Q&A with Hayley Ross, Manager Finance, Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
For Hayley Ross, a career in finance has never just been about numbers. With more than 15 years in local government, and a family history spanning three generations in the sector, Hayley has built a finance career grounded in purpose, continuous growth, and community impact.
Today, as Manager Finance at Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, she plays a key role in balancing financial responsibility with the needs of a growing community.
From starting out straight after school, to leading a finance function she helped build from the ground up, Hayley’s journey reflects what’s possible when curiosity, capability and a sense of purpose come together.
We spoke with Hayley about her career path, what makes local government finance unique, and why she believes the work she does truly matters.
Q. Can you tell us about your career journey and what first drew you into finance?
A. I’ve been working in finance pretty much straight out of high school. I started in the private industry as a debt collector at 19.
At the same time, I’ve kind of grown up in local government. My mum worked in libraries her whole career, and my grandfather was also a librarian. Between the three of us, we’ve worked out that this year marks 75 years of service in local government.
I’m quite proud of that.
I actually got into local government through volunteering. I love history and heritage, and I was volunteering at a local museum. Someone mentioned there was a job opportunity in finance at the City of Gosnells, so I applied and started there as a finance officer.
Q. What made you stay in local government and build your career there?
A. I had some really great mentors early on, and I became really interested in local government finance.
I’ve always wanted to do something with purpose, but I’m also a numbers person. Working in local government brings those two things together. If I do my job right, I’m helping the community.
I’m not there to make profit for shareholders. I’m there to help make the community better. That gives the work real meaning.
Q. You’ve progressed into a leadership role. How did that journey evolve?
A. I spent about eight years at City of Gosnells and worked my way up during that time.
About seven years ago, I came to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale. I was brought in to implement a new finance system, and I essentially built it from the ground up – the chart of accounts, the structure, everything.
It’s become a bit of my baby over the years. I’ve progressed from management accountant to now being the Manager Finance, and I take that financial stewardship quite seriously because I’ve been part of building it.
Q. Did you always have formal qualifications in accounting?
A. No, not at the start. I didn’t have any qualifications when I first entered the industry.
I completed my Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting while I was working. I studied part-time online while working and raising a newborn, which was definitely a busy time.
I was supported along the way, but the biggest thing for me was mentorship. I’ve had some incredible people invest time in developing me, and that’s something I see a lot in local government.
Q. How would you describe local government as a place to learn and grow?
A. I think one of the strengths of local government is that people are willing to teach and share knowledge. If you show interest and a willingness to learn, there are people who will support you and take you on that journey. That’s been a big part of my experience.
Q. What makes local government finance different from working in the private sector?
A. It’s the variety. Local government is like a business with 20 different businesses inside it. You need to understand everything from major infrastructure projects through to community services and events.
It’s not about making a profit from one product. It’s about balancing priorities and creating the best value for the community, within a really complex regulatory environment.
I consider myself a local government specialist as much as an accountant.
Q. What does a typical day in finance at council look like?
A. It really depends on where you are in your career. At a team level, you’ve got everything from accounts payable and receivable, rates, payroll, and transactional work, through to budgeting, reporting, and managing capital projects.
At a management level, my day is a lot of meetings, emails and supporting both my team and the executive. I spend a lot of time helping guide decisions and providing financial insights across projects.
There’s a lot going on. It’s definitely not a quiet job!
Q. What kind of projects are you involved in?
A. We’re currently working on a new sporting and recreation precinct, so we’re dealing with large-scale projects and significant investment.
That’s part of what makes the role interesting. The scale and impact of what you’re working on is real.
Q. What do you find most challenging about the role?
A. My biggest challenge is balancing competing priorities and keeping sight of all the moving parts.
As Finance Manager, I need to understand every budget, stay across regulatory changes, and keep up with evolving accounting standards, while also supporting the organisation’s day to day and strategic needs.
It requires staying organised, retaining a lot of detail, and constantly reassessing priorities.
Thankfully, I’m supported by an amazing team, which makes navigating that complexity not only possible but rewarding.
Q. How would you describe the culture at the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale?
A. It’s a very supportive and collaborative environment. We’re a growing shire, so there are challenges, but there’s also a strong sense of camaraderie. People work together and support each other.
My team is fantastic. We’re stable, we work well together, and we genuinely support each other through both the busy periods and the day-to-day work.
Q. What advice would you give to someone starting out in finance or considering local government?
A. Be curious. The best way to learn is to ask questions and get involved. It’s easy to become siloed in finance, but if you take the time to understand how everything connects, it opens up a lot more opportunities.
If something looks interesting, have a go. The worst thing you can say is “that’s not in my job description.” Also, get up and talk to people. You’ll often learn more from a conversation than you will from emails or meetings.
Interested in a career in local government finance? From entry-level roles through to leadership positions, councils offer diverse opportunities to build a career in finance while contributing to the communities around you.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step, local government offers meaningful work, real responsibility, and the chance to see the impact of your decisions.
Explore current finance opportunities and discover where a finance career in local government could take you: https://www.careersatcouncil.com.au/finance-and-accounting/
