Long-Term Plan Financial Planning Manager - (fixed term)

This role is part of the Finance group. The group manages and supports the full financial cycle – including rates, payments, procurement, insurance and accounting – with this role leading the long‑range financial planning for the Long Term Plan.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Drive the financial direction of our city for the next decade.

We’re looking for a strategic, future‑focused finance leader to shape our 2027–2037 Long‑Term Plan (LTP). This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a critical organisational work programme and influence decisions that will impact our community for years to come.

As the Long‑Term Financial Planning Lead, you’ll provide senior financial leadership, guide complex modelling, develop sustainable funding strategies, and deliver high‑quality advice that supports informed, long‑range decision‑making across the organisation.

This is an 18 month fixed term opportinuyt.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you will:

• Lead the end‑to‑end finance programme for the 2027–2037 LTP—from early problem framing and scenario design through to final adoption.
• Develop a clear, purpose‑driven Financial Strategy that strengthens Council’s long‑term financial sustainability.
• Coordinate the Funding Needs Analysis and support the development of the Revenue and Financing Policy, ensuring alignment with legislation and Council strategy.
• Build and maintain an integrated LTP financial model with transparent assumptions, robust analysis, and comprehensive tracking of operating, capital, debt, revenue, and rates impacts.
• Provide strategic advice and produce high‑quality decision papers for Governance, Executive Leadership, and programme steering groups.
• Represent Finance across key programme forums, ensuring risks, issues, and dependencies are well understood and well managed.
• Work closely with Business Support Accounting Partners to ensure consistency in strategy, assumptions, and communication across the organisation.
• Collaborate with Treasury, Asset Management, and Capital Programme teams to link investment priorities with funding options and affordability constraints.
• Use tools such as Breeze and Microsoft Power BI to deliver insights, dashboards, and robust modelling outputs.
• Run scenario and sensitivity testing across factors such as growth, inflation, climate resilience, service levels, and asset lifecycle impacts.
• Prepare clear and accessible consultation materials for our community.
• Embed strong quality assurance processes and lead internal and external review activities.
• Coach contributors across the LTP finance workstream and support the delivery of key milestones.
• Monitor relevant external policy changes and provide advice on potential implications for Council.

About you

You’ll bring strong strategic thinking, advanced financial modelling expertise, and the ability to translate complex issues into clear, actionable insights. You thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy navigating complexity, and are comfortable influencing at senior levels.

You’ll also be energised by the chance to shape long-term outcomes, improve financial sustainability, and support better decision‑making for our city and community.

Why join us?

This is a high‑impact role with significant visibility and organisational influence. You’ll help set the financial course for the next decade while working with dedicated professionals who care deeply about the future of our community.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference and lead one of our most important financial programmes, we’d love to hear from you!

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Proven experience leading long‑term financial planning (LTP/strategic planning horizons) in a large enterprise environment.
• Deep FP&A expertise: modelling, forecasting, scenario analysis, and decision support for senior leaders and governance.
• Demonstrated success delivering complex, multi‑stakeholder programmes to tight statutory deadlines (e.g., June 2027 adoption).
• Advanced Excel and strong competency with planning tools (e.g., Breeze or similar) and reporting tools (e.g., Microsoft Power BI).
• Excellent written and verbal communication – able to translate complex financial issues into clear, actionable advice.
• Preferred - Local government experience and understanding of relevant legislation and planning processes.
• Prefered - Professional accounting body membership (e.g., CA ANZ or similar).

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $115K dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 14/04/2026 

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.