Financial Controller - Central Otago (QLDC)

Lakes District Council is at the very heart of a dynamic community. Our services are essential to the people in our region and include infrastructure development, community recreational facilities and planning, building and other regulatory services.

We’re proud to be QLDC, and in response to the growth the district has experienced over recent years, QLDC has itself experienced substantial growth. We genuinely believe in developing our people and providing them with all the tools and opportunities needed to succeed.

About the role:
The Financial Controller is a senior member of the Finance team and is charged with the overall responsibility for coordination and leadership of the Financial Reporting, Systems and Payroll teams.

Responsibilities of the role:
Financial Reporting, Compliance & Strategy:

• Lead QLDC’s external financial reporting, including coordination of the Annual Report and
  external audit in compliance with statutory requirements. Oversee internal management reporting to ensure the Business Partnering team has timely and
  accurate data for decision-making.
• Ensure timely and efficient year-end processes, including audit preparation, reconciliations, and documentation.
• Manage compliance with financial reporting requirements such as tax returns (GST, FBT, income tax) and Stats NZ submissions.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger, bank processing, and financial controls through accurate month-end and year-end processes.
• Collaborate with key internal teams on the preparation of the Annual Plan, Long Term Plan, and Annual Rates Setting process.
• Ensure project-related internal funding and debt tracking is accurate for full cost recovery.
• Actively contribute to achieving finance strategies and objectives that align with QLDC’s wider organisational goals.
• Drive ongoing finance system and process improvements to enhance efficiency and data quality.

Operational Excellence:

• Provide leadership to the Financial Reporting, Payroll, and Systems teams, including performance management and training development.
• Supervise Financial Accountants, Systems Accountants, and the Payroll function to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Establish and manage a finance function performance framework with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and customer service. 
• Support and back up the Finance Director, contributing to strategic finance initiatives and business planning.
• Oversee the Financial Management Information System (FMIS), ensuring optimal functionality and collaboration with Knowledge Management.
• Manage Council’s treasury and cashflow functions to ensure liquidity, financial stability, and optimal borrowing strategies.
• Maintain and regularly review all finance policies, processes, and internal controls to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
• Monitor and report on sensitive expenditure, ensuring robust financial control and transparency.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure service delivery satisfaction and reliable financial insights.
• Maintain ongoing engagement with external partners including auditors, bankers, financial and tax advisers, and subsidiaries. 
• Promote a customer-centric approach and a positive, professional image of the Finance function across Council.

What we offer:
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including:

• Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan
• Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities
• Hybrid working practices
• Genuine commitment to your training and career development

What you'll bring:
We’re looking for a highly experienced and qualified finance professional who will bring over 10 years of senior financial accounting experience, ideally including business partnering and local government exposure. You’ll have a strong track record in managing audits, treasury functions, and tax compliance, as well as designing and maintaining robust internal controls, financial policies, and systems. 

Experience with TechOne and or IBIS is highly desirable. You’ll be an effective leader with proven experience managing teams, driving continuous improvement, and leading business process and cultural change. Strong interpersonal skills, a hands-on approach, attention to detail, and advanced systems knowledge are essential for success in this role.

To best succeed in this role, you’ll have:

• Tertiary qualification, bachelor level or greater in finance, accounting or equivalent
  practical experience.
• Chartered Accountant, member of the Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand or
  equivalent.
• Proven track record of completing audits preferably in local government environment.
• Proven track record of overseeing cash forecasting, preparation of information for banks,
  covenant reporting, managing responses and responsibility of efficient use of cash assets (Treasury), preparation of Income Tax Returns, ensuring GST, FBT, NRWT compliance and filing on time.
• Demonstrated experience in TechOne and or IBIS highly desirable.
• Highly motivated, achievement-oriented and innovative professional. 
• Hands on involvement in finance processes as required with attention to detail and advanced.
• Proven track record of developing and maintaining relationships across a broad range of sectors at a senior level.

For any questions prior, please contact Paddy Cribb, Finance Director at [email protected]

Applications close: 7th August 2025.

Please note we will review and process applications as they come through; we encourage your early application.

Recruitment Agencies - We will be managing this recruitment process directly and are not seeking agency assistance at this time. We kindly request no unsolicited agency approaches.