Manager Finance

Katherine Town Council is seeking a skilled and strategic Finance Manager to oversee our financial operations and guide the Council's financial health. This is a rewarding opportunity to join a collaborative team in one of the Northern Territory's most iconic towns—Katherine, proudly known as the "Crossroads of the North."

As part of our commitment to delivering high-quality municipal services, we're seeking passionate professionals who are eager to contribute to the growth and wellbeing of our workforce and community. Join us in shaping the future of Katherine through innovation, integrity, and people-first leadership.

About Us

Katherine Town Council is the Municipal Council for the Town of Katherine, proudly serving as the heart of the region known as the "Crossroads of the North." Located 312km south-east of Darwin along the picturesque Katherine River, our town is the fourth largest in the Northern Territory and a hub of culture, commerce, and community

Our Team

With a close-knit workforce of approximately 57 employees, Katherine Town Council prides itself on fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. We work harmoniously to ensure our services are delivered with friendliness, efficiency, and professionalism.

Katherine Town Council collaborates with many external organisations to ensure Katherine is continuously growing and improving.

Visit to find out more about the Katherine Region

We are seeking a Finance Manager - A Professional to lead our Finance team operations.

About the Role

We are Seeking an experienced and values-driven Finance Manager to join our leadership team in Katherine, Northern Territory.

You'll play a pivotal role in maintaining the financial integrity of Katherine Town Council— providing financial leadership, strategic insight, and robust governance to support our continued growth and impact.

This position manages a small, dedicated finance team responsible for payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable, while working closely with our Strategic Finance Advisor.

Position Summary

This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and plays a key role within Council's Executive Management Unit. It is responsible for the day-to-day planning, implementation, management, and oversight of all financial activities across the organisation. This includes auditing processes, asset accounting and grant management, preparation of the Annual Financial Statements, and providing support and reporting to the Audit and Risk Management Committee. The role also leads and drives improvements in financial controls and internal processes, ensuring effective financial service delivery that supports Council operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and monthly reporting.
• Provide clear and insightful management reports and dashboards to support executive decision-making.
• Provide timely and accurate financial information to Council, the CEO, and management to support informed decision-making and resource allocation.
• Ensure full compliance with all financial, statutory, and regulatory requirements.
• Review and analyse project budgets to assess viability and advise the CEO and managers on financial sustainability.
• Manage Council's funding agreements and acquittals, working with responsible managers to ensure all grant compliance and reporting obligations are met.
• Maintain ongoing engagement with management to ensure financial reporting is timely, relevant, and aligned with operational needs.
• Develop and monitor the long-term financial plan and clearly communicate the long-term financial strategy.
• Oversee asset accounting functions, including the accurate recording, valuation, and revaluation of Council's assets in accordance with accounting standards and audit requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Australian Accounting Standards, the Local Government Act and Regulations, ATO requirements, Council policies, and all other applicable obligations

Transactional Finance

Manage transactional finance functions including payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable and ensure operating efficiently in compliance with statutory requirements and Council policies.  Responsibilities include:

• Establish and maintain strong transactional internal controls to ensure financial integrity and accountability.
• Implement effective systems and procedures that support consistent and reliable financial operations.
• Develop and enforce formal procedures for daily, weekly, payroll, and monthly tasks and reconciliations, ensuring sound internal control and oversight.

Requirements (Must have)

• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Finance, or Business, with CPA or CA status.
• Proven experience managing a finance function and leading a small team.
• Executive-level financial management experience in a complex organisation
• Strong understanding of compliance, audit, and regulatory reporting (ORIC, ACNC, ATO).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in similar role

What we Offer

• Starting Salary from $125,000 + super + car allowance.
• Location: Katherine, Northern Territory
• 6-8 weeks accommodation on arrival for relocators
• Uniform Supplied
• 6 weeks annual leave
• 3 weeks personal/carers leave
• Salary Sacrifice options
• Wellness Strategy, Free access to our Town pool and 50% discount on Gym membership

Why You'll Love it

This is an opportunity to join a growing, values-driven organisation where people and culture truly matter. You'll work alongside a collaborative and down-to-earth leadership team who see HR as a key partner in achieving sustainable growth.

If you are a people leader who enjoys blending strategy with delivery and wants to shape the next chapter of an organisation's success story, we'd love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Click Apply Now or contact Casey Anderson Chief Executive Officer on for a confidential discussion.