Financial Services Manager
At Wollongong City Council, we continuously strive to create an Extraordinary Wollongong. We focus on the delivery of exceptional services, infrastructure and facilities for our community.
Wollongong is a great place to work, live and play! Together, our responsibility is to create an inclusive community where everyone is welcome, valued and belongs. Our strength is the diversity of our people.
We lead with courage, openness and curiosity and believe our employees are the key to our success. Learn more about us here.
The Opportunity
This is your chance take the next step in financial leadership where your expertise genuinely shapes outcomes for a large organisation and a substantial community.
As Financial Services Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring high quality financial reporting, governance and advice that supports sustainable decision making across Council. This is a permanent opportunity, reflecting Council's commitment to building long‑term capability, strong succession planning and future‑ready financial leadership.
You will manage a team of 10 responsible for core financial accounting, statutory reporting, taxation, investments, asset accounting and transactional services. The team works closely with senior leaders, operational managers, auditors and external stakeholders to provide clear, trusted financial insights that underpin organisational performance.
You will be part of the Finance Leadership Group and report directly to the Chief Financial Officer. You will be part of a collaborative cohort of managers, where coaching, shared problem ‑ solving and leadership development are valued. We are looking for someone who enjoys leading through influence, building capability in others, and creating clarity in complex environments. You will be supported in the role and trusted to make a meaningful contribution as you grow the maturity and confidence of the leaders and systems around you.
This is a permanent full-time position. Salary from $145,341 up to $187,202 per annum plus 12% superannuation and an option of a motor vehicle equalisation allowance ($10,779.60 pa) OR a lease for private use of a motor vehicle (Salary package will be assessed based on skills, experience and qualifications).
What you will be doing OR How you'll make a
You will be responsible for leading and continuing to strengthen the Financial Services function, ensuring Council meets its statutory obligations while continually improving systems, processes and financial controls. You will provide clear advice that helps leaders across the organisation make informed and sustainable decisions.
Key focus areas in your first 12 months are likely to include:
- Continuing to manage strong financial governance and control environments across Council
- Preparing for end of year financial reporting and early close requirements.
- Providing leadership and direction to a team with experienced and new talent, balancing operational delivery with capability uplift
- Working with Infrastructure Strategy & Planning Division and others in implementing Asset Management improvement plans
- Leading relationships with external auditors and regulatory stakeholders
- Continuing to progress system, process and reporting improvements that support efficiency and transparency
- Contributing to succession planning and leadership development within the Finance function
You will also play a hands‑on role in managing complex financial matters, guiding the organisation through change and ensuring Council's financial practices remain compliant, contemporary and resilient.
About you
You bring a calm, assured presence to environments where complexity, accountability and competing priorities are part of everyday work. You're someone who can quickly make sense of detailed financial information, understand the broader organisational context, and provide clear, practical guidance that helps others move forward with confidence.
You have substantial experience leading financial services or accounting functions in complex organisations, where accuracy, judgement and integrity really matter. You're comfortable balancing multiple priorities at once, overseeing statutory reporting, governance obligations, stakeholder advice and team leadership while keeping a steady focus on quality and timeliness.
Your leadership style is thoughtful and people‑centred. You enjoy building capability in others and supporting managers and team members at different stages of their development. You know when to step in, when to coach, and when to create space for others to grow. Even under pressure, you bring clarity, structure and reassurance.
You communicate with confidence and care, whether you're working through technical accounting matters, partnering with senior leaders, or translating complex financial concepts into clear, accessible advice. You value strong relationships and see collaboration as essential to delivering sustainable outcomes for the organisation and the community.
You bring deep grounding in financial reporting, governance, compliance and risk, with experience navigating legislative and accounting frameworks relevant to local government or similarly regulated environments. You're curious by nature and motivated to continuously improve systems, processes and controls always with an eye on future readiness and long‑term capability.
You are CPA or CA qualified with at C driver's licence, enabling you to operate effectively across Council sites and in the community as required.
Most importantly, you lead with integrity. You take pride in being someone others can rely on whether that's your team seeking direction, leaders seeking trusted financial insight, or the organisation relying on sound judgement to support responsible decision‑making. You're looking for a permanent leadership role where you can invest, contribute and make a lasting impact over time.
Why you'll love working at Wollongong City Council!
- True work-life balance
We know you work hard, and we make sure that effort is rewarded with real flexibility. Our hybrid work options, flex-time, and rostered days off mean you can maintain balance while delivering great outcomes. - Great working conditions
Enjoy a 35-hour work week or a 9-day fortnight with a regular rostered day off (RDO). - Career growth and recognition
We are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. Our initiatives include a reward and recognition program, corporate learning opportunities, study assistance, and leadership development programs to help you grow and succeed.
- Generous leave provisions
Benefit from five weeks of annual leave per year (pro rata) and access long service leave after just five years. - Health, safety, and wellbeing
We prioritise a safe workplace for everyone, every day, everywhere. Our wellbeing programs support mental, physical and social wellbeing of our people to be at their best and include an Employee Assistance Program, skin and hearing checks, vaccinations, and discounted gym memberships. - A vibrant social culture
Join our Social Club for monthly activities, an annual trivia night, and fantastic Christmas events!
Participate and engage in meaningful work, and contribute to our extraordinary community, where together we make a difference.
For more information, click on 'Apply' to be redirected to Wollongong City Council's job vacancy page.
Applications close11:59 pm on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
We invite everyone to apply no matter your identity, you'll be welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), people with disability and veterans.
Wollongong Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people in the community.
Applicants are required to undergo a rigorous employment screening process which will include Reference, Identity and Medical History Checks, and may also include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.