Chief Financial Advisor - Fixed Term (2 years)

Richmond, New Zealand

Reference: 6864134

Fixed Term - 2 Years

Lead Modern Finance at Tasman District Council

Help shape how we deliver public value for our communities. Tasman District Council is accelerating a Modern Finance programme to lift financial insight, efficiency, and accountability across the organisation. We're seeking an experienced Chief Financial Advisor to champion this transformation, to provide trusted, strategic financial guidance to decision‑makers across Council.

About the role

You'll be the Group Manager's chief advisor on the finance capability transformation - driving data and digital enablement and continuous improvement across core finance processes. You will lead the business owner workstream for Modern Finance to embed modern practices that make financial information timely, accurate, and easy to use for leaders and the wider organisation. You'll translate strategy into deliverable outcomes and measurable benefits that support long‑term sustainability for Tasman.

What you'll do

  • Lead the Modern Finance programme - own the roadmap, delivery disciplines, and benefits realisation across finance processes and systems.
  • Enable people and capability - translate the problem statements and areas of concern into opportunities and focuses for transformation.

What you'll bring

  • Senior leadership experience in complex organisations (local government exposure advantageous) with a track record in finance transformation and system delivery.
  • Deep knowledge of financial strategy, governance, policy frameworks, risk and performance reporting.
  • Credibility as a partner to executives, able to simplify complexity, influence outcomes and balance long term stewardship with short-term delivery.
  • Professional accounting qualification helpful (e.g., CA/CPA or equivalent).

Our values (what we stand for)

We support our Vision - Thriving resilient Tasman / Kia manawaroa te tai o Aorere and Purpose - Delivering Public Value / Kia whai hua mā te marea through our values:
Auahatanga (Innovation), Manaakitanga (Caring/Sharing), Kawenga (Responsibility), Whanaungatanga (Relationships). You'll model these every day, embracing new ideas, acting with integrity, and building strong, collaborative relationships across Council.

Why join us

At Tasman District Council you'll find a supportive, motivated team culture and meaningful work that positively impacts our region. We offer a day off on your birthday and a benefits package where you choose what suits, plus flexible working arrangements and professional development to grow your career.

How to apply

Ready to lead a step‑change in how our Council manages and uses financial information? We'd love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience in finance transformation and system implementation.

Applications Close: 11 Mar 2026

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What to expect after you apply

Once the vacancy closes you'll be contacted within 7 days as to whether or not your application has been successful.  If you've been shortlisted for an interview, you'll be contacted by one of the People & Wellbeing team to arrange a time to come in and meet with some of the team. 

We typically only do one interview, however depending on the seniority of the role or the role itself, we sometimes require two interviews.  For mid-senior level and team leader/manager roles, you may also be required to undertake psychometric testing.

In your interview, there will be a member of the People & Wellbeing team, the Hiring Manager and either their Manager or one of the senior member's of their team.  Our interview questions are predominantly behavioural and skills-based.

Summer Student Internships

Every year we employ a number of Summer Students across the Council to work for a period of 12-16 weeks over the summer months (mid-November to February). This is a great opportunity to gain work experience in your field of study, advertising begins early July, All applications are to be submitted via our website in July.

We typically have vacancies in Engineering, Environmental Information (Hydrology, Resource Science and Biosecurity), Information Services and Regulatory (Compliance Monitoring).

If you're an Engineering student interested in a Rivers Engineering career/Summer Student position, check out this website for more information - Careers | Resilient River Communities - Careers | Resilient River Communities (resilientrivers.nz).