefits, including:
Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance
Five weeks Annual Leave
Professional development opportunities
Access to health and wellbeing initiatives
Life Insurance
An opportunity to contribute to the vibrant local community and make a lasting impact
About us
South Wairarapa District Council is a local government authority responsible for the management and development of the South Wairarapa region. We are committed to creating a thriving, sustainable and resilient community through manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga to enhance the quality of life for our residents. Our partnership with mana whenua is important to us, with effective participation and a focus for shared decision making. We are dedicated to the continuous improvement and innovation to our service and customer delivery.
If you're a forward-thinking finance leader who enjoys making an impact, we'd love to hear from you. For further information, including the Position Description, please visit our Careers page on our website. You'll also find details about how to get in touch with our People and Culture team if you have any questions about the role. Applications close on 18 Nov 26. We may commence interviews as applications are received and reserve the right to close the advertising period early. So don't delay, apply today!
Tangata ako ana i te kāenga, te tūranga ki te marae, tau ana. –
A person nurtured in the community contributes strongly to society.