At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and integrate funding for sustainable growth.
- Company: WaipÄ District Council, focused on community growth and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Professional development, health insurance, extra leave, and local discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to reshape finance models and build partnerships.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategies and make a lasting impact on the community.
- Qualifications: Senior financial leadership experience and strong commercial strategy skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 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) 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)
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 to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, itâs all about who you know!
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council's current financial strategies and challenges. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them youâre not just another candidate; youâre the one they need!
â¨Tip Number 3
Donât underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
â¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! Weâve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out. Letâs get you into that Finance and Commercial Director role!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance and Commercial Director (CFO)
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 success in commercial strategy and partnerships, and how you can contribute to our sustainable financial strategy.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you lead a successful financial initiative or improve a process? Numbers speak volumes, so let us know how you made an impact in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us youâre keen and ready to take the next step in your career with us!
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 Long Term Plan and Annual Plan, as well as any recent changes in NZ legislation that could impact the role.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your advanced leadership capabilities. Think about times when you've successfully led a team or influenced decision-making at a strategic level. This will demonstrate your credibility and judgement to the interviewers.
â¨Understand the Council's Challenges
Research the specific growth and infrastructure challenges faced by the Council. Be ready to discuss how you would approach integrating rates, debt, and funding into a sustainable financial strategy that meets the needs of a growing district.
â¨Build Relationships in Mind
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, think about how you can build strong relationships with auditors, regulators, and community members. Prepare to discuss your experience in fostering partnerships and securing innovative commercial opportunities.