Lead financial stewardship for a community‑focused organisation

Ready to take the next step in your finance leadership career? Help shape Waimate's future.

Waimate District Council is seeking a highly capable and motivated Finance Manager to lead our finance team and provide strategic financial leadership that supports Council's long‑term sustainability. This is a critical role that will suit an experienced finance professional who brings confidence, strong leadership skills, and deep technical expertise.

As Finance Manager, you will oversee accurate and compliant statutory and management reporting, ensure robust financial systems and controls, and champion continuous improvement across financial processes. You will be responsible for the financial components of the Long Term Plan, Annual Plans and Annual Report, and will provide expert advice across finance, treasury, investment, rating and policy development.

This is a role with real influence and variety, where your work will directly support effective decision‑making and deliver positive outcomes for the Waimate community.

In this senior position, you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership across Council
• Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing finance team
• Oversee statutory and management reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial compliance
• Manage treasury functions and maintain strong financial controls and systems
• Lead the financial components of the LTP, Annual Plan and Annual Report
• Support audit processes and build strong relationships with auditors and key partners
• Provide high‑quality financial insights and modelling to support governance and strategic planning
• Oversee rating functions and ensure alignment with legislation and Council policies

Full responsibilities are detailed in the Position Description.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• A degree‑level qualification in Accounting
• At least 5 years' senior experience in finance or accounting
• Strong technical capability, including Tier 1 or 2 reporting experience
• Proven leadership and relationship‑building skills
• Sound understanding of accounting standards, legislation, and NZ tax requirements
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis capability
• A proactive, improvement‑focused mindset and strong professional integrity

Local government or public sector experience, CAANZ membership, experience with auditors, and familiarity with MagiQ software are advantageous but not essential.

What We Offer:

• A competitive remuneration package, reflective of experience.
• Birthday Leave, upfront Sick Leave and wellbeing support.
• Up to 5% employer superannuation contribution.
• Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm (37.5 hours/week, one‑hour lunch break).
• A friendly, community‑minded district with a fantastic lifestyle.

Ready to Apply?

If you're ready to contribute your expertise to an organisation that values integrity, collaboration and service to the community, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: Early applications are encouraged as interviews may take place before the closing date. You must have the legal right to work in NZ and hold a full, current driver licence. Police and credit checks apply.

Please contact grace.aikman@waimatedc.govt.nz with any questions.