Auckland Council is one step closer to gender equality in its top ranks.

PWC consulting director Suzanne Tindal has been appointed the council's chief financial officer.

Ms Tindall has decades of experience as a chief executive in several countries, and has worked in finance, energy and IT.

She replaces Andrew McKenzie who resigned last July to work for Fletcher Building.

Ms Tindal will be one of three women in the council's management team of ten.