Chief Financial Officer

New Plymouth District Council; New Plymouth; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council is seeking a General Manager Finance and Planning (CFO) to provide strategic leadership and oversee financial sustainability. The role includes building strong stakeholder relationships and ensuring effective governance while promoting a collaborative culture. The ideal candidate should have extensive leadership experience and a chartered accountant qualification.

Benefits

EAP and Telus Health access

5 weeks annual leave

Birthday leave

Social club

2 weeks paid non-primary caregiver leave

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in a complex environment.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Experience working with communities and iwi/hapū.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and advocacy for council objectives.
• Lead financial strategy to ensure sustainability and value for money.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Strategy

Risk Management

Stakeholder Relations

Analytical Skills

Education

Chartered Accountant Qualification

Job description

Join us at New Plymouth District Council!

Who are we? - Ko wai mātou?

Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu - New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is dedicated to serving our community and enhancing the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit here. We are guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are committed to fostering partnerships that respect and celebrate our district’s rich cultural heritage.

Through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, we deliver services and initiatives that support our vision of building a thriving, connected, and future-focused district. At NPDC, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic organisation that values people, creativity, and progress.

The opportunity - Te āheinga

We are seeking a visionary leader for the newly established role of General Manager Finance and Planning (CFO), a pivotal position within our Executive Leadership Team (Te Ranga Urungi).

This permanent, full-time role offers the chance to shape the strategic direction of Council and drive outstanding business performance across Finance, Risk and Integrity, and Strategic Planning.

As General Manager, you will provide inspirational leadership that motivates teams and aligns organisational efforts with long-term goals. You will foster a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative culture while contributing your expertise and insights to executive-level decision-making.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of our district, champion innovation, and make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and community-focused organisation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and advocacy to align council-wide objectives and initiatives
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence to drive performance
• Shape and implement strategies that guide the group and broader council direction

Finance:

• Lead financial strategy to ensure sustainability and value for money
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and investment fund management
• Ensure strong financial controls, compliance, and risk mitigation

Risk and integrity:

• Embed enterprise risk management and uphold legal, privacy, and insurance obligations
• Provide oversight of integrity functions to maintain ethical standards and public trust

Strategic planning:

• Lead strategic and district planning to support long-term community outcomes
• Ensure policy development is evidence-based and responsive to change
• Align planning initiatives with council and government priorities

General:

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and represent the organisation in strategic forums
• Inspire high-performing teams through leadership, coaching, and development
• Promote continuous improvement and uphold legislative and employer obligations
• Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in a complex environment
• Qualified Chartered Accountant
• Experience defining, planning, and shaping strategies and initiatives that set direction for the organisation and group
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills with the ability to positively influence a wide range of individuals
• Pragmatic team player with emotional intelligence and sound judgement, collaborating effectively on decisions and initiatives
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with tact and diplomacy
• Practical understanding of central and/or local government
• Proven ability to work effectively and empathetically with external stakeholders, communities, and iwi/hapū
• Experience working with Kaupapa Māori, competency in Tikanga, and a commitment to applying a Te Ao Māori lens

About the region

Taranaki is a region like no other, offering a perfect balance of career opportunities and lifestyle. Nestled between the stunning Mounga Taranaki and the sparkling Tasman Sea, it is a place where you can explore world-class hiking trails, surf pristine beaches, and enjoy vibrant arts and culture, all within minutes of each other. The region offers affordable living, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family. Whether you seek adventure, tranquillity, or a mix of both, Taranaki provides an unparalleled quality of life that makes every day extraordinary.

What we offer:

At New Plymouth District Council, we strive to create and sustain a truly rewarding workplace environment for our staff.

This includes:

• Solid career pathways
• Learning and development opportunities
• Personal and professional growth
• Our People’s Package spans five key pillars: Wellbeing, Development, Benefits, Culture, and Recognition

We value the wellbeing of our team and provide an inclusive workplace that recognises and rewards your contributions. Together, we are building a better New Plymouth, one step at a time.

Be part of a council that values people, culture, and opportunity.

Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, please let us know at the time of application so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

Operating under the Local Government Act 2002 (which provides the general framework for local government) and through consultation with the community, the Council seeks to meet the current and future needs of the district’s communities for good-quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions.

Perks and benefits EAP and Telus Health access, 5 weeks annual leave, birthday leave, social club, 2 weeks paid non-primary caregiver leave

What can I earn as a Chief Financial Officer