Finance Manager

Are you ready to use your financial expertise to influence strategy, support growth, and leave a lasting legacy for South Taranaki?

If so, here's your opportunity!

About our District - Our mission is to make our communities better and this role will play a key part in achieving this. We are located in a tranquil area of New Zealand offering some of the best access to the great outdoors. We also boast attractive housing prices for your town, village or rural lifestyle and we are within commuting distance to larger centres.

About our Organisation - We're a forward-thinking, values-driven organisation that's passionate about delivering top-notch services to our community. At STDC, we don't just talk about culture, we live it. Our people are known for their "Can Do" attitude, strong teamwork, and genuine pride in making a difference. We've built a reputation as one of the best places to work, offering unique benefits like access to a sick leave bank and a retention incentive after four years. You'll be part of a team that thrives on innovation, supports your growth, and works together to achieve great things.

About the Role - This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for leading Council's financial management, planning, treasury, rating, and reporting functions to ensure long-term financial sustainability, sound governance, and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements. Working closely with Council, the Leadership Team and key stakeholders, you will provide strategic financial leadership and advice that supports informed decision-making and delivers positive outcomes for the community. This is an opportunity to influence the future direction of the district through sound financial strategy, effective planning, and responsible stewardship of Council's financial resources.

What you'll be doing - You will lead Council's finance function, including financial planning and reporting, treasury, rating and financial operations. You will provide strategic financial advice, oversee key planning and reporting processes, manage Council's treasury activities, and lead and develop a high-performing finance team.

About You - You are a strategic and influential finance leader with extensive experience in senior financial management, ideally within local government or a complex public sector environment. Holding a CA qualification and relevant tertiary degree, you have a strong track record in financial planning, reporting, treasury, and organisational performance. You bring sound judgement, political acumen, and the ability to build effective relationships, provide trusted advice, and lead high-performing teams through change and continuous improvement.

Please note applicants must hold current legal eligibility to work in New Zealand to be considered for this position. In terms of residence class visa applications, priority will be given where the applicant is in New Zealand.

South Taranaki District Council is an Accredited Employer so if you're moving to the region, we can offer practical support and some financial assistance. This includes employer sponsorship for your visa application.

The salary range for this position is from $135,000 to $150,700 pa with the starting salary to be determined based on the successful candidate's skills and experience. This will be discussed with shortlisted applicants during the interview process.

If this role appeals to you, head over to our website www.southtaranaki.com where you can access the background information and job description for the role. If submitting an application, please ensure you provide a covering letter outlining your skills and experience for the role along with your most current CV.

Applications close at 4pm on Wednesday, 11 November 2026 or when a suitable candidate has been appointed to the role.

Applications Close: 11 Nov 2026