Manager Finance - Hilltops Council

About our Council
Hilltops Council brings together the towns of Young, Boorowa and Harden Murrumburrah and their surrounding villages, covering 7,142 square kilometers of some of the finest agricultural land in NSW. Just over an hour north of Canberra and around four hours from Sydney, the region is home to close to 20,000 people and offers a relaxed country lifestyle with a diverse economy and strong rural base. Council acknowledges the Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal People as the Traditional Custodians of the land and water within the Hilltops Region. With a workforce of close to 300 people, Council is guided by its values of Safety, Trust, Accountability and Respect.
The Position
Hilltops Council is seeking an experienced Manager Finance to lead its finance function and act as Council’s Principal Accounting Officer. The role is responsible for reviewing and implementing the Long-Term Financial Plan, identifying and mitigating financial risk, managing Council’s investments and finding opportunities for more efficient and effective service delivery.
Reporting to the Director Corporate and Community, the Manager Finance works closely with the Executive Team, Council and the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee, presenting financial information with confidence and explaining what changes to short and long term plans mean for operations.
You will lead a multi-disciplinary finance team covering budgeting, financial and management accounting, rating, investments, FBT and GST, and statutory reporting, including the annual financial statements, Grants Commission returns and the external audit, all supported by Council’s TechOne systems.
About You
Council is looking for a values driven finance leader who combines strong technical accounting with sound people management. You will be as comfortable leading the year end audit as you are standing in front of Council to explain the numbers in plain language, and you will build a capable, engaged team around you.
Degree in Accountancy and at least five years’ local government accounting experience, including preparation of financial statements
Membership of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand or an equivalent professional body, or the ability to obtain it
Sound knowledge of the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting, Australian Accounting Standards and relevant legislation
Expert knowledge of budgeting, rating, funding mechanisms, capital management, asset valuation, financial modelling and management reporting
Proven experience leading and developing teams across a range of finance services
A track record of building strong relationships with government agencies, industry and the community
Current Class C driver’s licence
What's on offer?
Salary package to be negotiated based on skills and experience with a range of $149K to 165K
This is a full time, permanent position with benefits including:
Nine day fortnight (70 hours)
Superannuation @ 12%
Access to a leaseback Motor Vehicle
Flexible relocation budget
Professional development support
A relaxed country lifestyle within easy reach of Canberra
This is a chance to take ownership of the finances of a growing regional council at an important time, shaping a Long-Term Financial Plan that keeps a $950 million asset base and more than 2,500 kilometers of local roads sustainable for the community. If you want a role where your advice is valued and your work is visible every day, we would love to hear from you.
For more information and to apply, please contact LG Services Group
Steven Pinnuck, Senior Executive Advisor | 0429 310 205 | steven.pinnuck@lgsg.au
Applications close 9am Monday 23 November 2026

Skills
Accounting

Experience
5+ yrs

Work arrangement
No