Finance Manager

Life Education Trust (NZ); Wellington; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

Life Education Trust (NZ) seeks a senior finance professional to be the trusted right hand to the Chief Executive and Board, ensuring integrity of financial management, reporting, budgeting and forecasting, while supporting regional Trusts with financial guidance. The role offers autonomy within a small team in Wellington.

This permanent, part-time position (0.6 FTE) provides light oversight of administration and opportunities to influence risk, performance and sustainability across the regional

Qualifications

• CA ANZ or equivalent with current good standing.
• 3–4 years' experience in a finance manager role.
• Strong knowledge of NZ financial reporting standards.
• Familiar with not-for-profit / charity sector reporting requirements.
• Able to work autonomously and exercise sound judgement.

Responsibilities

• Own the integrity and accuracy of financial records and monthly management accounts
• Prepare board-ready reporting with narrative on performance and variances
• Lead preparation of the annual consolidated group accounts and manage external audit
• Lead the annual budgeting cycle and maintain rolling forecasts
• Manage debtors and oversee payroll processing
• Ensure compliance with IRD, Charities Services, Incorporated Societies Act and XRB reporting standards
• Act as trusted financial adviser to the CE and Board on risk, performance and sustainability
• Provide financial leadership, support and guidance to regional Trusts
• Provide light oversight of part-time administration support (up to 3 hours/week)

Skills

CA ANZ

Autonomous work

Financial reporting

Budgeting & forecasting

Stakeholder liaison

Education

CA ANZ or equivalent

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

As senior finance professional, you'll be the trusted right hand to the Chief Executive and Board - ensuring the integrity of financial management, reporting, budgeting and forecasting, while also supporting regional Trusts with financial guidance and best practice. You'll work with a high degree of autonomy and minimal administrative support, so this role suits someone who's comfortable taking initiative, using sound judgement, and getting things done independently - while still being a collaborative, hands-on part of a small team.

Key responsibilities

• Own the integrity and accuracy of financial records and monthly management accounts
• Prepare clear, board-ready reporting with meaningful narrative on performance and variances
• Lead preparation of the annual consolidated group accounts and manage the external audit process
• Lead the annual budgeting cycle and maintain rolling forecasts
• Manage debtors and oversee payroll processing
• Ensure compliance with IRD, Charities Services, Incorporated Societies Act and XRB reporting standards
• Act as trusted financial adviser to the CE and Board on risk, performance and sustainability
• Provide financial leadership, support and guidance to regional Trusts
• Provide light oversight of part-time administration support (up to 3 hours/week)

About you

• Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) or equivalent recognised qualification, with current good standing
• 3-4 years' experience in a finance manager role
• Strong knowledge of NZ financial and accounting reporting standards
• Familiarity with the not-for-profit / charity sector, including the Charities Act 2005 (as amended 2023), Charities Services reporting obligations, XRB / PBE standards, the Incorporated Societies Act, and NZ tax requirements
• Confidence working autonomously and making sound, independent decisions
• A collaborative mindset and genuine interest in supporting a mission-driven organisation

About us

• We're a national charity whose network of regional Trusts delivers school-based programmes to 230,000 children every year. Our Wellington office provides professional development for teachers nationwide and supports programme delivery to more than 120 secondary schools. We're a small, close-knit team where every role genuinely shapes what we achieve.
• A permanent, part-time role (0.6 FTE) with flexible hours by mutual agreement
• A meaningful role at the heart of an organisation supporting hundreds of thousands of tamariki and rangatahi
• Genuine autonomy and variety - from strategic financial advice to hands-on reporting
• A supportive, purpose-driven small team based in Wellington CBD