Central to the opportunity is the connection between finance and manufacturing performance. You’ll work across operations, sales, and the wider business to turn financial information into practical insight, improve commercial understanding and help maximise performance. You’ll also lead and develop a small finance team while building stronger financial capability beyond the function.
As the Finance Manager you’ll take ownership of the New Zealand finance function within an established international business. Reporting to the local General Manager, this is a hands-on leadership role spanning financial management, reporting, planning, working capital, controls and continuous improvement.
Experience in a manufacturing environment is a critical part of the role. The finance function supports operational decision-making, inventory and working capital management, cost and control disciplines, and ongoing process improvement across the business.
The Company
This organisation is an established international manufacturer with a significant New Zealand operation based in Christchurch. It supplies performance-focused products into the local market and operates within a structured group environment, combining local accountability with divisional and group reporting requirements.
The Role
- Lead the New Zealand finance function and provide financial direction aligned with business strategy, annual goals and operational priorities
- Coordinate monthly, quarterly and annual reporting for local leadership and wider group finance, including management accounts, analysis and clear performance commentary
- Own budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning and longer-term financial modelling, including development of a five-year plan
- Partner with the General Manager and key stakeholders across manufacturing operations, sales and support functions to improve accountability and financial performance
- Manage working capital with a strong focus on receivables, inventory holdings and supplier payment terms
- Maintain robust financial controls, general ledger integrity, audit trails and risk review processes while improving reporting efficiency through systems and technology
- Lead, coach and develop a small finance team, while improving financial understanding and capability across the wider New Zealand business
Your Profile
- Chartered Accountant with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related discipline
- Relevant finance experience gained in a commercial environment, with manufacturing experience strongly preferred
- Strong grounding in management and financial accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and general ledger control
- Commercial understanding of working capital and the financial drivers of a manufacturing operation, including inventory and operational performance
- Confident business partner who can communicate clearly with operational teams, customers, suppliers and senior stakeholders
- Strong Excel and Microsoft Office capability, with practical ERP experience. SAP exposure would be advantageous
- Sharp attention to detail, a drive to improve accuracy and efficiency, and full, unrestricted working rights for New Zealand
For more information about this role, please contact Simon Lawrence on 021 240 2620 or apply via the link below
#SCR-simon-lawrence
