CFO (Chief Financial Officer)

Taituarā; Nelson; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Nelson seeks a Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy and manage risk. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership and analytical skills, ensuring financial sustainability and compliance. In this full-time role, you will guide a team of 20 and influence key financial decisions for the Council.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Health Insurance

Generous leave provisions

EAP professional and personal development services

Easy access to public transport

Qualifications

• Experienced financial leader with public service background.
• Proven track record of strategic financial outcomes.
• Expert in financial forecasting and management.

Responsibilities

• Shape and lead financial strategy for the Council.
• Manage financial risk and ensure compliance.
• Lead and motivate a team of financial professionals.

Skills

Leadership expertise in financial management

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Collaboration with senior leadership

Education

CA qualification

Job description

Overview

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Influence the financial strategy and direction of Nelson City Council

We have created an exciting new role for a seasoned Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to shape and lead Nelson City Council's financial strategy, manage risk and reporting, and serve as a trusted adviser to the Council and the Senior Leadership team. Reporting to the Group Manager Corporate Services, this pivotal role is responsible for ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the Council through sound financial stewardship.

As CFO, you'll lead a Business Unit of 20 team members, of which 4 will be your direct reports (including Team Leaders in Revenue, Payables, and Accounting, and a Procurement and Contracts Adviser).

You will provide strategic and operational leadership. You'll guide the development of financial strategies aligned with Council's Long-term Plan, oversee statutory reporting, manage financial risk, and foster a culture of fiscal responsibility. You'll lead strategic financial planning, reporting, and forecasting aligned with Council priorities and oversee treasury, tax, and funding strategies, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation. Your commitment will help us achieve our financial Key Performance Indicators and ensure we maintain statutory compliance with a successful annual audit.

You're an experienced financial leader with a passion for public service and a track record of delivering strategic financial outcomes. You bring strong analytical skills, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach to leadership.

Your reputation for improving the quality of financial information to aid decision makers, and providing credible advice and accurate information to senior leaders is what sets you apart from others in your field.

With proven experience leading professional teams, you will be passionate about motivating, engaging and developing people to reach their highest potential.

If you're ready for a new, exciting challenge, please let us know in your cover letter, what you'll bring to the team:

• Your senior financial leadership expertise within a Local Government or complex organisation
• Your excellent communication skills (business report writing, ability to tell a story using financial data, quickly building positive working relationships with internal teams and external partners)
• Your finance management background (including forecasting, finance systems, designing reports, consolidating financial statements, treasury)
• Being a trusted and credible adviser to a senior leadership team

In return for your skills and experience we offer you a fun, supportive and diverse team who place high value on a positive team culture - the sharing of knowledge and resources, the support offered to each other to be successful, and the ongoing training opportunities available within the team and externally, are some of the elements we are proud of.

In addition:

• Competitive remuneration package
• Health Insurance
• Generous leave provisions
• EAP professional and personal development services
• Easy access to public transport

If you have a combination of strong technical and leadership skills and thrive in fast-paced innovative environment, we invite you to apply. Please note, candidates must be eligible to work in New Zealand and CA qualification is required.

This is a full-time permanent position, 40 hours per week, Monday- Friday.

To view the full Job Description please click here

Applications close - Rā whakakapi: 5pm on Thursday, 28 August 2025; however we will be reviewing applications as we receive them so apply promptly. We reserve the right to close the advertising early.

For further enquiries - Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai: Please contact Morgana Hodliffe on [e-mail]

Closing Date: 5pm on Thursday, 28 August 2025