Finance Manager/Financial Accountant (12-month Parental Leave Cover)

The Role

As the Financial Manager/Financial Accountant, you will coordinate the financial reporting and accounting operations for TDC. You will be responsible for building and maintaining a robust control environment, which ensures the efficient, timely and accurate reporting of transactions and financial results.

You will be a self-motivated leader who is responsive and can manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines. You will drive continuous improvement across the business, whilst ensuring all compliance requirements are met. You will have the opportunity to add further value through implementing process improvements and identifying opportunities to increase efficiencies within the department. You will be supported by a very capable and enthusiastic team.

Specifically, you will (but not limited to):

• Oversee daily operations of the finance and accounting department
• Direct and manage financial planning and budget management functions
• Monitor and analyse monthly operating results against budget
• Manage the preparation of all financial reports and forecasts
• Prepare financial analysis for contract negotiations and investment decisions
• In conjunction with the CFO, manage the investment strategy and investment portfolio of the organisation
• Assist in establishing short - and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures
• Design, establish, and maintain an organisational structure to effectively accomplish goals and objectives
• Coordinate financial audits and provide recommendations for improvements
• Liaise with Council and Senior Leadership Team to drive process improvement and wider objectives
• Ad hoc tasks as required.

Requirements

CA/CPA qualified, you will be a high-energy and commercially focused individual who is committed to making a difference and driving improved outcomes for the organisation you work for. You will have strong accounting technical skills and experience in a government or a large/complex service-oriented businesses, coupled with a flair for the commercial workings of an organisation and a presence that will represent across the business.

As a team leader, you will be both a manager and mentor, enjoy staff management, be a leader of systems implementation or upgrades, change management and deliver continual process improvements in decision-making capability to improve business outcomes. Your strong knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting and cost control principles, including IFRS and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, will ensure your success in the role. Most importantly, you will be passionate about contributing to the day-to-day running of a fantastic community-focused organisation that truly makes a difference.

This role is a 12-month fixed-term appointment to cover parental leave and is offered on a full-time basis (40 hours per week). Check out a copy of the position description here. For further information please email us at jobs@timdc.govt.nz.

You must have the right to live and work in this location to apply for this job. Applications close at 5:00pm, 14th September 2025; however, we may appoint before the closing date if we find suitable applicants during the recruitment process! So if you are interested get your application in quick. Applications can be registered through our career’s website www.timaru.govt.nz/jobs.

The District

Timaru District is a thriving and innovative community. It is the central hub for the South Island, servicing a large agricultural heartland, with a growing economy that provides the import and export gateway for primary sectors. We boast a Top 10 most loved beach in New Zealand and have access to mountains, rivers and lakes, making Timaru an ideal destination for recreational, sporting and cultural pursuits.

Let’s not forget about that 7 minute commute to work!

The Organisation

The Timaru District Council aims to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of communities, to promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of its communities in the present and for the future. With around 400 staff, there are a diverse range of roles from front facing community to support and technical specialists.

www.vtdevelopment.co.nz celebrates all the things we love about living in Timaru, from our affordable houses, to our easy commute, fantastic lifestyle and our successes. Come and join the story!