Finance Business Partner

Bring finance and operations together, supporting City Operations with practical advice, strong relationships and insights that drive better decisions.

• Build trusted relationships where your advice makes a difference
• Bring a curious mind and the confidence to ask the right questions
• Join a progressive council delivering meaningful community outcomes

About the Company
City of Charles Sturt is one of South Australia’s largest metropolitan councils, serving a diverse and growing community across Adelaide’s western suburbs. They play an important role in shaping the liveability, sustainability and economic future of the region through strong governance, strategic investment and community focused services.

They are committed to continuous improvement and are evolving how they operate to support long term outcomes for their community. This includes strengthening financial business partnering and building contemporary systems and practices that support informed decisions and effective service delivery.

Role Overview
Reporting to the Business Partner and Strategy Lead, this permanent, full-time level 7 role provides proactive financial advice and support to Council’s City Operations division.
You will work closely with operational managers, spending time on site to understand the team, their work and priorities. Building these relationships will help you provide relevant financial insights, support planning and become a trusted partner in day-to-day decision making.
The role combines budgeting, forecasting, month-end reporting and analysis with the opportunity to help managers understand the financial impact of their activities. You will explain the drivers behind results, identify emerging issues and work with stakeholders to turn insights into practical actions. You will also contribute to improvements in financial reporting, processes and systems, helping the team deliver accurate, timely and useful information across a varied operational portfolio.

About the Person
City of Charles Sturt are seeking a finance professional who combines sound technical knowledge with curiosity, initiative and a strong interest in understanding the business.
You enjoy working alongside operational teams, asking questions and getting across the details so your advice reflects what is happening on the ground. Approachable and responsive, you build credibility by following through and helping people work through financial challenges.
You can explain financial information clearly, adapt your approach to different stakeholders and support managers to take ownership of their budgets. You also bring the confidence to question assumptions, offer a different perspective and have constructive conversations while maintaining strong relationships.
Your experience includes management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and reporting, supported by sound accounting judgement. You are comfortable with month-end responsibilities and interested in finding better ways to work.
Experience within local government will be well regarded but is not essential. Candidates who have supported operational teams within other complex or service-focused organisations are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Build effective relationships with managers and provide responsive financial advice
• Support budget development, forecasting and financial planning across assigned portfolios
• Prepare accurate month-end reporting, variance analysis and clear commentary
• Identify financial drivers, emerging issues and opportunities to support decision making
• Provide financial analysis for business cases, projects and operational initiatives
• Strengthen managers’ financial understanding, accountability and budget ownership
• Complete reconciliations and apply relevant accounting standards and controls
• Contribute to improvements in financial processes, reporting and systems

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Experience in management accounting and financial business partnering
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, reporting and analytical capability
• Sound understanding of accounting principles, including fixed assets and capitalisation
• Ability to translate financial information into practical advice
• Strong communication skills and confidence to influence operational stakeholders
• Initiative, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Experience using finance systems and reporting tools, with TechnologyOne highly regarded
• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline
• CPA or CA qualification essential
• Current driver’s licence

Culture of the business:
The City of Charles Sturt’s organisational values are passionate, progressive, caring and courageous. You will join a collaborative team that values strong relationships, shared knowledge and practical ideas. This is an opportunity to contribute to a progressive council and support the people delivering services for their community.

For more information, please contact Joanne Murtagh 0489 279 011
Please note – all applicant resumes must be submitted in Word format only.