CFO (Chief Financial Officer)

• Competitive salary + comprehensive benefits package
• Pivotal role within our Senior Leadership Team
• Strategic role in shaping the financial future of our community

We've created an exciting new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role 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.

Kō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Reporting to the Executive Director Corporate Services, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy and ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the Council through sound financial stewardship. Leading a team of 20 with four direct reports, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership ensuring transparency, accuracy, and sustainability in our financial practices. Your expertise will guide the Council in making informed financial decisions that align with our vision for Whakatū Nelson to be a creative, prosperous, and innovative city.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading an engaged, motivated team.
• Guiding the development of financial strategies aligned with Council’s Long-Term Plan.
• Overseeing statutory reporting, managing financial risk, and fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility.
• Leading strategic financial planning, reporting, and forecasting aligned with Council priorities.
• Overseeing treasury, tax, and funding strategies, and ensuring compliance and risk mitigation with a successful annual audit.
• Providing financial insights and advice to the Senior Leadership Team and Council to support sound decision-making.
• Driving continuous improvement in financial processes and systems.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ōu

You’re an experienced financial leader with a track record of delivering strategic financial outcomes. You'll have:

• A strong background in financial management and strategic planning, preferably with expertise in Local Government.
• A CA/CPA qualification.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills with a collaborative approach.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate complex financial information effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• A sound reputation for providing quality financial information and credible advice to senior leaders.
• Advanced analytical skills and sound judgement.

Ko ngā painga mū | What we offer

In return for your skills and experience, we offer a rewarding leadership role within a supportive and positive team culture. We are proud of the support offered to each other to be successful, the sharing of knowledge and resources, and the ongoing training opportunities available within the team and externally.

Additional benefits include:

• Competitive salary package, reflecting your expertise.
• Health insurance.
• Generous leave provisions, including Rā Oranga wellness days.
• Flexible working arrangements to achieve work-life balance.
• EAP and professional and personal development services.
• Ongoing professional development.
• Easy access to public transport.

If you're an experienced financial leader, with a passion for public service, we'd love to hear from you!

This is a full-time permanent position. To view the full Job Description click

Please note, candidates must be eligible to work in New Zealand.

Applications close: | Rā whakakapi: 5pm on Wednesday 15 October 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 Gillian Farrell on gillian.farrell@ncc.govt.nz. To ensure that your application is received, please apply using the link provided.

Requirements