Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Broad Corporate Services Portfolio

Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) | Ascot, Western Australia | Position No. A0012A

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

About Us

The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) is a regional local government authority serving Perth’s Eastern Metropolitan region in Western Australia. With more than four decades of experience, EMRC has established itself as a trusted leader in waste management and environmental services.

Through innovation, strategic partnerships and a commitment to sustainability, EMRC works to transform waste into valuable resources and support the transition to a circular economy. Our work delivers lasting environmental, social and economic benefits for the communities we serve.

At EMRC, we are committed to responsible resource management, continuous improvement and effective regional collaboration to create a more sustainable future.

About the Role

Lead financial strategy. Shape corporate performance. Make a lasting regional impact.

EMRC is seeking an accomplished and strategically minded Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its executive leadership team.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CFO will provide strategic financial leadership and oversee a broad corporate services portfolio supporting EMRC’s financial sustainability, governance, organisational performance and service delivery.

Based at 226 Great Eastern Highway, Ascot, this senior executive position offers an opportunity to influence organisational strategy, strengthen corporate capability and ensure the effective management of financial and organisational resources.

In addition to leading financial planning, reporting and control, the CFO will provide leadership across key corporate functions, including business support, governance, procurement, information services, marketing, risk management and business continuity. The role also contributes to organisational compliance, work health and safety, and the development of a positive, accountable and high-performing workplace culture.

As a member of the Leadership Team, you will work closely with the CEO, fellow executives and relevant stakeholders to translate strategic priorities into effective plans, sound financial decisions and measurable organisational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Financial Leadership and Management

• Lead the development and implementation of EMRC’s financial strategy, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and alignment with organisational objectives.
• Oversee strategic financial planning, including the preparation and review of five-year financial forecasts, financial modelling and scenario analysis.
• Direct the preparation, monitoring and review of annual operating and capital expenditure budgets.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy and timeliness of financial accounting, reporting and audit processes in accordance with applicable legislation, Australian Accounting Standards and recognised professional practice.
• Oversee financial systems, internal controls, investment management and financial performance analysis.
• Prepare and present high-quality financial reports, advice and recommendations to the CEO, Council and Leadership Team.
• Monitor financial performance, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and recommend strategies to improve efficiency, value for money and resource utilisation.
• Review and endorse financial budgets, statements and reports submitted to third parties or presented for Council consideration, in accordance with delegated authority and applicable requirements.

2. Corporate Services and Business Support Leadership

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Business Support Team and its constituent functions.
• Support managers in delivering effective, customer-focused and responsive corporate services.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountabilities and operational priorities across the portfolio.
• Develop leadership capability, support employee development and promote a culture of collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement.
• Oversee workforce and resource allocation to ensure corporate services are delivered efficiently and effectively.
• Strengthen communication, coordination and information sharing across business units.
• Identify opportunities to improve business processes, service standards and operational efficiency.

3. Strategic and Business Planning

• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of EMRC’s Strategic Plan as a member of the Leadership Team.
• Lead the preparation and implementation of business plans, operational plans and performance measures for the corporate services portfolio.
• Ensure that business unit plans, budgets and activities align with organisational priorities and agreed outcomes.
• Monitor organisational performance, assess progress against strategic objectives and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide regular reports and strategic advice to the CEO on financial performance, business planning and corporate service outcomes.

4. Governance, Procurement and Compliance

• Provide sound governance and corporate management advice to the CEO and, as required, support Council decision-making.
• Promote effective governance frameworks, internal controls and organisational accountability.
• Oversee the development, implementation and review of procurement practices, records management systems and corporate policies within the portfolio.
• Ensure relevant statutory reporting, financial disclosures and corporate compliance obligations are met.
• Monitor compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, Council policies and organisational procedures.
• Support transparent, ethical and consistent decision-making across the organisation.
• Ensure records and corporate documents are appropriately created, maintained, secured and managed in accordance with applicable requirements.

5. Information Services and Digital Enablement

• Provide strategic oversight of EMRC’s information technology systems and information management capabilities.
• Ensure IT services are reliable, accessible, secure and aligned with organisational needs and contemporary practice.
• Oversee the implementation and regular review of the organisation’s Information Plan.
• Promote appropriate information security, access controls, data protection and management of technology-related risks.
• Identify opportunities to improve organisational performance through effective systems, technology and digital processes.

6. Marketing and Corporate Communications

• Oversee the development and implementation of EMRC’s Strategic Marketing Plan.
• Provide direction for the effective management of the organisation’s corporate website and intranet.
• Support consistent corporate messaging, stakeholder engagement and the promotion of EMRC’s services, initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Ensure marketing and communication activities align with organisational objectives and approved policies.

7. Enterprise Risk, Insurance and Business Continuity

• Lead the development, implementation and regular review of the organisation’s risk management framework and plans.
• Oversee insurance renewal processes and support appropriate management of organisational risk exposure.
• Ensure business continuity, recovery and emergency management plans are maintained, tested and reviewed as appropriate.
• Provide strategic advice on material risks, emerging issues and mitigation strategies.
• Promote risk awareness, sound internal controls and proactive risk management throughout the organisation.

