In partnership with our community, Environment Southland (Southland Regional Council) is responsible for the sustainable management of Southland's natural resources - our land, our water, our air and our coast. As a Regional Council we operate across a large geographical region which extends from Stewart Island to Fiordland.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Team Leader Finance Operations. The purpose of this role is to lead a team focused on providing excellence in financial operations and advice by ensuring efficient and effective delivery of finance activities with a customer centric focus.

Emphasis for this role is on:

• Ensuring activities and projects within the team align with strategy and financial and business performance.
• Rates, billing and payments.
• Payroll.
• Increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the delivery of Council services.
• Building a strong culture of high performance.

Knowledge/Experience

• At least five years practical experience in financial management preferably within Local Government
• Proven leadership skills with demonstrated ability to articulate the vision and take people on a change journey
• Project management experience
• Proven experience working to solve complex problems with long term solutions
• Experience of change processes involving technology, process and behaviour
• Strong systems skills including Excel and the ability to manipulate and manage databases
• Rates and revenue experience preferable but not essential
• Understanding of debt collection processes and legislation
• Highly accurate and keen eye for detail.

How to apply

To download the PD, and to apply for this role go to https://environmentsouthland.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies/& enter ref code: 6916346

Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

We have a lifestyle that is second to none, with easy access to beaches, rivers, lakes, ski fields, national parks and first-class sports facilities. We pride ourselves on the support we give our team to ensure a good work‑life balance is a priority. And with affordable real estate, short commutes and a great range of schools on offer there is something here for everyone!

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range $111,600. - $117,800.

Applications close: 9 August 2026

Working at Environment Southland requires all of our staff to uphold the council's Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities as part of their day-to-day role. This might be through the appropriate delivery of functions through various legislation where Te Tiriti o Waitangi or partnering with mana whenua is required or upholding the commitments that our elected councillors have made to Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku through the Charter of Understanding.