Senior Finance Officer - Directorate Budgets

The Opportunity

Lithgow City Council has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Finance Officer - Directorate Budgets to join their team in Lithgow, NSW.

Reporting to the Financial Services Manager, you will be responsible for assisting and liaising with the Directors and budget Managers by providing advice and support on financial issues pertaining to their department. The position holder will assist to deliver financial management plans for Directorates that respond to the strategic directions of the Council. Central to the role is the implementation of strong financial and budget management controls throughout the Directorates operations; to provide accounting support to the Directorates; and to make recommendations to the Financial Services Manager on continuous improvement of controls, systems and processes.

More specifically, your duties will include (but will not be limited to):

• Coordinate Directorate budgets - operating, capital and other projects
• Coordinate Directorate monthly budget reviews and preparation of budget reports
• Provide technical advice on contemporary funding and budgeting issues
• Work collaboratively with directors and budget/project managers to ensure efficient and effective financial management
• Provide direction and support to Directors and budget managers in terms of strategic financial management and performance within their program areas
• Develop and update asset management plans in collaboration with Directors and Managers
• Provide assistance and training in budgeting, budget management, reporting and financial matters to ensure Directors and budget managers are upskilled and competent in these areas
• Provide Directors and managers with advice, guidance and direction on technical and legislative matters relating to budgeting, financial planning and management accounting
• Comply with Councils Code of Conduct, Professional Standards and Statutory requirements, ensuring proper and ethical behaviour at all times.
• Assist in the acquittal and management of grants and returns
• Prepare reports for Council and Council committees as required

For more detail about the specific duties and responsibilities of the position, please CLICK HERE for the complete Position Description.

About you

The successful candidate will meet the following criteria:

• Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Business or Finance
• Class C Drivers Licence
• Demonstrated experience in developing Departmental and project budgets
• Demonstrated experience in budget reporting and budget reviews
• Demonstrated experience in delivering financial training to non-accountants
• Ability to work within a team environment that provides financial services across a multifunctional organisation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated experience in the use of a computerised accounting system and other PC based systems and applications
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of honesty and integrity
• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of Work Health and Safety

In addition, an ideal candidate would have:

• Demonstrated experience in the preparation of annual financial statements
• Experience of working in a local government environment
• Knowledge of Local Government legislation relevant to the position
• Three years relevant experience in Finance or Accounting

Salary and Benefits

If you are looking for a change of lifestyle, a new adventure, or to take the next step in your career, this is the role for you.

• Between $1,835.44 and $2,039.77 per week, commensurate with your skills, qualifications and experience. Additional remuneration may be available for an exceptional candidate.
• Permanent, Full-time, 35 hours per week,
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Flexible working environment
• Work/Life balance with a rostered day off every fortnight
• Access to Council's Fitness Passport Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 4pm AEST.

Please note: To be considered for this position, candidates must address all selection criteria. Those who do not address the selection criteria with examples will not be considered.

Applications generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) may not be progressed in the recruitment process.

Preferred applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical, which includes a drug and alcohol screening and functional assessment. Preferred applicants may be subject to reference checks, driving history checks, qualification checks, a NSW Police Check, a Working with Children check and confirmation of your Right to Work in Australia.

You must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or a permanent resident or have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Lithgow City Council

The Lithgow local government area is located on the western edge of the majestic Blue Mountains. The area totals 4,567 square kilometres from the Capertee and Wolgan Valleys in the north, Little Hartley in the east, Tarana in the south and Meadow Flat in the west.

The major urban centre of Lithgow nestles in a valley of that name, overlooked by the sandstone escarpments of the Blue Mountains. In the addition to the major urban centre of Lithgow, the Lithgow local government area has 12 villages with mining or farming backgrounds. These smaller centres have proven to be a attractive rural residential areas which, along with the broader rural areas offer a truly unique lifestyle that harmonises its urban, industrial and rural qualities.

Council is focused on delivering quality services as a Centre of Regional Excellence that encourages community growth and development, and contributes to the efficient and effective management of the environment, community and economy for present and future generations.

The guiding principles of integrity, resilience, respect and accountability define how Lithgow City Council strengthen its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. For further details on Council's values, please visit https://council.lithgow.com