Finance and Corporate Performance Manager

• Be a part of a growth opportunity
• Support council through large scale economic & infrastructure transformation
• Idyllic Location

Light Regional Council is at the centre of one of South Australia's most significant growth opportunities. Home to approximately 17,000 residents today, the region is forecast to grow to more than 27,000 residents in coming years and over 100,000 residents in the decades ahead, driven by the emergence of Roseworthy as a major satellite city for Greater Adelaide. This growth will be supported by significant residential, commercial, infrastructure and community investment, creating a rare opportunity for a finance leader to help shape the future of an entire region.

Light Regional Council is seeking an experienced and commercially astute finance leader to join its Executive leadership team as Finance and Corporate Performance Manager.

The role

Reporting to the General Manager Business and Finance, this pivotal leadership role is responsible for the strategic and operational management of Council's finance function, ensuring strong financial governance, compliance, performance reporting and long-term financial sustainability.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading Council's financial management, accounting and treasury functions.
• Preparing and overseeing annual budgets, long-term financial plans and statutory financial statements.
• Driving financial systems improvements, digital transformation initiatives and process efficiencies.
• Building capability within the finance team through coaching, mentoring and leadership.
• Managing investment portfolios, cashflow and treasury activities.
• Overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable and rating functions.
• Supporting organisational risk management and internal control frameworks.

About you

You are a strategic finance professional with the ability to balance technical excellence with strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Significant experience in senior financial roles including leading a team of finance professionals.
• Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, forecasting and reporting in highly regulated environments.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capability.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience leading business improvement, systems implementation or change initiatives.
• Degree qualifications in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline and eligibility for membership of a recognised professional accounting body.

Local government experience will be highly regarded, although we welcome applications from finance leaders who have successfully operated within growth environments, including local government, infrastructure, utilities, development, property, government and other complex organisations.

About the opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of a Council at the centre of South Australia's growth agenda. From major housing developments and new town centres through to strategic infrastructure, economic development and community investment, few finance leadership roles offer the opportunity to help guide a region through this scale of transformation. This is a chance to influence the long-term financial sustainability, infrastructure investment and service delivery model of a Council that will look fundamentally different in 20 years' time.

Light Regional Council offers a unique combination of professional challenge and lifestyle. Located within Light Country and encompassing almost half of the renowned Barossa wine region, the area provides a highly desirable blend of rural charm, community connection, food and wine experiences, and easy access to Adelaide. Candidates seeking meaningful work, career growth and an exceptional quality of life will find a rare opportunity in Light.

If you are energised by growth, transformation, strategic financial leadership and helping organisations prepare for the future, this role offers the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

For More information

To obtain a copy of the Candidate Information Pack and to apply, please visit mcarthur.com.au and quote reference number J9635.

Or for a confidential discussion please contact Teresa Nilsson on 08 8100 7000.

Applications close 4:00pm Friday 31st July 2026.