Financial Controller

Overview

We are recruiting a Financial Controller for a thriving commercial construction company based in Hamilton, New Zealand, with operations across the country. This senior, hands-on finance role is designed for a professional who deeply understands the commercial construction sector, can see the broader business implications, communicates effectively, and enjoys collaborating with operational and leadership teams.

The successful candidate will take full responsibility for financial management, reporting, forecasting, and commercial controls, contributing to the enhancement of systems and business decision-making processes. A strong proficiency in AI and contemporary financial technologies is crucial to identify opportunities for process automation, enhancing financial transparency, and empowering teams with better information. As the company expands, this role offers significant growth potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Assume full accountability for company financial management, controls, and reporting functions.
• Prepare accurate, insightful monthly management accounts.
• Lead all budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow activities.
• Maintain in-depth awareness of the company’s financial status, operational performance, and projected workload.
• Ensure implementation and maintenance of appropriate financial controls, policies, and procedures.
• Manage year-end financial processes and coordinate relationships with accountants, auditors, banks, and other external stakeholders.
• Oversee compliance with tax, statutory, and regulatory financial obligations.
• Manage financial aspects of construction projects including profit and loss monitoring.
• Supervise project-level financial performance alongside overall business financial results.
• Analyze key drivers influencing business outcomes.
• Identify and mitigate financial and commercial risks proactively.
• Enhance forecasting methods and scenario analysis techniques.
• Develop and monitor meaningful key performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboards.
• Support strategic planning initiatives and sustainable business growth.
• Convert complex financial data into clear, actionable commercial insights.
• Implement and leverage AI, automation, and cutting-edge financial technologies to optimize company financial management and decision-making processes.
• Collaborate with project and commercial teams to understand various project financial metrics including profitability, margin, cost forecasting, work in progress, cash flow, variations, retentions, subcontractor and supplier commitments, payment cycles, revenue recognition, risks, opportunities, overheads, and overall business profitability.

Experience and Skills

• Over five years of experience as a Financial Controller, Commercial Finance Manager, or in a related senior finance role.
• Extensive background in commercial construction finance.
• Solid understanding of construction project accounting and commercial reporting requirements.
• Proficient in budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Skilled in analyzing project margins, work in progress, forecast costs, and identifying financial risks.
• Strong capabilities with financial systems and data analysis.
• Proven experience using AI and automation tools to improve business processes.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to distill complex financial information into straightforward commercial advice.
• Detail-oriented with an ability to keep sight of the overall business perspective.
• Pragmatic and solution-driven mindset.
• Confidence to challenge ideas constructively without unnecessary conflict.
• Holds relevant accounting qualifications or possesses substantial equivalent commercial experience.