About the City of Onkaparinga...
The City of Onkaparinga is South Australia's largest metropolitan council, serving more than 180,000 residents across a region defined by its diversity, growth and natural beauty. From coastal communities and thriving urban centres to world-renowned vineyards and national parks, the region offers a rich lifestyle and strong local identity.
The council is a progressive, community-focused organisation committed to innovation, service excellence and long-term sustainability. As a large and complex organisation, it is driving strategic transformation in the way it delivers services, manages assets and supports community outcomes.
As an employer, the City of Onkaparinga fosters a high-performing, people-centred workplace culture. It's a team that values collaboration, professionalism, and accountability-and one that invests in leadership, systems and culture to support its people and purpose.
About the role...
The Manager Financial Services is a key leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of Council's financial services, covering financial planning and analysis, accounting, procurement and revenue operations. Reporting to the Director Corporate, this role leads a team of approximately 35 staff, including four Team Leaders and one Executive Assistant as direct reports. It plays a vital role in shaping Council's financial strategy, developing team capability, and supporting informed, transparent, and sustainable decision-making.
This is more than a technical role, it is a high-trust leadership position requiring a strong people leader who can create a vision, influence across levels, and navigate complexity with emotional intelligence and political acumen. You will work closely with the Directors Group and Elected Members, providing expert advice, building relationships and trust, and guiding others through change. The role requires maturity, presence and the ability to meet people where they are, bringing a sense of calm, clarity and strategic direction to financial conversations.
What you will do…
- Lead a multidisciplinary Financial Services team responsible for budgeting, financial performance, analysis, accounting, revenue, procurement and financial systems
- Drive the development of Council's Long-Term Financial Plan, annual budgeting processes, and financial modelling aligned with strategic goals
- Partner with Elected Members to provide timely, clear and contextualised financial advice, building trust and supporting informed decision-making
- Oversee financial governance, compliance and internal controls, ensuring accuracy, accountability and alignment with standards and legislation
- Guide the preparation and presentation of financial reports, briefings and business cases to Directors and Council
- Provide mentorship and leadership to Team Leaders and broader staff, supporting capability development, succession planning and a strong team culture
- Build strong internal and external relationships, including with auditors, regulators and government partners
- Foster continuous improvement in financial operations, systems and service delivery, embedding a proactive, solution-focused approach
- Champion a customer-oriented mindset, enabling other parts of the organisation to plan and deliver services effectively through sound financial advice
What they are looking for…
- Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Finance or a related field
- Full professional membership of CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA)
- Proven experience leading finance functions within a large, complex organisation, preferably in local government or a similarly regulated environment
- Strong leadership capability with a track record of building high-performing teams, driving cultural change and supporting people through complexity
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Elected Members, executives and senior leaders, translating complex financial concepts into clear, strategic advice
- High-level political and interpersonal acumen, with the ability to build trust, navigate ambiguity and influence outcomes across multiple stakeholder groups
- Deep understanding of financial strategy, planning, compliance and systems
- Experience overseeing procurement and revenue functions, and leading continuous improvement in financial operations
- Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement and presentation skills
- A calm, collaborative and emotionally intelligent leadership style, with a strong sense of accountability and integrity
Why this role...
This is a unique opportunity to lead financial strategy and services at the heart of South Australia's fastest-growing metropolitan council. You'll work closely with decision-makers at every level, from graduates to Elected Members, and play a pivotal role in strengthening financial capability, trust and transparency across the organisation.
The position offers both strategic influence and operational scope, with a stable, skilled team and strong foundations to build on. For a people-focused financial leader who thrives in energetic, relationship-driven environments, this role offers challenge, purpose and real opportunity to make a lasting impact.
More information…
To obtain a copy of the Candidate Information Pack and to apply, please visit mcarthur.com.au and search reference number J8315.
Applications close 9am, Monday 27th November.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Tamara Chambers on (08) 8100 7000.
📌 Manager Financial Services
🏢 Mcarthur
📍 Adelaide