Chief Financial Officer (SME)

Chief Financial Officer (SME) job description

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in an SME setting provides executive-level financial leadership, driving strategic planning, financial performance, and risk management. This role is accountable for the overall financial health of the organisation, ensuring compliance, governance, and sustainable growth across New Zealand operations.

Typical Chief Financial Officer (SME) duties

Key responsibilities of a CFO (SME) include:

Leading financial strategy, planning, and risk management in alignment with business objectives

Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting in compliance with NZ IFRS

Managing tax obligations including GST, PAYE, FBT, and provisional tax under IRD requirements

Providing commercial insight and strategic support to the CEO, board, and senior leadership team

Ensuring robust internal controls, financial systems, and governance frameworks are in place

Managing banking relationships, funding arrangements, and capital structure

Leading finance team capability and supporting cross-functional performance

Driving financial modelling, scenario analysis, and strategic investment decisions

Overseeing audits, statutory accounts, and external stakeholder reporting

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (SME) job qualifications and requirements

A degree in accounting, finance, or business is required. CA ANZ or CPA Australia qualification is essential.

Requirements include:

10+ years’ experience in financial leadership, with experience in an SME or growth-focused environment

Expertise in New Zealand accounting standards and IRD compliance obligations

Strong commercial acumen and experience influencing at executive and board level

Proven track record in financial strategy, planning, and business transformation

Proficiency with finance systems suitable for SMEs (e.g. Xero, MYOB, SAP)

Demonstrated leadership in building finance capability and driving organisational performance

Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills across diverse business functions

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Salary for Chief Financial Officer (SME)

275000 - 350000

25th percentile

275000

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

300000

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

350000

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialised certifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or KiwiSaver.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Finance Manager

145000

160000

180000

Financial Controller

180000

215000

250000

Head of Finance

200000

235000

270000

Chief Financial Officer (Large / MN)

300000

400000

500000

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Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job candidates our recruiters have matched with companies across the country.

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