Our client is looking for a Head of Finance for an initial 9 month fixed-term period while they go through a period of significant change.

Reporting to the CFO, this role is akin to a Financial Controller role in terms of level and you’ll be responsible for overseeing the timely and accurate financial reporting across the business.

You’ll lead a diverse and high-performing team, guiding both the Financial Accounting and Branch Accounting teams to deliver top-notch results, while helping to shape the financial strategy of one of New Zealand’s leading companies.

This leadership role calls for someone who excels in financial accounting, process improvement, and change management.

Your ability to drive performance, ensure financial accuracy, and navigate the complexities of multi-site operations will be key to your success.

Additionally, you’ll contribute to leading the business through the upcoming digital transformation , ensuring the transition is smooth and well-supported.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Leading and developing a team of direct reports with a broader team of indirect reports, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture
• Oversee the consolidation of financial results, statutory reporting, tax, accounts payable, and branch accounting across the network
• Guide the team through the Digital Transformation platform transition, ensuring seamless change management, training, and process redesign
• Drive improvements in financial reporting processes to enhance efficiency and future proof the business ahead of digital upgrades
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including senior leaders, commercial teams, and external auditors
• Ensure the finance team meets compliance standards and internal controls, managing business risks and ensuring high-quality audits
• Act as a trusted advisor, providing guidance on complex financial issues and contributing to strategic decisions across the business

About You:

You will have significant experience in financial accounting, with a proven track record of leading large teams in complex organisations. You excel at driving change, having led large-scale projects and managed significant transitions.

You have a keen eye for detail, a strategic mindset and the ability to turn complex challenges into clear, actionable steps.

Essential Qualifications & Experience Include:

• CA or similar qualification 
• Significant experience in senior finance roles, with a strong background in financial accounting and leadership
• Proven experience in managing change and leading large, diverse teams – experience in a multi-site business would be ideal
• Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex issues for a wide audience
• Experience with large ERP systems is highly desirable

This is a challenging and rewarding leadership role at the heart of a leading New Zealand business for an initial fixed-term of 9 months.

There is the possibility the role could develop into something more permanent further down the track. 

This is the real opportunity to shape and lead the finance function through a period of significant digital transformation in a collaborative and supportive environment that values development, performance, and innovation.

We are ideally looking for someone to start this role by the end of April. 

For further details email Adam Napper at Madison Recruitment at: adam.napper@madison.co.nz

This role is being recruited exclusively by Madison Recruitment and will move quickly.