Senior Financial Controller (Part Time - NZ Accounting with Construction)

Position: Senior Financial Controller (Part time) Salary: $2,000 - $2,700 NZD a month Working Hours & Conditions: 15-20 hours per week NZ core business hours Holidays : Public holidays in NZ ROLE OVERVIEW 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 15–20 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: Financial Management & Reporting - 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. - Prepare regular management reports and financial statements; identify discrepancies, risks, and areas requiring attention. - Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning; develop reporting that drives informed commercial decisions. Construction Billing & Payment Claims - Prepare, manage, and submit progress claims and payment claims for construction projects and main contractors, accurately and within required timeframes. - Manage job-based billing including tiling projects; monitor outstanding claims and follow up payments as required. - Ensure project and billing information remains aligned across financial and job management systems. Xero & WorkflowMax - Manage all financial processes through Xero and work confidently within WorkflowMax. - 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. - Troubleshoot discrepancies between project and accounting records; identify and implement improvements to how both systems are used. Accounts Payable, Receivable & Payroll - Manage AP and AR end to end, supplier invoices, payment processing, debtor monitoring, invoicing, statements, overdue follow-up, and bank reconciliations. - Manage or oversee payroll processing, ensure employee data, hours, leave, and pay obligations are accurately maintained and processed on schedule. - Complete payroll reconciliations and support associated reporting and administration. Systems & Process Improvement - Review existing finance processes and identify inefficiencies; implement improved workflows, controls, and system integrations. - Reduce manual administration and develop consistent, documented procedures for month-end, billing, payment claims, and reporting. - Introduce greater structure and financial visibility as the business scales, the expectation is to actively drive improvement, not maintain the status quo. Future Scope - 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. - Exact scope will depend on the successful candidate’s experience and capability. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS: - 4–6 years of experience in financial management, accounting, or a senior hands-on finance role - Strong practical Xero experience and demonstrated WorkflowMax proficiency - Experience preparing construction payment claims and progress claims - Strong understanding of job-based and project-based billing - Proven experience across AP, AR, payroll, reconciliations, and month-end close - Strong financial and management reporting capability with advanced Excel skills - Ability to work independently, take ownership of the finance function, and proactively improve systems and processes - High attention to detail and a proactive, structured approach to problem-solving TOOLS & SYSTEMS (NON-NEGOTIABLE): - WorkflowMax, Xero & Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 PREFERRED SKILLS (NICE TO HAVE): - Previous experience in a New Zealand construction, trades, tiling, or project-based business - Experience billing tiling or specialist subcontracting projects - Understanding of New Zealand construction payment claim requirements and processes - Experience with GST, FBT, and year-end account preparation - Background as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Management Accountant, or senior-level accountant within a growing SME - Demonstrated experience implementing or improving finance systems and process