Chief Financial Officer

Rotorua Lakes Council; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotorua Lakes Council seeks an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join the Executive Team and steer financial sustainability, strategic direction, and long-term success for one of New Zealand\'s iconic regions. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will partner with the Executive Team and influence decisions affecting ~78,000 residents and many visitors.

As CFO, you will lead the Finance function, drive financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, procurement, risk, compliance, assurance, and

Qualifications

• Lead Finance function and provide organisation-wide leadership across financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, procurement, risk, compliance, assurance, and long-term planning.

Responsibilities

• Drive financial excellence and trusted advice to the Executive Team.
• Oversee long-term financial strategy, capital planning, and financing approaches.
• Establish governance frameworks and performance measures to support community outcomes.

Skills

Chartered Accountant

Executive leadership

Financial strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Public sector finance

Education

Chartered Accountant certification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Exceptional finance leaders do more than manage numbers. They help shape the future of communities.

Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join our Executive Team and help drive the financial sustainability, strategic direction, and long-term success of one of New Zealand's most iconic regions.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will be a trusted strategic partner to the Executive Team. This is a unique opportunity to influence decisions that affect the lives of approximately 78,000 residents and the many visitors who experience Rotorua each year.

Guided by Tai Kawenga, our values and principles that shape how we work, lead, and serve our community, we are committed to being Customer Focused, Community Driven, and People at the Heart.

As Chief Financial Officer, you will lead the Finance function and provide organisation-wide leadership across financial strategy, commercial decision-making, budgeting, forecasting, procurement, risk, compliance, assurance, and long-term planning. Leading a high-performing team, you will drive financial excellence while providing trusted advice that supports sustainable growth, sound investment decisions, and strong organisational performance.

This role extends well beyond traditional financial management. You will help Council navigate an increasingly complex environment, overseeing long-term financial strategy, capital planning, funding and financing approaches, governance frameworks, and performance measures that enable informed decision-making and community outcomes.

Success in this role requires a leader who combines commercial acumen with public purpose. You will be able to translate complex financial information into clear strategic insights, build confidence among diverse stakeholders, and maintain strong relationships across Council, iwi, government agencies, auditors, regulators, and the wider community.

As a Chartered Accountant, you will bring significant executive leadership experience within a complex organisation, together with a strong track record in financial strategy, organisational performance, stakeholder engagement, and governance. Experience working within a legislative or regulatory environment, strong political awareness, and an understanding of the local government context will be highly regarded.

Rotorua offers an exceptional lifestyle, rich cultural heritage, and a deep connection to Te Ao Māori. Meaningful partnerships with mana whenua are central to Council's success, creating a unique opportunity for a leader who values collaboration, inclusion, and community impact.

This is a rare opportunity to join an organisation committed to innovation, integrity, and sustainable growth while contributing to outcomes that matter for current and future generations.

If you are a strategic, commercially astute, and values-driven finance executive looking to make a lasting difference, we would welcome your application.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Lead with purpose. Influence strategy. Shape the future of Rotorua.