Head of Finance

Stellar Recruitment Pty; Otago; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Highlanders Rugby seeks an experienced Head of Finance to lead the finance function across the organisation and associated entities. Reporting to the CEO, you will provide strategic financial leadership, governance and insightful business analysis to support growth and investment decisions.

You will partner with the CEO, Board and investors to drive efficiency, systems you implement and AI-enabled reporting, shaping the next phase of the club's development in Otago and the wider region.

Qualifications

• CA-qualified with experience leading a finance function.
• Strong financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting capabilities.
• Experience presenting to Boards and executives and driving strategic insights.
• Proven ability to drive business improvement through data, systems, automation and AI.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function across Highlanders Rugby and associated entities.
• Provide commercial and financial leadership to CEO, Board and investors.
• Oversee governance, reporting, budgeting, forecasting and cashflow Management.
• Drive improvements in systems, processes, reporting and BI.

Skills

Financial reporting

Budgeting & forecasting

Board interaction

Commercial acumen

Strategic thinking

Technology & data insights

Communication skills

Education

CA qualification

Job description

Head of Finance | Highlanders Rugby

The Highlanders are entering a new phase of growth and investment, creating a rare opportunity for an experienced finance leader to join the organisation at a pivotal time.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll lead the finance function across multiple entities while playing a key role in strategic planning, business improvement, reporting, technology initiatives and organisational performance.

This is a broad and influential role. Alongside responsibility for finance, you'll work closely with the CEO, Board and investors, helping drive better decision-making, greater efficiencies and supporting the organisation through its next stage of development.

If you're looking for a role where you can genuinely make an impact, influence strategy and be part of something that matters to the region, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Head of Finance, you'll be responsible for leading the finance function across the Highlanders and associated entities, ensuring strong financial governance, reporting and business performance.

You’ll be a trusted adviser to the CEO and Board, providing commercial insight and financial leadership while helping the organisation make smarter use of systems, technology, automation and AI.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management
• Board reporting, management reporting and commercial analysis
• Audit, compliance and risk management
• Payroll oversight and financial controls
• Sponsorship, membership and game-day financial reporting
• Supporting strategic planning and organisational decision-making
• Driving process improvement and operational efficiencies
• Improving reporting, data visibility and business intelligence
• Supporting the implementation and adoption of technology, automation and AI initiatives
• Working across a developing shared services environment

About You

We're looking for a commercially minded finance leader who enjoys being involved in the bigger picture.

You may currently be working as a:

• Head of Finance
• Finance Director
• Group Finance Manager
• Senior Financial Controller
• Commercial Finance Manager
• CFO within a small or medium-sized organisation

To be successful you'll bring:

• CA qualification
• Experience leading a finance function
• Strong financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting capability
• The ability to operate confidently with Boards, executives and key stakeholders
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking
• Experience improving systems, processes or reporting capability
• A proactive approach to business improvement
• An interest in technology, automation and AI
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to turn data into meaningful insights

Just as importantly, you'll be a team player who enjoys working alongside others and contributing to a positive culture.

Why Join the Highlanders?

The Highlanders are more than a rugby club. They're part of the fabric of Otago and Southland, backed by passionate people who genuinely care about the organisation, the region and its future.

This is an opportunity to:

• Join one of New Zealand's most recognised sporting organisations
• Work directly with the CEO, Board and investors
• Play an influential role in the next phase of growth and investment
• Lead finance across multiple entities and help shape strategic decision-making
• Drive business improvement, systems and technology initiatives
• Work in a collaborative environment where your input will be valued
• Be part of a passionate team committed to making a lasting impact both on and off the field
• Enjoy the lifestyle that comes with living and working in Dunedin

This is a rare opportunity to combine senior finance leadership with genuine influence, variety and purpose in a role where you'll be able to see the impact of your work every day.