Head of Finance

Head of Finance job description

The Head of Finance leads the financial strategy, governance, and performance management functions to ensure financial sustainability and compliance across the organisation. This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing financial operations, statutory reporting, and business partnering across New Zealand-based stakeholders.

Head of Finance duties and responsibilities of the job

Key responsibilities of a Head of Finance include:

Leading the development and execution of financial strategy aligned with organisational goals

Overseeing end-to-end financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning

Ensuring compliance with NZ IFRS, IRD obligations (GST, PAYE, FBT, provisional tax), and audit requirements

Providing strategic financial advice to the executive team and board

Managing statutory and management reporting, including year-end close and external audits

Driving continuous improvement in financial processes, systems, and controls

Leading finance transformation initiatives and systems upgrades (e.g. SAP, Xero, MYOB)

Developing and mentoring finance teams to build capability and resilience

Partnering with internal and external stakeholders to support commercial and strategic initiatives

Head of Finance job qualifications and requirements

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

Requirements include:

10+ years’ experience in senior finance roles, including leadership of finance teams

Deep knowledge of New Zealand accounting standards (NZ IFRS) and IRD compliance

Proven track record in strategic planning, financial leadership, and risk management

Strong systems experience with ERP and reporting tools (e.g. SAP, Power BI)

Experience managing external audits and liaising with auditors and regulatory bodies

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills at executive and board level

Demonstrated ability to drive organisational performance through financial insight and leadership

Find head of finance talent. Find head of finance jobs.

Submit your resume or request talent now and our expert recruiters will be with you shortly.

Robert Half can assist you with your head of finance staffing needs.

Salary for Head of Finance

180000 - 250000

25th Percentile

180000

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th Percentile

225000

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th Percentile

250000

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills and may have specialised qualifications.

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

Position title

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

Finance Manager

145000

160000

180000

Financial Controller

180000

215000

250000

CFO / Finance Director (SME)

275000

300000

325000

CFO / Finance Director (Large / MN)

300000

400000

500000

Explore more salaries

Explore exclusive insights

Newest Head Of Finance jobs

Finance Manager

Project Manager - ERP

Financial Accountant - Team Lead

Assistant Accountant

Hiring? Start here.

Access hundreds of skilled contract and permanent candidates at every level from support roles to C-suite, and pinpoint the talent you need using our industry-leading matching technology.

Find your next hire