Cessnock City Council is situated within the famed Hunter Valley of New South Wales, approximately 120 kilometres north of Sydney and 40 kilometres west of Newcastle.

The largest centre in Australia’s oldest wine region, the area is unique in retaining its natural charm, with one third of the local government area listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, whilst continuing to experience substantial growth. Council employs approximately 500 people and is responsible for a local government area of approximately 1,966 square kilometres.

Growth of this scale places real demands on an organisation’s finances. An opportunity now exists for an experienced and strategic financial leader to help guide one of New South Wales’ most famous and unique LGAs through a period of growth and change.

About The Role

The role of Chief Financial Officer is Council’s principal financial advisor and Responsible Accounting Officer, providing expert advice to the Executive Leadership Team and Council on financial sustainability, accounting standards, treasury management, rating strategy, capital investment planning and financial risk.

Reporting to the Director Corporate and Community Services, the Chief Financial Officer leads the Finance and Administration function, spanning financial services and planning, treasury, rating and revenue, procurement, and Council’s property asset portfolio. The role carries responsibility for Council’s long-term financial plan and its alignment to the Operational Budget and Delivery Program, oversight of budget review processes including Quarterly Budget Review Statements, and management of Council’s reserves, investments, borrowings and liquidity.

Beyond the technical stewardship, the role plays a critical part in building the financial capability of the whole organisation, ensuring decision makers across Council are fully informed of the financial impacts, risks and opportunities behind every strategic and operational decision.

About You

You are an experienced senior finance leader with extensive expertise in corporate financial management, including long-term financial planning, budgeting, treasury, investments, cash flow and financial sustainability. You hold a degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Management or a related discipline, and CA or CPA qualification will be highly regarded.

You combine technical authority with the judgement to operate effectively within a politically sensitive environment, balancing competing priorities while maintaining the confidence of elected representatives, executive colleagues and the community. Highly developed communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, as is the ability to translate complex financial information for diverse audiences and to lead and develop a high-performing, accountable and values-based team. An understanding of NSW Local Government legislation, Australian Accounting Standards, Office of Local Government requirements and Integrated Planning and Reporting obligations will see you well placed to make an early impact.

Cessnock is embarking on a journey of change and growth in which the Chief Financial Officer will play a pivotal role. Be a part of its success.

To access a copy of the comprehensive candidate brochure, please visit our website, locate the advertisement under the job search function, and then directly request the brochure.

For any questions or queries, please contact Gareth Broadrick at lg@capstonerecruitment.com.au

Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date: Tuesday 1st September (midnight).

Cessnock City Council

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Chief Financial Officer