Finance Officer

Shape your future. Serve your community. Belong to something bigger.

Since the 2022 natural disaster events, the Council has continued to showcase our collective strength in partnership with the community, leading the recovery efforts. Our journey has taken us far; today, Lismore is starting to thrive again. Our vision is powered by a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of services we offer to our community. Today, Lismore is flourishing, and it's the perfect time for those who live, work, and play here to embrace and celebrate everything that makes Lismore so unique. 

Our Flood Restoration Portfolio (FRP) is the principal delivery agency for restoring the Council’s and Community assets. Over the coming months, the team will grow exponentially, offering exciting opportunities for personal and professional development as we deliver many rebuild and transformation projects for our community.

Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary?

This position is part of a multi-skilled team and requires flexibility and agility. From time to time, this role may be required to support more than one department as needed and provide support across the organisation as directed. The role also includes tasks associated with the downloading and collating of various work orders, tasks, and transaction listings for reporting purposes. The role also includes supporting the Finance Officer with functions such as downloading and collating various reports, reviewing transactions, and providing ad-hoc support as needed.

What we can offer you

• New projects ready to go, valued at $1bil+ in funding, landmark Lismore LGA projects -

• Career-enhancing/changing opportunity, progressive team to be a part of.  

• A varied and exciting role for a responsible, organised person.  

What we trust you to deliver 

• Provide effective financial management and oversight, exercising sound financial judgment within the scope of applicable accounting standards, disaster recovery arrangements, and Local and State Government regulatory environments.

• Prepare and maintain project documentation for disaster recovery reporting, monitoring, and evaluation.

• Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure awareness of relevant priorities and issues.

• Developing, maintaining, and managing effective and productive relationships with various stakeholders to provide support and advice proactively.

• Collaborating effectively with Finance and Procurement executives and their teams to obtain information, support portfolio priorities, and solve problems.

• Capability in using a range of applications and technology for complete and accurate record management, regularly monitor and review records and information management to ensure that it is performed, accountable, and meets business needs, standards, and best practices.

• Actively participate in reviewing and maintaining procedures and processes to deliver continuous improvement projects.

• Manage a diverse range of matters in an environment of conflicting priorities, including negotiating timeframes.

 What you'll need to be successful

• Diploma/ Degree/ Professional qualifications in Accounting/Finance preferred or demonstrated equivalent experience.

• Knowledge of local government software systems, specifically Authority and Content Manager (preferred; however, training is provided), is an advantage. A core fundamental finance background in project management, construction, or a Local Government environment is also beneficial.

• Strong understanding and compliance with funding model finance guidelines and accounting standards.

• Ability to coordinate and drive approvals of claims assessments and assist with the preparation of management and financial reports. 

• Assist with project costing reviews, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis & cash flow projections.

• Ad-hoc accounting tasks and special finance projects; support the finance team as required.

• Assist in establishing system controls for financial systems and develop procedures to improve existing systems—value-added analytical support to the business.

• Actively support & contribute to quality management process & procedures.

• Prior oversight of risk and compliance/legal would be advantageous.

• Proactive self-starter, continually looking to enhance and optimise finance and the broader business.

• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring the accuracy of financial control and reporting.

• A high level of discretion, accountability, and professionalism

• Excellent communication skills (both written, verbal, and interpersonal) with a high attention to detail and ability to partner with various stakeholders.

• Effective time management and organisation skills

Please review the position description and use your resume and application responses in the application form below to demonstrate your ability to fulfill the position's responsibilities

Additional details

• Term Contract: contracted hours of work 35 hours a week/70 hours a fortnight up to 30 June 2027.

• Closing date: Applications will be open for seven (7) days, being 25 September 2025 by 12 noon. 

• Location: The position will be primarily at our Flood Portfolio Office in Lismore. Flexible work options are available, working within operational requirements. 

• Contact: If you want to know more about this opportunity, don't hesitate to get in touch with Jennifer McEwen, HR Business Partner, at 0428 522 907.

• Conditions of Employment: Conditions of employment are in the Local Government (State) Award and relevant Council policy, procedures, and agreements.

• Pre-employment Screening: Before employment, there may be a series of pre-employment checks that may include health assessments, validation of the right to work in Australia, validation of qualifications and licences, criminal history checks, psychometric assessments, and referee checks.

• Future Opportunities: This recruitment exercise may be utilised for vacancies and the possible establishment of a merit list for future opportunities within six months.

Lismore City Council is a proud employer of a diverse workforce, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities. We are committed to fostering a diverse, flexible, and inclusive workplace that reflects the community we serve. We also welcome discussions about how our roles can be undertaken flexibly. Adjustments can be made throughout the application and selection process to support disabled applicants. If you would like to discuss adjustments, don't hesitate to get in touch with the People and Culture team on 02 6625 0500 or email people@lismore.nsw.gov.au