Head of Finance

Tribe Group; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Waterfront location

On-site parking

Executive exposure

Job summary

Port of Auckland is seeking a Head of Finance to lead finance across a broad Capex portfolio, partnering with Executive leaders and shaping investment decisions. Reporting to the CFO, the role combines hands-on financial stewardship with strategic transformation to maximise value from systems and data.

The successful candidate will drive forecasting, reporting and governance in a complex, 24/7 operation, building a capable, engaged team and influencing Board and executive-level matters.

Qualifications

• Professional accounting membership (CPA, CAANZ or equivalent).
• Strong FP&A, tax and treasury knowledge.
• Experience leading finance transformation.
• Asset-heavy/infrastructure familiarity preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial leadership on Capex and major investments.
• Lead finance transformation and continuous improvement (Dynamics 365).
• Maintain robust financial control, reporting, tax, payroll and compliance for a 24/7 operation.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing finance team.

Skills

Business partnering

FP&A

Treasury

ERP systems

Stakeholder influence

Education

CPA/CAANZ

Tools

Dynamics 365

Excel

Job description

About The Opportunity

This is a significant opportunity to lead finance at Port of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest import container port and one of the country’s most strategically important businesses, at a time of real commercial momentum and continued transformation. Reporting to the CFO, this is a key successor role in the finance function, offering the chance to influence major investment decisions, shape how finance supports the business and work closely with Executive leaders across a complex, 24/7 operation.

Off the back of a record FY26 result, the business is focused on building long-term commercial strength, investing in critical infrastructure and getting far more from its data and systems. The Head of Finance will play a central role in this next phase, bringing sound commercial judgement, technical credibility and a hands-on, solutions-focused approach.

The breadth of work is considerable. From Capex oversight on major projects such as the Bledisloe North wharf development, to partnering with the Heads of Infrastructure and Property, to leading finance transformation across Dynamics 365 and a multi-system landscape, this is a role where finance directly shapes business outcomes. It is commercially weighted rather than a pure Financial Controller seat, and you’ll keep a firm, hands-on grip on financial control while leading a capable, well-tenured team.

Key Areas Of Focus Will Include

• Shape commercial and investment decisions, leading decision support, business cases and capital allocation.
• Provide financial leadership on major Capex, partnering closely with the Heads of Infrastructure and Property.
• Lead finance transformation and continuous improvement, lifting forecasting, reporting and dashboards and getting more value from Dynamics 365.
• Own robust financial control, reporting, tax, payroll and compliance across a 24/7 operation.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, embedding a genuine business partnering culture.
• Support the CFO on Executive, Board and Audit & Risk Committee matters, bringing a clear and credible financial perspective.

What You’ll Bring

• Senior finance leadership experience with a strong track record in business partnering and commercial decision support.
• A professional accounting membership (CPA, CAANZ or equivalent), with technical depth across financial accounting, FP&A and tax, and a practical grasp of treasury.
• A track record of leading finance transformation and continuous improvement, ideally with Dynamics 365 or a similar ERP.
• Asset-intensive, infrastructure, transport or logistics experience is favourable, but not essential.
• High EQ and executive presence. You read the room, build trust quickly and influence through credibility.
• The humility to roll up your sleeves and fix what needs fixing, at any level.
• An approach aligned to High Performance, High Engagement (HPHE) ways of working, encouraging shared ownership, accountability and continuous improvement.
• The capability to succeed the CFO, or move across into broader leadership, as opportunities arise.

What’s on Offer

• A pivotal finance leadership role within one of New Zealand’s most strategically important infrastructure organisations, enabling sustainable trade growth for Auckland and New Zealand.
• Real profile with the CEO and a highly finance-literate Board, in an organisation where people genuinely move up and across.
• The chance to put your stamp on capital decisions, reporting and finance capability.
• A culture of Whanaungatanga that invests in, celebrates and harnesses the power of its people working together.
• A genuinely balanced, supportive working environment, with a waterfront base and on-site parking.