Role Description
We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Financial Controller to take ownership of the day-to-day finance function. This is not a reporting-only role; the right candidate will get into the detail across Xero, WorkflowMax, construction payment claims, job billing, payroll, AP/AR, and month-end, while also taking a proactive approach to identifying and improving systems and processes.
The position starts at 15β20 hours per week, making it well-suited to a senior finance professional currently supporting multiple clients or businesses. As the business grows, the role has clear potential to expand into a full-time position, with scope to absorb responsibilities currently held by external accountants.
Responsibilities
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Financial Management & Reporting:
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Own the day-to-day finance function, maintain accurate records, complete month-end reconciliations and close processes, and provide management with clear visibility over financial performance.
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Prepare regular management reports and financial statements; identify discrepancies, risks, and areas requiring attention.
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Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning; develop reporting that drives informed commercial decisions.
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Construction Billing & Payment Claims:
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Prepare, manage, and submit progress claims and payment claims for construction projects and main contractors, accurately and within required timeframes.
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Manage job-based billing including tiling projects; monitor outstanding claims and follow up payments as required.
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Ensure project and billing information remains aligned across financial and job management systems.
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Xero & WorkflowMax:
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Manage all financial processes through Xero and work confidently within WorkflowMax.
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Maintain accurate job, billing, and financial data across both platforms; manage the flow of information between systems including data exports and re-imports where required.
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Troubleshoot discrepancies between project and accounting records; identify and implement improvements to how both systems are used.
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Accounts Payable, Receivable & Payroll:
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Manage AP and AR end to end, supplier invoices, payment processing, debtor monitoring, invoicing, statements, overdue follow-up, and bank reconciliations.
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Manage or oversee payroll processing, ensure employee data, hours, leave, and pay obligations are accurately maintained and processed on schedule.
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Complete payroll reconciliations and support associated reporting and administration.
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Systems & Process Improvement:
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Review existing finance processes and identify inefficiencies; implement improved workflows, controls, and system integrations.
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Reduce manual administration and develop consistent, documented procedures for month-end, billing, payment claims, and reporting.
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Introduce greater structure and financial visibility as the business scales; the expectation is to actively drive improvement, not maintain the status quo.
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Future Scope:
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As the role develops, there is potential to take on GST preparation, FBT obligations, year-end preparation, and broader compliance responsibilities currently supported by the external accountant.
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Exact scope will depend on the successful candidateβs experience and capability.
Qualifications
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4β6 years of experience in financial management, accounting, or a senior hands-on finance role
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Strong practical Xero experience and demonstrated WorkflowMax proficiency
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Experience preparing construction payment claims and progress claims
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Strong understanding of job-based and project-based billing
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Proven experience across AP, AR, payroll, reconciliations, and month-end close
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Strong financial and management reporting capability with advanced Excel skills
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Ability to work independently, take ownership of the finance function, and proactively improve systems and processes
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High attention to detail and a proactive, structured approach to problem-solving
Tools & Systems (Non-Negotiable)
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WorkflowMax
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Xero
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Microsoft Excel
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Microsoft 365
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
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Previous experience in a New Zealand construction, trades, tiling, or project-based business
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Experience billing tiling or specialist subcontracting projects
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Understanding of New Zealand construction payment claim requirements and processes
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Experience with GST, FBT, and year-end account preparation
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Background as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Management Accountant, or senior-level accountant within a growing SME
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Demonstrated experience implementing or improving finance systems and processes