Chief Financial Officer

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

Job summary

Huon Valley Council is seeking an accomplished Chief Financial Officer to lead Finance, Rates & Revenue, and Procurement. The role shapes the financial future through strategic leadership, audit readiness and stakeholder engagement.

Expect a five-year executive contract with work-from-home flexibility and a negotiable remuneration package starting at $175,000 plus super and a vehicle with private use. The CFO will report to the CEO, guiding financial strategy, treasury, and reporting, while

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in accounting, finance or commerce; 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 environment.
• Ability to translate complex financial data into visual insights for decision-making.
• Curiosity to challenge the status quo, balancing innovation and cost savings.
• Experience leading organisational change with a collaborative, customer-centric approach.
• Knowledge of the Tasmanian local government framework, or willingness to learn quickly.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Financial leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Executive communication

Change management

Data-driven decisions

Stakeholder engagement

Audit & statutory reporting

Education

Accounting/finance/commerce degree

CPA or CA membership

Job description

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

Job Information

Salary Range

Negotiable remuneration package starting at $175,000