The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and the principal financial steward of Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council. The CFO is responsible for strategic financial leadership, long term financial sustainability, governance assurance and commercial rigour across the organisation. The role provides authoritative advice to the CEO, Mayor and Councillors on financial strategy, risk, investment, asset sustainability and intergenerational equity.
The CFO leads Council's financial management framework, ensuring strong alignment between the Corporate Plan, Long Term Financial Plan, asset management planning, capital investment and grant funding, while maintaining the highest standards of probity, transparency and compliance.
As a trusted executive advisor, the CFO contributes to whole‐of‐organisation strategy, supports informed policy and investment decisions, and plays a critical role in advancing economic self‐determination and capability‐building for the Palm Island community.
Key responsibilities
Act as Council's principal financial advisor, providing high‐level strategic advice to the CEO, Mayor and Councillors on financial performance, sustainability, risk and chance
Lead the development, implementation and continuous refinement of Council's Long‐Term Financial Plan, ensuring financial resilience, liquidity, asset sustainability and responsible debt management
Exercise final executive accountability for the integrity, quality and independence of all financial advice provided to the CEO, Mayor and Councillors
Provide authoritative certification on the financial sustainability, affordability and long‐term impacts of Council decisions, policies,



capital programs and service delivery models
Lead executive‐level financial risk assessment to support intergenerational equity, ensuring current decisions do not compromise future community outcomes
Lead Council's annual budget process across operational, capital and grant‐funded programs, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and financial capacity
Serve as Council's executive authority on capital investment prioritisation, ensuring all major projects are financially viable, risk‐assessed and deliver demonstrable value for money
Serve as executive owner of Council's financial governance framework, including delegations, financial policies, internal controls and assurance mechanisms
Ensure full compliance with the Local Government Act ****, accounting standards, grant conditions and external reporting obligations
Lead and develop a high‐performing finance function with clear professional standards and development pathways
About you
Relevant tertiary qualifications in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Business or a related discipline, or extensive equivalent experience
CPA or CA qualification
Demonstrated senior executive‐level experience leading finance functions within local government or a highly regulated, complex organisation
Proven ability to provide strategic financial advice to executive leadership and governing bodies,



including elected councils or boards
Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, audit processes and long‐term financial planning
Proven ability to lead and develop high‐performing teams, including mentoring and succession planning
High‐level analytical, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Current Queensland "C" Class Driver's Licence
Experience working in regional or remote communities (desirable)
Experience interfacing with State agencies, funding departments and Treasury oversight bodies (desirable)
About us
Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council serves the Manbarra and Bwgcolman peoples through community centred leadership, cultural respect, and a commitment to safety and excellence. Everything we do is focused on supporting our community to build a strong, vibrant local economy that sustains our people now and for future generations.
We're building a place based workforce to deliver our Corporate Plan *********, expanding opportunities for Palm Island people and other professionals who want their work to have impact.
Your application will include the following questions:
Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
How many years' experience do you have as a chief financial officer?
How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
Have you completed a certified practising accountant (CPA) qualification?
Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?
What can I earn as a Chief Financial Officer
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Chief Financial Officer (Cfo) (Bendigo)
🏢 Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council
📍 Bendigo