Manager - Finance

City of Playford; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Playford is seeking a values-driven finance leader to ensure long-term financial sustainability during rapid growth and change. You will oversee Finance and Payroll, and act as a trusted advisor across the organisation, translating data into actionable insights for strategic decisions.

You will lead budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and governance, while partnering with executives to safeguard public resources and support the Annual Business Plan and statutory financial statements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading finance teams in complex service environments.
• Ability to partner with executives and influence strategic outcomes.
• Strong financial management and advisory skills with data-driven insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a high-performing Finance and Payroll team.
• Drive financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Oversee Annual Budget, Budget Reviews, and Forecasts.
• Strengthen governance, controls, and risk management.
• Deliver financial reporting and advice to inform decisions.
• Support Annual Business Plan and prioritised funding.
• Ensure timely preparation of Annual Financial Statements.
• Lead treasury functions and monitor performance against metrics.
• Build partnerships across the organisation translating data into insights.

Skills

Lead Finance Team

Executive Stakeholder Engagement

Financial Forecasting

Budgeting & Reporting

Treasury Management

Education

Tertiary qualification in Finance/Economics

CA or CPA designation (desirable)

Job description

Shape a city. Build a legacy. Lead with purpose.

Competitive remuneration package on offer

The City of Playford is not just growing. It's transforming.

Playford is one of South Australia's fastest growing and most dynamic communities, a place where ambition, innovation, and community spirit converge. Here, decisions made today don't just balance budgets, they shape futures, strengthen communities, and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

This is your opportunity to play a key role in that journey.

Why this role matters

As Manager – Finance, you will help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of a community experiencing rapid growth and change. Every financial decision you influence will directly support essential services, infrastructure, and community outcomes that improve people's lives.

Your work will enable progress, protect public resources, and create a stronger future for generations to come.

The Opportunity

Reporting to senior leadership, you will lead the Finance and Payroll functions and be a trusted advisor across the organisation.

• Lead and inspire a high-performing Finance and Payroll team, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and continuous improvement.
• Drive excellence in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring strong, transparent decision-making.
• Oversee the delivery of the Annual Budget, Budget Reviews, and Forecasts in line with legislative requirements.
• Strengthen financial governance, controls, and risk management frameworks to safeguard community resources.
• Deliver accurate and insightful financial reporting and advice to inform strategic decisions.
• Support the Annual Business Plan and provide financial guidance on organisational priorities.
• Ensure the preparation of compliant Annual Financial Statements within required timeframes.
• Lead treasury functions and monitor financial performance against key metrics.
• Build strong partnerships with leaders across the organisation, helping translate financial data into meaningful insights.

Who you are

You are a values-driven finance leader who wants your work to have real impact.

You combine technical expertise with strong leadership and a collaborative, forward-thinking approach.

You bring

• Proven experience leading and developing finance teams in complex service environments.
• The ability to partner with executives and influence strategic outcomes.
• Strong financial management and advisory experience, with the ability to turn data into clear, actionable insights.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A proactive mindset, with the ability to navigate competing priorities and drive improvement.
• Tertiary qualifications in Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• CA or CPA qualifications (desirable).

Why Playford

• Meaningful work that contributes directly to the wellbeing prosperity of our community.
• A leadership role where your decisions have visible and lasting impact.
• A collaborative and supportive environment that values innovation, continuous improvement and service to others.
• The opportunity to help shape the future of one of South Australia's fastest-growing cities.

At the City of Playford, we are guided by our Foundation Principles of Full Disclosure, Do No Harm, and Attend to the Needs of Others. We are seeking a leader who shares these values and is committed to creating positive outcomes for our people, organization and community.

Ready to make a difference?

If you're looking for a role where your expertise drives real community outcomes…

Where your leadership helps shape the future of a city…

We'll love to hear from you.

Applications close at 12:00pm Monday 12 October 2026

For a confidential discussion, please contact:

James Lyons

[e-mail]

The City of Playford values diversity and work life balance. If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to support you insubmittingyour application including alternative vacancy formats and application options, please refer to the Manager's contact details above. Any information provided will be kept confidential and will only be used to support your access to fullyparticipatein the recruitment process.