Chief Financial Officer

Huon Valley Council; Hobart; Hybrid; AUD 158,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle with private use

Superannuation

Job summary

Huon Valley Council is seeking its first Chief Financial Officer to lead Finance, Revenue and Procurement, reporting to the CEO and shaping the financial future of the Huon Valley. This five-year executive contract offers work from home flexibility and a remuneration package starting at $175,000 plus super and a vehicle for private use.

You will build a high-performing team, deliver long-term financial planning and trusted leadership, guiding finance through change and aligning resources with

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in accounting, finance or commerce and CPA/CA membership.
• Proven experience leading finance teams, statutory reporting and audit processes.
• Strong long‑term financial planning and budgeting skills in a changing environment.
• Calm, clear communicator who can present complex data visually for diverse audiences.
• Curiosity to challenge status quo with innovation and cost savings.
• Experience leading organisational change with a collaborative approach.
• Knowledge of the Tasmanian local government framework or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Set Council’s financial direction and long-term sustainability as a member of the ELT.
• Provide fearless, accurate financial advice to CEO, ELT, Mayor and Councillors.
• Hold accountability for annual budget, capital works budget and LTFP.
• Oversee treasury, investment and borrowing strategy.
• Liaise with the Tasmanian Audit Office and Audit Panel and oversee annual statements.
• Drive innovation and automation to unlock value and strategic time.
• Lead across Financial Services, Rates & Revenue and Procurement and develop managers.

Skills

Finance leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Communication

Change management

Audit & statutory reporting

Tasmanian local government knowledge

Education

Tertiary qualification in accounting/finance/commerce

CPA or CA membership

Job description

Remuneration package starting at $175,000

Applications Close on Monday, 2 November 2026

Join the Executive Leadership Team and help shape Council’s financial future

Five-year executive contract, with work from home flexibility

Negotiable remuneration package starting at $175,000, plus super and vehicle with private use

About the role

Strong communities are built on sound financial decisions. As our Chief Financial Officer, you’ll bring the strategic financial leadership that helps Council plan, invest and deliver for the Huon Valley over the long term.

This is a new executive role, created to give finance a dedicated presence at the leadership table. Reporting to the CEO, you’ll provide executive leadership across Financial Services, Rates & Revenue and Procurement, with an experienced Senior Manager Finance and a capable, high‑performing team reporting through to you. You’ll support the strategic direction, advise the CEO and Councillors, and help steer the organisation as a whole. We’re looking for a leader who will challenge the status quo, find new value and help guide Council through change, while building on the strengths of the team around you.

Who are we?

Huon Valley Council is the southernmost local government area in Australia. The area retains a beauty, charm and heritage‑like feel whilst being progressive, innovative and creative, and is only a 30‑minute drive from Hobart. Our mission is to work in partnership with the community to improve the quality of life for the people of the Huon Valley by investing in a dynamic, sustainable and equitable future. We believe people who display our Values of Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Service Excellence, and Continuous Improvement are great employees. We are a forward thinking organisation responding to the unique and changing needs of our community and people.

What you will do

Set Council’s financial direction and be accountable for its long‑term financial sustainability, as a member of the Executive Leadership Team

Provide fearless, accurate and timely financial advice to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Mayor and Councillors

Hold executive accountability for the annual budget, capital works budget and Long Term Financial Plan, aligning financial resources with Council‑wide goals

Oversee Council’s treasury, investment and borrowing strategy

Be Council’s principal liaison with the Tasmanian Audit Office and Audit Panel, and accountable for the annual financial statements and meeting all audit requirements

Drive innovation and change across Council’s finances, using data and automation to find new value and free up time for strategic work

Provide executive leadership across Financial Services, Rates & Revenue and Procurement, developing their managers and positioning finance as a trusted partner to the business

What you will bring:

A tertiary qualification in accounting, finance or commerce, and CPA or CA membership

Proven experience leading finance teams, statutory reporting and audit processes

Strong long‑term financial planning and budgeting skills in a complex, changing environment

A calm, clear communicator who can turn complex financial data into visual insights that support decision‑making for a range of audiences

Curiosity to challenge the status quo, balancing innovation and cost savings to find value

Experience leading organisational change, with a collaborative, customer‑centric approach built on empathy and active listening

Knowledge of the Tasmanian local government framework, or a willingness and ability to learn it quickly

What's on offer

A genuine seat at the executive table, with real influence on Council’s direction

A well‑run finance function and a skilled team to work with from day one

Flexible working arrangements available, including working from home