Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Live, work and play in Aotearoa, New Zealand's most spectacular setting.

No two days at Queenstown Lakes District Council are the same. Every day we provide services, facilities and programmes essential to the health and wellbeing of our people and environment, while stepping up to the challenges and opportunities that come with being New Zealand's fastest growing territorial authority.

We're proud to be QLDC. Our people are motivated by a shared purpose driven by care, connection and community. All our roles are at the heart of a dynamic and diverse set of communities where you will be making a genuine difference every day. Join us.

We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join our finance team in a senior leadership capacity, providing key support and acting as a strategic backup to our Finance Director. You'll have the chance to lead & influence people, enhance financial capability across QLDC, and leverage our new financial tools to drive greater financial literacy across the organisation. This is a role where you can make a meaningful impact and help shape the future of QLDC's financial strategy.

What you'll be doing / He aha te mahi

The Financial Controller is a senior member of the Finance team and is charged with the overall responsibility for the leadership and coordination of the Financial Reporting and Systems team.

The role will involve:

• 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 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.

What you'll bring to the role
/
Ko wai tō Pukeka

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 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 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 highly desirable.

What we offer / Ko ā mātou whakaratoka

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

• 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.

This role offers numerous opportunities for growth and development, and we're open to shaping it with the right candidate. While our preference is for a full-time appointment, we welcome conversations about flexible arrangements, including fixed-term options.

To apply, please follow the link.

For any questions prior, please contact Jessica Miller Talent Acquisition Partner at

Applications close: 17th December 2025.

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