Dungog Shire Council

Chief Financial Officer

About us

Dungog Shire Council supports a growing rural community of almost 10,000 residents in the vibrant and picturesque Hunter region of NSW. We are committed to ensuring the ongoing and consistent delivery of local services that are valued by our community and will be for generations to come.

It is anticipated that our population will grow by 1.9% per annum over the next 20 years as per the Hunter Regional Plan, higher than the state growth average. With an additional 2,400 dwellings to be provided over the term of the Hunter Regional Plan, Dungog will be the second fastest growing LGA in the Hunter Region.

Dungog is ideally located just over an hour north of Newcastle and within close proximity to a range of other regional hubs in the Hunter Valley, such as Maitland and Raymond Terrace. We have an enviable lifestyle with easy access to World Heritage listed sites, such as Barrington Tops National Park.

Your next opportunity

Following a comprehensive service review, Council has established a fit-for-purpose organisational structure designed to strengthen capability, support long-term financial sustainability, and enhance customer
experience, service integration and governance. This is an exciting opportunity
to join Dungog Shire Council in a newly created role.

We are seeking a strategic, values driven Chief Financial Officer to lead Council's financial direction, governance and performance. This position will play a critical role in driving informed decision-making, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and ensuring the responsible stewardship of public resources.

This is a pivotal leadership role at the centre of Council's planning and performance. You will align strategy with delivery, integrating the Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Long-Term Financial Plan to ensure clear, disciplined and sustainable outcomes.

You will lead a strong financial management culture grounded in accountability, transparency and continuous improvement. Working in close partnership with leaders across the organisation, you will lift financial capability, strengthen governance and position Council to deliver lasting value for the community.

For further information about the role please refer to the Position Description and Recruitment Information Pack available on our website.

Essential selection criteria include (full criteria in the Position Description):

• Degree in accounting, finance or related discipline
• Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) or equivalent certification
• Extensive experience leading a comprehensive finance function, including budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, rates, revenue and payroll
• Strong knowledge of statutory, regulatory and governance requirements relevant to local government financial management
• Demonstrated capability in integrated planning and reporting, including long-term financial planning, annual budgets and statutory financial statements

Be rewarded

This position is placed at Grade 17 of Council’s salary system. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity. The salary offered is up to $161,384 per annum plus 12% Superannuation and leaseback vehicle.

This role works a 19-day month with 1 rostered day off (RDO) every 4 weeks.

Other Council benefits:

• Extra leave between the Christmas and New Year period (additional to your annual leave)
• Flexible work arrangements
• Outstanding team environment
• Ongoing opportunities for professional development: We have annual assessments for all Council employees to put plans in place for training and career progression so that you can broaden your horizons during your time with us
• Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years rather than 10

How to apply

Thank you for your interest in working with Dungog Shire Council.

You can apply now using our simple online application form. You are able to start an application and complete it at a time that suits you by selecting the Save For Later button.

To submit your application, please follow the below steps:

1. Fill out the required personal details and online questions below
2. Attach the requested documents (e.g. resume, cover letter, qualifications, licences)
3. Review your application and select Confirm

What happens next?

You will receive an automated acknowledgement email once you have submitted your application. We will be in touch once we have reviewed your application. Please note that Council reserves the right to review applications before the close date, so we recommend you apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

Please be aware that Council is required to complete pre-employment checks on recommended candidates prior to an offer of employment. These may include: reference checks, a pre-employment medical assessment, a criminal history check and/or a psychometric assessment.

For further information, please contact: Stacie McGowan, Executive Manager Corporate & Customer Service on 0419 197 649

Applications close: Monday 8 June 2026 AEST 11:59 PM