Financial Controller – Fixed term position (12 months)

NZAB; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

NZAB Christchurch is seeking a Financial Controller on a 12-month fixed-term basis. The role leads the finance function across NZAB Group, ensuring accurate financial management, regulatory compliance and timely insights for strategic decisions.

The position is based in Christchurch and supports continuity during the maternity cover period. The successful candidate will oversee month-end close, budgeting, forecasting and reporting, while collaborat­ing with the Senior Leadership team and

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Financial Controller or Senior Accountant in a multi-entity environment.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, NZ IFRS, tax compliance and audit requirements.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and management reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end finance function across NZAB Group and related entities.
• Oversee month-end and year-end processes, financial reporting and budgeting.
• Manage cash flow, banking and funding requirements.
• Oversee lending and trust accounting activities with the Credit Team.
• Ensure tax, statutory and regulatory compliance; lead the annual audit.
• Maintain strong financial controls and governance frameworks.
• Drive improvements in finance systems and reporting processes.

Skills

Budgeting and forecasting

Financial reporting

Accounting principles

Stakeholder communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

CA or CPA preferred

Tools

NetSuite

Xero

Excel

Job description

Financial Controller – Fixed term position (12 months) – (Christchurch)

The NZAB Group combines deep agricultural knowledge, banking expertise and capital solutions to help agricultural businesses build stronger, resilient operations for generations to come. At NZAB, we offer the chance to be part of a growing Group. We have ambitious growth plans, and the right person will have opportunities to grow alongside us.

NZAB Advisory is one of New Zealand’s leading agribusiness finance advisory firms. Our advisers work alongside farming businesses to align strategy, capital and financial performance, helping our clients navigate growth, succession, restructuring and long-term business planning. We build enduring relationships with our clients, becoming an integral part of their team of advisers and helping them secure funding, improve banking outcomes and make confident decisions that support sustainable long‑term success.

NZAB Capital provides first‑mortgage lending solutions that sit between traditional bank funding and private equity. Our capital is designed for farm businesses navigating change, whether that is growth, succession, restructuring or investment in productivity. It is led by experienced rural finance professionals, backed by institutional capital and supported by bank‑grade credit processes.

We are a growing Group that values continuous improvement, strong relationships and practical solutions. The Financial Controller plays a key role in supporting the Group’s growth by ensuring accurate financial management, maintaining regulatory compliance, improving systems and processes, and providing timely financial insights to support strategic decision‑making. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution across the Group while helping shape the systems, processes and controls that will support our future growth.

The Role:

The Financial Controller is responsible for leading the finance function across the NZAB Group and related entities. The role oversees day‑to‑day finance operations, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management, tax compliance, audit requirements and lender reporting. Working closely with the Senior Leadership team and external advisers, the Financial Controller provides timely financial insights, maintains effective controls and supports strategic decision‑making.

During the maternity cover period, the focus will be on ensuring business continuity, maintaining key finance processes and delivering a smooth handover and transition.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Group’s end‑to‑end finance function, including month‑end and year‑end processes, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Prepare monthly Board and management reporting, providing financial analysis, insights and recommendations to support strategic decision‑making.
• Ensure the Group’s cash flow, banking and funding requirements are met and capital is managed effectively.
• Oversee lending and trust accounting activities, including reconciliations, lender reporting, funding movements and loan management processes in collaboration with the Credit Team.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with all tax, statutory and regulatory obligations, including leading the annual audit and managing external reporting requirements.
• Maintain strong financial controls, governance frameworks and risk management practices across the business.
• Drive continuous improvement across finance systems, reporting processes and operational efficiencies, while partnering with business leaders and key external stakeholders to support ongoing growth.

Experience and Technical Capability:

• Proven experience as a Financial Accountant, Management Accountant, Financial Controller or Senior Accountant in a multi‑entity environment.
• Strong technical understanding of accounting principles, NZ IFRS reporting requirements, audit requirements and tax compliance.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, management reporting and providing financial insights to support business decision‑making.
• Strong technical capability, including end‑to‑end month‑end and year‑end processes, financial reporting, general ledger management and reconciliations.
• Hands‑on experience with NetSuite and Xero is essential, together with advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with executive leaders, directors, external advisers and other key stakeholders.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to understand and articulate financial information simply.
• A relevant tertiary qualification is required; CA, CPA or an equivalent professional qualification is preferred.
• Experience in financial services, lending or another regulated environment is advantageous.

Personal Attributes:

• Practical, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Organised and reliable, with the ability to work accurately to deadlines.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach.
• Acts with integrity, maintains high ethical standards and handles confidential information appropriately.
• Calm and adaptable in a changing, fast‑paced environment.
• Collaborative and confident in building relationships at all levels.

Our culture is extremely important to us. We are a business that values high performance, a good laugh, and the right balance between work and play. We are focused on the quality of output, our reputation over the long term, and building a business we are proud of. If this sounds like you, then you’d be a good fit for our business.

Join us at NZAB and make a difference in the agricultural sector!

NZAB is New Zealand’s leading agribusiness finance advisory firm, helping farmers align strategy and capital to achieve better financial outcomes and long‑term success.