Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council is seeking an accomplished Chief Finance Officer (CFO) to join its Executive Leadership Team and lead Council’s financial management, budgeting and strategic financial planning.
Our Council is entering an exciting period of growth as we deliver the bold vision of our Corporate Plan 2026 to 2031. This recruitment drive reflects progress and momentum—an opportunity for experienced and emerging local government professionals to join a high performing, values driven team committed to lasting change for current and future generations. A core focus of this transformation is building local capacity and creating opportunities for local people to step into leadership and grow their careers. We are building a place based workforce, with roles based in Townsville and Palm Island, and may offer relocation assistance for exceptional candidates.
If you want your work to matter, your leadership to have impact, and your career to grow serving your community with purpose, we invite you to apply.
About the Role
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a critical strategic leadership role with whole of organisation influence. As Council’s principal financial steward, the CFO provides authoritative advice to the Chief Executive Officer, Mayor and Councillors and plays a central role in shaping Council’s strategic direction, long term financial sustainability and governance assurance.
The role is responsible for aligning financial strategy with Council’s Corporate Plan, Long Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Plans, Capital Works Program and significant grant funded activities. Beyond finance, the CFO contributes as a trusted executive partner across service delivery, infrastructure investment and organisational transformation.
This role may be based on Palm Island or in Townsville, with travel to Palm Island as required. Preference will be given to Palm Island community members, in line with merit based recruitment practices.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide high level strategic financial advice to the CEO, Mayor and Councillors on financial performance, sustainability, risk and opportunity.
* Lead Council’s long term financial planning, budget development and capital investment oversight in a complex, highly regulated local government environment.
* Ensure strong financial governance, compliance and assurance, including external audit, internal controls and statutory reporting.
* Drive integration between financial planning, asset management, workforce planning and corporate strategy.
* Provide executive oversight of significant capital works, infrastructure programs and major grant funded initiatives.
* Partner with Directors and senior leaders to strengthen commercial acumen, financial accountability and investment discipline across the organisation.
* Drive continuous improvement in financial systems and reporting capability.
* Lead, mentor and develop a high performing finance function, with a strong focus on building local capability and succession.
What We’re Looking For
You will be a seasoned executive finance leader with the credibility and judgement to operate confidently at governing body and executive level. You work with integrity, transparency and cultural respect, and you build strong relationships across teams.
* Tertiary qualifications in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Business or related discipline, or extensive equivalent experience.
* CPA or CA qualification.
* Demonstrated senior executive experience overseeing complex finance functions, within local government or a similarly regulated environment.
* Proven experience providing strategic financial advice to executive leadership teams and elected councils or boards.
* Advanced capability in long term financial planning, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls and audit management.
* Strong leadership skills with a track record of building high performing teams and developing future leaders.
* Current Queensland C Class Driver Licence.
Desirable: Experience working in remote or regional communities, experience engaging with State and Commonwealth funding bodies and Treasury oversight agencies, exposure to economic development, commercial ventures or alternative public sector revenue models, or experience overseeing capital works and grant funded programs.
Why Join Us?
* Work in a role that directly supports the future of the Palm Island community.
* Be part of a leadership team committed to excellence, cultural respect and community wellbeing.
* Support meaningful local employment and capability development.
* Enjoy a supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
Apply Now
Ready to lead with purpose? Join us and help shape a stronger financial future for the Palm Island community. Join us and create real community impact.
Submit your resume and cover letter addressing the key responsibilities. Applications close: 4 May 2026.
For more information or a copy of the Position Description, visit www.palmcouncil.qld.gov.au or contact Recruitment.