Senior Finance Business Partner

About the City of Onkaparinga...

The City of Onkaparinga is South Australia's largest metropolitan council by area and population, home to more than 180,000 residents and continuing to grow rapidly. It is a progressive, community-focused organisation known for its commitment to innovation, service excellence and sustainable development.

Located in Adelaide's southern region, the council spans a unique mix of urban, coastal and rural landscapes. From vibrant town centres and beachside communities to vineyards and national parks, the area offers a rich lifestyle and a strong sense of local identity.

As an employer, the City of Onkaparinga fosters a supportive, collaborative and high-performing workplace culture where individuals are empowered to make a difference. It is an exciting time to join the organisation as it continues to invest in its people, systems and services to meet the needs of a growing population.

About the role...

This is a key position within the Financial Planning and Analysis team, responsible for delivering expert financial business partnering to assigned divisions within Council.

The Senior Finance Business Partner works closely with business leaders to provide trusted advice, budget development, performance reporting and strategic financial insights that inform decision-making and support organisational goals. The role will also guide and mentor junior finance business partners, support continuous improvement and contribute to the development of tools, systems and frameworks.

This is a large and diverse portfolio requiring strong stakeholder engagement, analytical capability and the ability to manage complex information in a dynamic operating environment.

What you will do…

• Provide expert financial advice and analysis to support the development of budgets and forecasts across the operations division.
• Partner with business units to interpret financial performance, identify risks and opportunities, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Mentor and support Finance Business Partners in resolving complex or non-standard issues.
• Prepare and present financial reports and insights to internal stakeholders, enabling transparency and accountability.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of financial systems, policies and tools, including inputs into the Long-Term Financial Plan.
• Work proactively with stakeholders to influence planning, expenditure and service delivery decisions that align with Council's objectives.
• Support change management initiatives and drive continuous improvement across financial planning and reporting processes.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, legislation and accounting standards.
• Lead or contribute to special projects as required, including the enhancement of budgeting systems and processes.

What they are looking for…

• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Commerce or a related field, with CPA or CA qualification (or working toward).
• Extensive experience in financial business partnering, budgeting, reporting and analysis-ideally within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance, budget development, performance reporting and financial planning principles.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and influence outcomes.
• Proven ability to mentor others, manage competing priorities and deliver accurate outputs under pressure.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Strong systems literacy, including advanced Excel skills and experience with enterprise finance systems.
• Operational knowledge and experience of local government is desirable, but candidates with relevant experience from state/federal government or large private sector organisations are encouraged to apply.
• Project management experience or knowledge, particularly in capital delivery or infrastructure, is highly regarded.

Why this role...

This is an exciting, long-term opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking organisation with a strong commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration and community outcomes.

The successful candidate will join a supportive and high-performing finance team and work closely with a range of operational leaders across capital works, infrastructure, and other major service areas.

The portfolio offers exposure to meaningful projects and the chance to contribute to financial sustainability and service excellence across a growing region.

More information…

To obtain a copy of the Candidate Information Pack and to apply, please visit and search reference number J8359. Applications close 9am Monday 27th October.

Confidential enquiries can be directed to Tamara Chambers on