Wai Hononga Water Services Limited is a new Water Services Council Controlled Organisation.  It will be responsible for the delivery of water services (two waters - drinking and wastewater) to the New Plymouth region.

We are seeking a strategic and commercially astute finance leader ready to take the next step in their career and provide financial leadership through establishment and beyond, supporting long-term organisational success and financial sustainability.

Based in New Plymouth, this role offers the opportunity to combine executive leadership with the rare experience of helping establish a new public water services organisation from the ground up.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive, and forming part of the senior leadership team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will play a pivotal role in leading Wai Hononga through its establishment phase and supporting transition to full operations. The role will provide strategic and organisational leadership across finance, funding, treasury, commercial management, procurement and business performance.

As a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive and the Board, the CFO will help shape organisational strategy, support key investment and funding decisions, and provide the financial stewardship required to deliver sustainable, affordable and high performing services for our community.

Beyond establishment, the role has an enduring mandate to build and lead a high-performing corporate services function that supports organisational maturity, strong governance, informed decision making and long-term financial sustainability.

Key Accountabilities

As Chief Financial Officer you will:

• Experience providing strategic financial advice to senior leaders, with exposure to Board or governance reporting and decision-making.
• Lead Wai Hononga’s financial strategy, planning, pricing, funding, treasury and commercial activities to support long-term sustainability and affordability
• Establish and lead a high-performing corporate services function, including finance, procurement, commercial management, governance support and business performance
• Support key organisational decisions through high-quality financial analysis, performance reporting, risk management and investment advice
• Lead Wai Hononga's financial and economic regulatory responsibilities, including pricing, funding, financial reporting, revenue assurance and engagement with relevant regulators
• Lead the development of the financial frameworks, systems, policies and controls required for a standalone water services organisation
• Play a pivotal role in the establishment and transition of Wai Hononga, helping shape the organisation’s future operating model, capability and ways of working.
• Support effective governance through high-quality reporting and advice to the Board and Audit, Finance and Risk and People Safety and Culture Board Committees
• Build strong relationships with councils, regulators, iwi/Māori partners and other key stakeholders

A full position description is available on request

About You

You are a strategic and commercially astute finance leader ready to step into a broader executive leadership role. You may already be operating at CFO level or be an experienced senior finance leader ready to take the next step in your career. You will bring strong financial leadership and the ability to build effective relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders.

For a candidate stepping into their first CFO role, Wai Hononga will provide appropriate support and development as they grow into the position.

You will bring:

• A recognised professional accounting qualification (CA, CPA or equivalent)
• Strong senior finance leadership experience, with exposure to treasury, commercial management and broader corporate services functions.
• Experience providing strategic financial advice to Chief Executives, Boards and governance committees.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills with the ability to balance long-term sustainability, affordability and organisational performance
• The ability to build high-performing teams, systems and processes that support organisational growth and maturity
• A collaborative and pragmatic leadership style and the ability to influence, build credibility and work effectively across a range of stakeholders
• An understanding of, or appreciation for, local government, infrastructure, utilities or other regulated environments
• A strong commitment to public value, accountability, and delivering positive outcomes for communities
• Experience supporting organisational establishment, transformation, or transition (highly regarded but not essential)