Finance Manager

• Lead the financial operations of a dynamic Indigenous community
• Cairns-based role with occasional travel to beautiful Aurukun
• Make a tangible impact on community growth and sustainability
• $120K - $130K + Super + Vehicle + Relocation Assistance

Play a crucial role in a community-focused organisation, driving financial excellence and contributing to meaningful change. Be part of a team dedicated to community advancement and well-being.

Closing Date: Monday 8^th July 2024 at 10PM | Based in Cairns Support Office QLD

About the Region

The community of Aurukun is located on the north-west coast of the Cape York Peninsula, 178km south of the mining town Weipa and 811km (11hrs) from Cairns. Nearly the entire population live within the township.

The shire has an area of 7500sq. km and is bounded by the Holroyd River and Pormpuraaw Deed of Grant in Trust lands to the south, Cook shire and Archer Bend National Park to the east, the Gulf of Carpentaria to the west and Cook shire to the north. It has about 107 km of Gulf of Carpentaria coastline.

Situated in the heart of an Indigenous community, Aurukun is one of the larger communities in the Cape with a population of approximately 1400. Most residents are Traditional owners of the shire and surrounding lands. There are 5 spiritual clan groups: Apalech, Winchanam, Wanam, Chara and Puutch. There are 15 outstations that are occupied during the dry season, one feature in common with many other Indigenous communities is a very stable (immobile) population. Many Aurukun residents have little opportunity to move away from the area – many lack recognised education or training and to do so would also deprive them of their family and clan supports.

About Council 

The Aurukun Shire Council lies at the heart of a dynamic Indigenous community, playing an instrumental role in delivering vital services such as health, education, police, and welfare. Beyond these, the Council manages the local airport, banking, and postal operations, daycare, aged care, while also overseeing road and housing development and maintenance. With robust support from both State and Federal governments, we are staunchly committed to community growth, sustainability, and well-being.

Our overarching vision is to foster community development, champion well-being, and position Aurukun as a hub of opportunity and advancement. In line with this, we are collaborating with various government stakeholders, including Ministerial and Government Champions, to roll out a forward-thinking 4-point plan for Aurukun's future.

• Community safety

• Access to education

• Strengthening community

• Jobs and economic development

The Role      

As the Finance Manager, you will serve as the cornerstone of the Council’s financial operations. Your responsibilities will encompass long-term financial planning, annual budgeting, and the preparation of comprehensive financial reports. You will lead a dedicated team of six professionals, including a Financial Accountant, Accounts Payable and Receivable staff, Purchasing, Payroll, and IT Officer. Your primary base will be the Cairns Support Office, with occasional travel to Aurukun approximately 5-6 times a year.

In this role, you will ensure compliance with all legislative requirements and accounting standards, safeguarding the financial integrity of the Council. You will develop and implement policies that promote sustainable financial health and future prosperity. Additionally, you will oversee the smooth operations of the Cairns office, fostering effective and positive relationships with the Aurukun team.

For a full candidate briefing document with details about the region and the role, please click HERE

The Person

We are seeking a financial expert with strong leadership skills and a commitment to making a positive impact. You should be a strategic thinker with a minimum of three years of experience in financial management, preferably within Local Government or the public sector. You hold a degree in Accounting and are a CPA/CA or currently working towards this qualification. Your excellent communication skills enable you to lead teams effectively and achieve operational excellence.

You excel in financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, and you thrive in a dynamic environment. Your understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, coupled with your ability to communicate effectively and sensitively, distinguishes you from others. You are both independent and a team player, capable of navigating the unique challenges of working in a remote Indigenous community. You will also be flexible with travelling a week at a time to work from the Aurukun Office throughout the term and as required.  

You are proficient with Synergy Soft and possess advanced Excel skills. Holding a C Class Drivers Licence and able to pass a criminal check, you are ready to embrace a role that offers both stability and the opportunity for adventure.

Why this Role

A chance to make a real change that could benefit the lives of others. Aurukun is a remote community where your contributions can have a lasting impact. The role offers a great sense of purpose, supporting the community and staff in the region. With an office in Cairns and travel to Aurukun, this position provides an excellent balance of stability and challenge.

Benefits include:

• 5 weeks annual leave.
• 3 weeks personal leave from commencement.
• Vehicle provided.
• Relocation assistance of up to $2.5k for singles and $4k for families.
• Detailed handover from the current acting Financial Accountant.
• Breathtaking fishing spots when in Aurukun and an amazing team environment.

PEAK Services is working in conjunction with Aurukun Shire Council, exclusively on this position. We offer local government expertise across a wide range of professional fields, providing tailored solutions for councils and other similar organisations. We work with our clients to deliver meaningful outcomes in recruitment and contracting services. 

How to Apply

You will be required to answer a few questions that relate to the criteria on the online application below.  Please note that you cannot submit your application without attaching your resume.  A cover letter is not mandatory, but may be added if so desired. When uploading your Resume or documents please ensure file names should only include 'A-z', '0-9', '.' and '-' characters.

Applications will close on Monday 8th July 2024 at 10pm

PLEASE NOTE: Once you have commenced your application you cannot save and continue at a later stage. 

For a confidential conversation, please call Cole Berman on 0428 642 119 at Peak Services Recruitment.