Finance Roles at Water Hawke's Bay: Financial Planning Specialist and Revenue, Charging & Billing Specialist

About Water Hawke's Bay

Water Hawke's Bay (WHB) is a council-controlled organisation jointly owned by Hastings District, Napier City, and Central Hawke's Bay district councils, established under the New Zealand Government's Local Water Done Well Reforms. Governed by an independent, commercially focused Board, WHB is preparing to deliver drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services starting 1 July 2027. The establishment team is crucial in building robust water services infrastructure and management, crafting long-lasting, safe, and reliable water services for residents of the region.

Role Overview

We are seeking candidates for two fixed-term contract roles (until June 2027) embedded within the Finance, Funding and Commercial team. These positions will be central in shaping finance processes and systems for the new water services era:

• Financial Planning Specialist: You will develop and drive financial and business planning capabilities to transition WHB through start-up and into operation. This role combines finance business partnering with strong management accounting responsibilities. You will coordinate and analyze financial data from involved councils, integrate specialized financial modeling into planning, budgeting, and forecasting efforts, and support strategic decision-making. Ideal candidates hold CA or CPA qualifications and demonstrate expertise in financial forecasting, analysis, and managing operational budgets, with an ability to collaborate with modeling advisors and challenge data frameworks.
• Revenue, Charging & Billing Specialist: This role focuses on designing and establishing the revenue, charging, and customer billing frameworks required for WHB's launch. Responsibilities include setting water rates, ensuring enough income to cover maintenance, and developing growth funding strategies. Candidates with backgrounds in economics, commercial infrastructure, asset management, or local government funding—especially NZ utility charging or revenue management—will be highly valued.

Qualifications and Experience

Both roles require candidates with strong finance expertise, strategic insight, and stakeholder engagement skills, ready to influence foundational financial structures of WHB.

Additional Information

Competitive market remuneration reflects the critical nature of these positions. For confidential inquiries, contact the recruitment team by phone. This is an outstanding chance to significantly impact the Hawke's Bay community's water services future.