At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and integrate funding for sustainable growth.
- Company: WaipÄ District Council, focused on community development and financial resilience.
- Benefits: Professional development, health insurance, extra leave, and local discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for innovation and strategic partnerships.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in local government and make a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: Senior financial leadership experience and strong understanding of NZ legislation.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 ÂŁ per year.
This role sits at the centre of Councilâs growth and infrastructure challenge, leading the integration of rates, debt, funding, and capital investment into a sustainable financial strategy. Providing clear advice on trade-offs between affordability, levels of service, and long-term resilience, this position ensures Council can deliver for a growing district while maintaining a strong balance sheet.
Operating at a strategic level and working closely alongside the Chief Executive, Mayor and Elected Members, the Finance and Commercial Director is a critical strategic partner within the Executive Leadership Team, at the centre of Councilâs financial, growth, and investment decision-making. Focused on identifying new strategic partnerships and securing innovative commercial opportunities, this position is responsible for leading a sustainable financial strategy for the organisation. The role combines sound financial stewardship with a unique opportunity to reshape traditional finance models, set new benchmarks, and leave a legacy for current and future communities through astute commercial partnerships.
Key accountabilities will include:
- Leading financial strategy including the Long Term Plan and Annual Plan
- Providing trusted financial advice, governance, risk management and statutory compliance
- Identifying and progressing commercial and alternative revenue opportunities
- Leading treasury, debt, and funding strategy
- Strengthening commercial and financial capability across the organisation
- Leading a high-performing team and culture of continuous improvement
- Building strong relationships with auditors, regulators, funding agencies, iwi and stakeholders
Ko wai koe | About you
- Advanced leadership capability, credibility and judgement
- Extensive senior financial leadership experience, preferably including experience in local government or similar
- Demonstrated success in commercial strategy, partnerships, or alternate revenue initiatives would be a distinct advantage
- Proven experience in treasury and debt management, including capital structure, funding strategy, and managing balance sheet risk in complex or high-growth environments
- Experience managing large-scale capital programmes or infrastructure funding
- Proven experience leading financial strategy, planning and complex reporting
- Strong understanding of NZ legislative frameworks (including the Local Government Act)
- A Chartered Accountant (CA/CPA or equivalent) with a relevant tertiary qualification
This position is based between the Cambridge and Te Awamutu offices. WaipÄ District Council offers benefits that include ongoing professional development, health and life insurance, additional leave provisions, and local staff discounts. Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.
Finance and Commercial Director (CFO) in Cambridge employer: Join Our Team, Waikato
Contact Detail:
Join Our Team, Waikato Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Finance and Commercial Director (CFO) in Cambridge
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and local government sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet key players. Remember, itâs all about who you know as much as what you know!
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the Council's recent projects and financial strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them youâre not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their vision!
â¨Tip Number 3
Donât underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. Plus, itâs a great chance to reiterate why youâre the best choice for the role.
â¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! Weâve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining our team and contributing to the Councilâs growth!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance and Commercial Director (CFO) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Finance and Commercial Director role. Highlight your leadership capabilities, financial strategy experience, and any relevant local government knowledge to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in financial stewardship and commercial partnerships that demonstrate your ability to lead and innovate.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, emphasise your strategic mindset. Discuss how you've previously integrated financial strategies with growth initiatives and how you can bring that expertise to our team at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itâs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donât miss out on any important updates during the process. We canât wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Join Our Team, Waikato
â¨Know Your Financial Strategies
Make sure youâre well-versed in the latest financial strategies and frameworks relevant to local government. Brush up on your knowledge of the Local Government Act and be ready to discuss how you can integrate rates, debt, and funding into a sustainable financial strategy.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires advanced leadership capability, so prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading high-performing teams. Think about times when youâve fostered a culture of continuous improvement and how youâve built strong relationships with stakeholders.
â¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to make trade-offs between affordability and service levels. Prepare scenarios where you had to balance financial stewardship with innovative commercial opportunities, and be ready to explain your thought process.
â¨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with commercial strategy and partnerships. Highlight any successful initiatives you've led that generated alternative revenue streams or strengthened financial capability within an organisation.