Finance Controller - Business Partner

Runacres Insurance; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected insurance company in Canterbury, Christchurch is seeking a Finance Controller - Business Partner. This senior role involves leading financial planning and reporting, partnering with the CEO, and providing strategic insights to influence growth. The ideal candidate will have CA or CPA qualifications, significant experience, and be capable of mentoring high-performing teams. A competitive salary and direct influence at the executive level are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Direct influence at executive level

Collaboration with AUB Group

Qualifications

• 5+ years post-qualification experience in insurance or financial services.
• Experience in M&A processes including valuation and due diligence.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to deliver financial guidance.
• Lead budgeting and financial planning aligned with group requirements.
• Drive analysis of portfolio performance and market opportunities.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

Commercial insights

Financial planning

M&A activity

Compliance knowledge

Education

CA or CPA qualification

Job description

About our client

Runacres Insurance, a respected and growing name in New Zealand Insurance broking, is seeking a highly strategic Finance Controller - Business Partner to join their leadership team. Partnering closely with the CEO and working alongside their equity partner, AUB Group (ASX listed), this is a senior finance role with genuine influence on commercial strategy and growth.

About the role

As Finance Controller - Business Partner you’ll bridge the gap between Finance and Broking, providing commercial insights, financial leadership, and strategic analysis that drives decision-making and performance. You’ll lead financial planning and reporting, play a key role in M&A activity, and provide insights into client, portfolio, and market performance.

This role is hands-on yet strategic, with significant exposure to group reporting and executive decision-making.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with the CEO, leadership team, and broking managers to deliver commercial insights and financial guidance.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning in alignment with Runacres and AUB Group requirements.
• Drive analysis of revenue pipelines, portfolio performance, and new market opportunities.
• Support M&A activity, including due diligence and post-acquisition integration.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax laws, and insurance regulations.

About you

We’re seeking a finance leader with technical expertise and commercial acumen to influence strategic outcomes.

You will bring:

• CA or CPA qualification (essential).
• At least 5+ years post-qualification experience, ideally in insurance, professional services, or financial services.
• Experience in M&A processes (valuation, due diligence, integration).
• Experience within the big 4 (preferred).
• Proven ability to deliver strategic insights and influence senior stakeholders.
• Inspirational leadership skills with experience mentoring high-performing teams.

Why join us?

• Competitive salary.
• Direct influence at executive and group level.
• Work closely with AUB group, a leading insurance broking network.
• Be part of a values-driven, growing New Zealand business.

This is an opportunity to step into a highly visible, strategic role where your expertise will shape the future of Runacres and it subsidiaries.

Apply now via Seek with your CV and cover letter, or for an informal chat call Steph Townsend 021801034 or email [e-mail] to arrange a time.