This is a permanent Finance Manager opportunity with an established organisation operating in a complex, operational environment. Reporting to a senior executive, the role has broad ownership across financial reporting, month-end, budgeting, forecasting, cashflow, controls and the ongoing development of finance systems and processes.
The position remains commercially connected, working closely with operational leaders to interpret performance, understand cost and margin drivers, and support sound business decisions. However, its foundation is that of a traditional, hands-on Finance Manager role: maintaining strong financial discipline, ensuring reporting accuracy and leading the day-to-day delivery of the finance function.
Based in Ashburton, the role may suit candidates already living in Mid Canterbury or those based further north in areas such as Rakaia, Rolleston or the wider Selwyn district who are comfortable with the commute.
The Company
You’ll join a well-established, values-led organisation with a practical, collaborative culture and a sizeable operational footprint. The business has the moving parts and performance drivers typically associated with a complex production environment.
With an established team and direct exposure to senior decision-makers, this is a visible position offering genuine ownership of the finance function and the opportunity to improve the quality, consistency and usefulness of financial information across the organisation.
The Role
- Own the monthly reporting cycle, including profit and loss, balance sheet, cashflow, reconciliations, KPI reporting and clear commentary on performance.
- Coordinate annual budgets and rolling forecasts, working with operational stakeholders to test assumptions and maintain realistic, well-supported plans.
- Maintain a strong financial control environment across core accounting processes, compliance requirements, working capital and reporting integrity.
- Provide practical analysis of costs, margins, productivity and operational performance, helping leaders understand key movements and make informed decisions.
- Oversee cashflow planning, capital expenditure analysis and financial modelling for investment, resource allocation and improvement initiatives.
- Lead and support a small finance team, setting clear expectations while remaining actively involved in month-end and day-to-day finance activity.
- Strengthen systems, reporting tools and processes to improve efficiency, accuracy and access to useful management information.
- Partner with senior and operational leaders, balancing constructive challenge and commercial insight with dependable delivery of the core finance function.
Your Profile
- CA qualified or equivalent preferred, although strong experience gained in a broad, senior accounting position will also be considered.
- At least five years’ finance experience, with sound exposure to financial and management accounting, month-end ownership, budgeting, forecasting and cashflow.
- Experience in a complex operational setting where cost control, margin visibility, inventory, productivity or capital investment are important considerations.
- A capable people leader who is comfortable managing a small team while remaining hands-on across the detail of the finance function.
- Strong Excel and systems capability, with the confidence to improve reporting, processes and the quality of information available to decision-makers.
- Clear communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
- Commercially aware, practical and proactive, with a strong grounding in financial control, accuracy and delivery.
- Hold full, unrestricted working rights for New Zealand and be based in, or able to commute or relocate to, Ashburton.
For more information about this role, please contact Simon Lawrence on 021 240 2620 or apply via the link below.
#SCR-simon-lawrence