8. Work Health and Safety

• Support EMRC in meeting its applicable work health and safety and injury management obligations.
• Promote visible leadership commitment to safety and the effective implementation of the organisation’s Safety Management System.
• Ensure appropriate resources, procedures and processes support the implementation of the annual WHS plan.
• Encourage consultation and cooperation between management, employees, contractors, service providers and other relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee relevant safety performance monitoring and continuous improvement initiatives within the portfolio.
• Support measures to ensure workplace hazards are identified and risks are eliminated or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.

      9. Executive Leadership and Organisational Contribution

• Contribute actively to executive decision-making, organisational planning and the achievement of EMRC’s strategic objectives.
• Build constructive relationships with the CEO, Council, Leadership Team, employees and external stakeholders.
• Promote EMRC’s values and foster a culture of integrity, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure decisions and activities within the portfolio reflect sound governance, responsible resource management and customer-focused service delivery.
• Represent EMRC professionally and undertake other duties consistent with the scope of the position and the incumbent’s skills and experience.

About You

You are an experienced financial and corporate services executive who combines strong technical financial capability with strategic insight, sound judgement and proven leadership.

You understand that effective financial management extends beyond budgets and reporting. You can connect financial performance with organisational strategy, governance, risk management, service delivery and long-term sustainability.

You are confident advising senior leaders, interpreting complex financial and organisational information, and translating strategic priorities into practical actions. You build trust, foster collaboration and lead multidisciplinary teams to achieve measurable results.

Your leadership approach is characterised by integrity, accountability, professionalism and a commitment to continuous improvement. You are comfortable navigating competing priorities, managing organisational risks and influencing decisions in a complex operating environment.

Experience in local government or a comparable public-sector organisation would be highly regarded.

Essential Selection Criteria

Applicants should demonstrate the following capabilities and experience:

• Strategic financial management: Highly developed expertise in financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, reporting, financial controls and performance analysis.
• Financial governance and compliance: Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate financial systems and reporting processes in accordance with applicable legislation, accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Executive leadership: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, develop management capability, establish accountabilities and deliver organisational outcomes.
• Strategic and business planning: Comprehensive knowledge of strategic planning, business planning, organisational performance measurement and benchmarking principles.
• Corporate governance: Ability to provide clear and practical advice to the CEO, Council and other stakeholders on financial, corporate governance and organisational management matters.
• Risk management: Demonstrated capacity to identify, assess and manage financial, operational and organisational risks and implement effective controls.
• Communication and stakeholder engagement: Highly developed written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including the ability to prepare complex reports, develop policies and establish productive stakeholder relationships.
• Analytical and problem-solving capability: Strong analytical, evaluation and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Change and continuous improvement: Demonstrated ability to lead change, improve systems and processes, and strengthen organisational performance and service delivery.
• Resource and performance management: Ability to set priorities, allocate resources, monitor performance and ensure employees are accountable for agreed outcomes.
• Relationship building and culture: Ability to build trust, foster collaboration and promote a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace.
• Legislative and statutory compliance: Ability to ensure applicable corporate, financial and governance reporting obligations are fulfilled in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational requirements.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in local government, regional service delivery or a comparable public-sector organisation.
• Knowledge of the Local Government Act 1995 (WA), associated regulations and relevant local government governance requirements.
• Familiarity with local government financial management, corporate reporting and business management systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of procurement, records management, information technology governance and corporate risk management.
• Knowledge of human resource management principles, work health and safety obligations and organisational development practices.

Qualifications and Other Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in accounting, business, management, finance or a related discipline, consistent with the approved position requirements.
• Eligibility for membership of CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), as specified in the approved position description.
• Current and valid Australian C Class driver's licence.

Note: EMRC should confirm the precise qualification and professional membership requirements against the approved position description before publication.

 Why Join EMRC?

Join an organisation where financial leadership and effective corporate services contribute directly to environmental sustainability, regional collaboration and community outcomes.

At EMRC, our values of Excellence, Recognition, Innovation, Responsiveness and Integrity underpin everything we do. We are committed to creating a workplace where people are supported, valued and empowered to achieve their potential.

 As CFO, you will have the opportunity to:

• Influence strategic decisions and contribute directly to executive leadership.
• Strengthen financial sustainability and responsible stewardship of public resources.
• Lead a diverse corporate services portfolio and improve organisational capability.
• Drive innovation, effective governance and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to an organisation delivering meaningful environmental and community benefits.

This is an opportunity to bring together financial expertise, strategic thinking and corporate leadership to help shape EMRC’s future.

How to Apply

If you are an accomplished financial and corporate services leader ready to make a strategic contribution to EMRC, we invite you to apply. Please submit:

• A covering letter addressing the essential selection criteria.
• A current curriculum vitae outlining your relevant qualifications, experience, leadership capability and achievements.

For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Lilian Kendall, Manager Human Resources on Telephone: (08) 9424 2218    

Applications close: 2^nd November 2026, 4.00pm

Please note that interviews may be conducted before the closing date and applications may be assessed as they are received.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who identify as LGBTIQ+, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with disability.

We value diverse perspectives and are committed to providing an environment where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.

Hua Jer Liew

Chief Executive Officer

Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council