Finance Business Partner - 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 Finance Business Partner role will provide support and financial management advice to allocated business units, providing timely and accurate financial reporting, together with financial analysis which adds value to the business unit managers' understanding of the financial aspects of their operations.

The role will have strong interaction with internal stakeholders and is instrumental in ensuring that solutions are aligned with the Annual Plan/Long Term Plan and policy decisions.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Provide forward-looking, activity-based and value-adding financial analysis with insights into QLDC’s operations and business plans.
• Regularly review business unit performance against annual plans, budgets and the Long Term Plan, reporting results and variances to senior finance leaders.
• Work with managers on budgets, forecasts, financial aspects of business cases, contracts, scenario planning and modelling.
• Actively contribute to the achievement of finance strategies, objectives, annual budgeting and Long Term planning.
• Build financial capability across business units through training and coaching, improving overall financial acumen.
• Establish strong relationships with internal customers, ensuring delivery satisfaction and value-added service, while cultivating a professional and positive image for QLDC.
• Uphold QLDC’s vision, values, services and Code of Conduct, while maintaining expertise in financial best practice.
• Comply with all legislative, corporate and health & safety requirements, taking appropriate action to manage hazards, incidents and risks.
• Ensure a consistent customer-centric approach across all operations

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

• QLDC is an Approved Training Employer (ATE) of Chartered Accountants ANZ
• Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan (Full-time, permanent only).
• 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 Chartered Accountant (or equivalent) with a strong background in finance business partnering and commercial accounting. If you have over five years’ experience, proven skills in modelling, project accounting and business planning, and enjoy working in complex, capital-intensive environments, we’d love to hear from you. This role is a great fit for a motivated, relationship-driven professional who wants to make an impact while growing their career.

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

• Tertiary degree qualification in accounting.
• Chartered Accountant, member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants or equivalent qualification.
• Proven experience (5 + years) in a Finance Business Partner role. 
• Proven experience in a commercial accounting environment with practical experience in the application of activity-based costing and project accounting.
• Proven track record of developing and maintaining relationships across a broad range of sectors at a senior level.

For any questions prior, please contact Alison Kelly, Finance Business Partner Manager at[email protected].

Applications close: 16th September 2025.

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