Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer Wellington Shire Council is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a key strategic role responsible for providing contemporary financial leadership that supports strong governance, informed decision‑making, and long‑term financial sustainability for our community.

About Wellington Shire Wellington Shire Council is located in the Gippsland region of the state of Victoria, Australia and is approximately two hours east of Melbourne by road or rail. Many of us dream of a simpler lifestyle, with wide open spaces and no traffic jams. InThe Middle of Everywhere,we live that enviable lifestyle every day. In Wellington Shire you will find a wide range of beautiful environments to explore, with our pristine beaches, picturesque mountain ranges, temperate rainforests, wetlands and plenty of diverse, contrasting spaces to take your breath away. Whether it’s a stroll along the iconic Ninety Mile Beach, a canoe down the Macalister River or a bush walk through the Alpine National Park, there’s plenty to keep you busy inThe Middle of Everywhere! Home to a range of tight-knit communities, you’ll quickly find yourself right at home with the wonderful people that make these towns so special. From our lively restaurant and café culture to the very best in local produce, you’ll never be short of Sunday brunch ideas and places to try! Eat. Drink. Gippsland Guide | Visit Gippsland Visithttps://themiddleofeverywhere.com.au/to find out why the Wellington Shire is a great place to live and work.

About the Role As a member of the WSC Leadership Team, the Chief Financial Officer provides strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of financial and corporate services. The CFO plays a critical role in shaping Council’s financial direction, fostering innovation, and empowering a highly capable team to think broadly and work collaboratively—both within Council and across neighbouring municipalities.

The role has three direct reports:

Coordinator Accounting & Payroll

Coordinator Rates & Revenue

Coordinator Procurement & Fleet

Key Responsibilities

Rates and Revenue Collection Administer and coordinate Council’s property, rating and revenue collection systems and processes, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and a high level of customer service.

Accounting and Payroll Provide effective and efficient accounting and payroll services in accordance with legislative requirements and current accounting standards.

Financial Strategy and Planning Develop financial plans, budgets and long-term financial strategies that meet legislative requirements, align with Council and community objectives, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

Reporting and Compliance Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting across all finance functions, providing high-quality advice to Council, management and external bodies to support sound decision-making and risk management.

Procurement Provide leadership, advice and administration services relating to procurement, ensuring probity, equity, transparency and compliance with Council policies and procedures.

Fleet Management Oversee the provision of reliable, safe and cost-effective fleet management services for organisational and approved private use.

Stakeholder Relationships Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with internal and external auditors, Councillors, the Audit Committee, relevant government bodies, and external partners.

Risk Management Identify, assess and mitigate financial strategic and operational risks, including the oversight of internal controls and audit processes.

About You You are a values-driven finance leader with strong technical expertise and the personal energy to inspire others. You bring a contemporary mindset, are comfortable leveraging technology to improve systems and processes, and enjoy working in collaborative, evolving environments.

You Will Bring You will be a values-driven and contemporary finance leader with CA or CPA qualifications and demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing finance teams in complex organisations. You will bring strong technical expertise alongside a solid understanding of local government or the broader public sector environment. Tech-savvy and innovative in your approach, you will be comfortable leveraging systems and data to improve financial processes and support better decision-making. You will have a proven ability to build trusted, effective relationships with Councillors, executive colleagues and Audit Committees, and to work constructively with internal and external auditors. With high energy and sound judgement, you will lead in a way that empowers an experienced team to think broadly, embrace continuous improvement and explore new ways of working, including opportunities to establish shared services with neighbouring councils.

Why Join Wellington Shire Council? Wellington Shire Council offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a diverse and growing community. This role provides genuine scope to influence strategy, modernise services, and help shape a sustainable future for the region, while working with a committed leadership team and skilled professionals.

Other benefits?

Hybrid working

– up to 12 days per month WFH

Competitive salary + vehicle

(full private use)

Leave purchasing

Exciting portfolio

of upcoming major projects

Enjoy the lifestyle benefits of living in unique and beautiful region - in the ‘Middle of Everywhere’

Applications close:

Monday 9th March

For further information, contact:

Nick Kelly on 0497 476 548 or email nick@gemexecutive.com.au

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