Executive Manager Finance

McArthur; Proserpine; On-site; AUD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Council vehicle use

Relocation assistance

Five weeks' annual leave

Special Executive Leave

Salary sacrifice options

Job summary

Whitsunday Regional Council is seeking an Executive Manager Finance based in Proserpine. This pivotal role leads the Finance function across operational and strategic finance, asset management and rates, shaping long-term strategies and financial resilience.

The position offers influence beyond traditional leadership with autonomy to modernise practices and deliver value for communities. The role requires tertiary qualifications in business/commerce/financial management, CPA/CA membership, and

Qualifications

• tertiary qualifications in business, commerce or financial management.
• CPA or CA membership required.
• extensive experience in financial services within a complex organisation, especially public sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead Council's Finance function across operational and strategic finance, asset management and rates.
• Oversee long-term financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting and statutory reporting.
• Drive financial systems, internal controls and compliance with legislation and standards.
• Analyse revenue, investments and debt, providing actionable insights for resilience and value.

Skills

Analytical finance

Strategic leadership

Communication skills

Public sector finance knowledge

Data/automation awareness

Education

Bachelor in Business/Commerce/Financial Management

CPA or CA designation

Tools

Excel

Microsoft 365 / Copilot

Job description

Lead financial strategy, innovation and transformation for a growing regional council in the heart of the Whitsundays.

• Influential leadership role with the opportunity to act for the Director
• Drive financial sustainability, innovation and organisation-wide improvement
• Live and work in one of Australia's most remarkable regional settings

Whitsunday Regional Council serves a diverse and rapidly evolving region spanning 23,862 square kilometres, from Airlie Beach, Bowen, Cannonvale and Proserpine to rural, coastal and island communities. With more than $1.4 billion in assets and an economy shaped by tourism, agriculture, aviation, marine services, construction and commercial enterprise, Council is focused on responsible governance, sustainable growth and delivering enduring value for its communities.

Council is seeking a curious, commercially astute and contemporary finance leader to join Corporate Support Services as Executive Manager Finance. Based in Proserpine, this is not a traditional finance leadership role. It is a pivotal appointment offering genuine organisational influence, broad exposure and the freedom to challenge conventional thinking, modernise how Council works and help turn good ideas into practical outcomes.

Reporting directly to the Director Corporate Support Services, with the opportunity to act in the Director's position, you will lead Council's Finance function across operational finance, strategic finance, asset management and rates. You will provide strategic leadership and expert advice across financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, statutory reporting, systems and controls, asset accounting, rates and revenue, debt recovery and the financial oversight of Council's commercial business activities.

Your remit will be both strategic and operational. You will coordinate Council's long‑term financial strategy and budget formulation, oversee annual financial statements and regular performance reporting, strengthen financial systems and internal controls, and ensure compliance with legislation, accounting standards and recognised best practice. You will guide asset valuation, depreciation and sustainability reporting, oversee revenue, investments and Council debt, and provide analysis and recommendations that improve financial resilience, efficiency and community value.

Beyond financial stewardship, you will help shape how Council works. You will collaborate across the organisation to align budgets, assets, services and investment priorities, while using data, automation, emerging technology and artificial intelligence to improve decision‑making, productivity and service delivery. You will be comfortable developing ideas on a whiteboard or through the latest digital tools, translating complex financial matters into clear, practical advice and turning opportunities into outcomes.

You will set the tone for a high‑performing, service‑focused Finance team spanning operational finance, strategic finance, asset management and rates. This includes providing clear direction, building professional capability and creating a culture of curiosity, collaboration and continuous improvement. As priorities evolve, you will bring people with you, maintain focus on the outcomes that matter and build trust across different professions and levels of the organisation.

You will hold tertiary qualifications in business, commerce or financial management and current CPA or CA membership, supported by substantial experience managing financial services in a complex organisation. Strong technical and analytical financial skills, clear written and verbal communication, contemporary public sector finance knowledge and intermediate capability across Microsoft products, including excellence in Excel, are essential. You will also hold a current Queensland C Class driver licence. Queensland local government finance experience, asset management planning and accounting exposure, knowledge of commercial business activities and National Competition Policy, and demonstrated use of artificial intelligence techniques, with Copilot experience an advantage, will be highly regarded. Just as importantly, you will bring curiosity, adaptability, energy and a genuine desire to make a lasting difference.

This role offers a base salary of $160,000-$180,000, dependent on skills and experience, plus 12% employer superannuation,

• private use of a Council vehicle
• relocation assistance of up to $12,000 which may include short‑term accommodation
• five weeks' annual leave
• Special Executive Leave during the Christmas and New Year period
• A range of salary sacrifice opportunities is also available, including 100% rent and novated leasing arrangements

More importantly, this is an opportunity to build a rewarding executive career, shape financial resilience and organisational improvement, and enjoy the lifestyle and natural beauty of the Whitsundays.