Head of Finance

Tribe Group; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

Waterfront base

Balanced, supportive environment

Job summary

Port of Auckland is seeking a Head of Finance to lead finance across a complex, 24/7 operation and report to the CFO. This is a key successor role shaping investment decisions and how finance supports executives across the business.

You will oversee Capex, lead finance transformation with Dynamics 365, ensure strong control, reporting and tax, and build a high-performing team with a genuine business partnering approach.

Qualifications

• Senior finance leadership experience with strong business partnering.
• Technical depth in financial accounting, FP&A and tax, treasury grasp.
• Track record leading finance transformation and ERP implementations.

Responsibilities

• Shape commercial and investment decisions with business cases and capital allocation.
• Provide financial leadership on Capex, partnering with Infrastructure and Property heads.
• Lead finance transformation, improve forecasting, reporting and dashboards.
• Maintain robust financial control, reporting, payroll and compliance for a 24/7 operation.
• Develop a high-performing team and foster business partnering culture.
• Support CFO on Executive, Board and Audit & Risk matters with clear financial perspective.

Skills

Finance leadership

Commercial decision support

Business partnering

ERP transformation

FP&A

Treasury

Education

CPA / CAANZ or equivalent

Tools

Dynamics 365

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.

Next Steps?

To apply for this vacancy, you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.