This recently created role will:

• Lead financial stewardship, governance and assurance across a complex Commonwealth corporate NFP entity

• Advise the Chief Executive Officer, Council, Audit and Risk Committee and Executive Management Team strategic finance related matters

• Strengthen systems, controls and capability that support outcomes for Aboriginal people across Central Australia

The opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and joining the Executive Management Team, you will provide strategic financial leadership with substantial autonomy and direct influence over the CLC’s financial direction, governance and performance.

You will lead a broad range of functions including financial stewardship, procurement, grants, assets, audit, statutory reporting and financial risk so the CLC can manage its resources transparently, efficiently and effectively and fulfil its responsibilities to Aboriginal people across the region.

About the Central Land Council

The CLC represents and provides a range of key services to Aboriginal people across Central Australia. Under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976, it supports land rights, native title, community development, land management, employment and enterprise, sacred site protection and advocacy. Based in Alice Springs, it works across a wide region with communities and traditional owners. Further information about the Council can be found at https://www.clc.org.au/ 

What you will lead

• Setting of long-term financial direction and provision of clear advice on financial performance, sustainability, risk and investment priorities

• Maintenance of financial governance policies, internal controls and assurance arrangements aligned with the PGPA Act, PGPA Rules and relevant Commonwealth frameworks

• Direction of procurement, tendering and grant processes, with a strong focus on probity, transparency, contract administration and value for money

• Oversight of financial and statutory reporting, leadership of internal and external audit activity, driving of timely remediation of findings and the provision of support for the Audit and Risk Committee

• Maintenance of executive oversight of the asset register, remote infrastructure and capital equipment, including compliant valuation, decommissioning and disposal

• Development of the Finance function, including effective partnership with the Financial Controller and oversight of finance services for the Aboriginal Associations Management Centre

• Insight and contribution to enterprise planning, policy, performance reporting, risk management and continuous improvement as a member of the Executive Management Team

• Building of financial understanding and accountability across business units and support the employment and development of Aboriginal staff

What you will bring

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and current membership of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, or the Institute of Public Accountants

• Executive-level experience setting financial strategy and leading financial management across a complex organisation

• Sound knowledge of the PGPA Act and related Rules, together with an understanding of the Australian Public Service operating environment

• Demonstrated expertise in financial controls, statutory reporting, audit, procurement, tenders, grants, asset management and regulatory compliance

• Extensive experience with financial systems, policy development and the practical implementation of compliant financial processes

• Strong judgement, clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to negotiate and build trust with senior leaders, Aboriginal people, government and partner organisations

• A record of leading and developing multidisciplinary teams, setting priorities and delivering organisational outcomes through change

• Cultural capability and the ability to work respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal people; knowledge of Aboriginal society and contemporary issues in Central Australia will be highly regarded

Employment benefits

• 15.4 per cent employer superannuation and generous salary packaging through the CLC’s public benevolent institution status

• Five weeks’ annual leave with 17.5 per cent leave loading, plus an annual airfare allowance and district allowance along with a range of additional employment related benefits

• Relocation assistance where applicable and short-term subsidised accommodation where available

• Training and professional development in a nationally significant Aboriginal organisation

Role requirements

The successful candidate must hold a current license that is valid in the Northern Territory and satisfy required checks including an Ochre Card, National Police Certificate and Australian Financial Security Authority bankruptcy check. Applicants must already hold appropriate Australian work rights; visa sponsorship is not available.

How to apply

HBA Consulting is assisting the CLC with this important recruitment process. To apply please send your resume and a concise statement outlining your suitability for the Chief Financial Officer position to [email protected]. You should include at least two professional referees, one of which should be a recent supervisor.

Confidential enquiries should be directed to [email protected] or 0419401250.

Closing Time/Date for Applications

Applications close 12.00 pm AEDT (Eastern Daylight Savings Time) Friday 23 October 2026.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply