Manager Finance

Ko wai mātou | About us

Rich in heritage and proudly known as the Home of Champions, Waipā District is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts. Home to thriving towns, strong rural communities, internationally recognised sporting excellence and significant cultural heritage, Waipā continues to attract new residents, businesses and investment. Every investment decision we make today helps shape the infrastructure, services and communities our district will rely on tomorrow.

At Waipā District Council, we're proud to consistently punch above our weight. We're focused on delivering smart, financially sustainable outcomes that support our communities today while planning confidently for the future.

Local government is evolving as councils respond to growth, increasing infrastructure investment and changing expectations. At Waipā, we see this as an opportunity to innovate, strengthen how we work and build an organisation that is future-focused, commercially astute and community-led.

To support this next chapter, we're investing in our Finance leadership team with two complementary senior leadership opportunities. This role works alongside our Manager Commercial & Financial Partnering to help shape Waipā's future. If your strengths align more closely with strategic business partnering and commercial leadership, we encourage you to explore that opportunity too.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Reporting to the Finance and Commercial Director, the Manager Finance leads Council's core finance function, providing the financial stewardship that underpins everything we do.

You'll lead financial control, accounting, statutory reporting, treasury, budgeting support and transactional finance, while ensuring the integrity of Council's financial information and compliance with legislative and statutory obligations. You'll also provide trusted financial advice that supports significant organisational decisions, long-term investment and sustainable growth.

Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, senior leaders and elected members, you'll help ensure Council remains financially resilient while delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities.

Partnering closely with the Manager Commercial & Financial Partnering, you'll help build a modern, high-performing Finance function that combines strong governance with commercial insight.

This is a role where your expertise will influence significant investment decisions, strengthen financial sustainability and help shape the future of one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading Council's financial control, statutory reporting, governance and compliance functions.
• Supporting delivery of the Long Term Plan, Annual Plan, budgeting, forecasting and treasury activities.
• Providing strategic financial advice and analysis to senior leaders, the Executive Leadership Team and elected members.
• Ensuring robust financial governance, internal controls and effective risk management.
• Leading a high-performing Finance team while driving continuous improvement across finance systems, reporting and processes.
• Building strong relationships across the organisation to support sound financial decision-making.

Ko wai koe | About you

Great financial stewardship isn't just about compliance, it's about enabling confident decision-making, managing risk and supporting long-term organisational success.

You're an experienced finance leader who combines technical excellence with strategic thinking, enjoys developing people and builds trusted relationships across an organisation.

You'll bring:

• Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) or equivalent professional qualification.
• Significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally within local government or another large, complex and highly regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand accounting standards, treasury, taxation and financial governance.
• Experience leading statutory reporting, financial control and organisational budgeting.
• Strong systems capability and a continuous improvement mindset.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence, coach and develop others.

Ngā huanga | Benefits

This is a rare opportunity to influence the financial future of one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts while helping build a modern Finance function alongside an experienced leadership team.

Waipā District Council offers:

• Ongoing professional development.
• Health and life insurance.
• Additional leave provisions.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local staff discounts.
• Offices in both Cambridge and Te Awamutu.
• Meaningful work that directly supports the future of our communities

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

Please click Apply to submit your CV and cover letter.

We know exceptional people bring different experiences and ways of working. While this role is advertised as full-time, we're open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including reduced hours, for the right person. If flexibility is important to you, please include this in your cover letter.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be conducted as suitable candidates are identified, so we encourage early applications.

Click Apply to be taken to our careers site, where you can view the job description, submit an application, or contact us for a confidential discussion.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

Applications close: Tuesday, 18th August at 10pm.