Finance Manager

About Us

The West Daly Regional Council covers 14,000 square kilometres and is located about 300 to 420 kilometres south-west of Darwin. The area is mainly rural, with three Indigenous communities at Peppimenarti, Nganmarriyanga (Palumpa) and Wadeye which are managed by West Daly Regional Council (Council).

Council’s vision is to work together to make a difference in the community by creating places that are respectful, peaceful and safe. The mission of Council is to walk alongside culture, country and people to build a stronger community by working together, creating real opportunities and providing services and facilities that everyone can use.

Position Summary

The Finance Manager will lead and manage the Council’s financial programs, resources, and team to ensure strong financial accountability in line with the Council’s Strategic and Regional Plan. The role oversees expenditure commitments, ensures budget targets are achieved, and safeguards the financial integrity of Council.

The Finance Manager reports directly to the Director of Corporate Services and promotes a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement. The core focus of the role is developing the skills, agility, and capabilities of staff while fostering a dynamic team that supports organisational performance and community expectations.

The key duties of this role include but are not limited to:

• Preparation of monthly/quarterly financial and management reporting, council reports and submissions to Government departments
• Preparation of annual accounts for audit and annual statutory reporting
• Preparation of the Financial aspects of the Annual Budget and Regional Plan
• Lead the interim and annual audit liaising with external auditors
• Manage short-term cash flow model (12-week forecast)
• Manage the month/Quarter/Annual closing procedures
• Management and responsibility for Xero Accounting System and other in use accounting systems.
• Supervision and performance management of the finance team
• Monitor the day-to-day financial operations – Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Rates, Banking and Reconciliations
• Complete tax returns and other statutory compliance requirements
• Provide financial and analytical support to the Director Corporate Services and Council Committees
• Develop, implement, and monitor appropriate financial systems, procedures, and internal controls to support the efficient and effective operation of the finance function
• Perform ad hoc analysis pro-actively or as directed, to provide performance insights that support decision making e.g. appropriate resource allocation
• Assist Council grant management reporting (providing accurate and up to date information from Xero)
• Finance related duties that support operations including budget variance analysis, fixed asset register maintenance, and stock control reporting
• Develop strong and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders to ensure effectiveness of communications and resolution of issue
• Other duties commensurate with skills and experience as directed by the Executive Leadership Team

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Business, or minimum 5 years’ experience within local government in a financial management capacity
• Professional membership of a recognised Australian accounting body (e.g., CPA, CA, or IPA) is highly regarded, or working towards
• Proven experience in financial management, including budget preparation, general ledger reconciliations, variance analysis, journal entries, and performance reporting against budget.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to extract, interrogate, and interpret financial data to identify trends, variances, and strengthen internal controls and compliance.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and developing a finance team, including performance management, recruitment, and policy development.
• Experience in administration, governance, and policy formation.
• Advanced IT skills, particularly with corporate financial systems, Microsoft Excel, and financial reporting tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• High attention to detail, diplomacy, and demonstrated capacity to manage change in a dynamic environment.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to deliver high-quality work within agreed timeframes.
• Current National Criminal History Check.
• Current Working with Children (OCHRE) Card.
• Current Northern Territory Driver’s License
• Ability to travel regularly to remote communities by light aircraft or self-driving a 4WD, including overnight stays.

Why Join Our Growing Team?

• An attractive base salary ranging from $121,000 to $133,000 based on experience and qualifications.
• 12% Superannuation
• Relocation assistance up to $5,000 (subject to policy)
• Six weeks annual leave
• Additional NAIDOC Day public holiday
• Flexible working arrangements (subject to CEO approval)
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in remote communities
• Work/life balance in a unique and culturally rich region

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to apply for this role.

WDRC is committed to providing quality services and fostering a prosperous and sustainable future for the region. Join our team and contribute to building strong, safe, and healthy communities.

Important Information

• Only candidates with the right to work in Australia will be considered.
• Applications are assessed on a rolling basis and the suitable applicants may be interviewed as they apply.
• The position may be filled/advertisement may be closed prior to the closing date if the suitable candidate is identified.
• Our recruitment process involves several checks including, but not limited to, criminal history, as well as verification of qualifications, licences and right-to-work status.
• Applications Close: Open until filled

How to Apply:

• Click ‘Apply’ and submit your resume.
• For the full Position Description or enquiries, contact: recruitment@westdaly.nt.gov.au