Group Financial Controller

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The University of Auckland is seeking a Group Financial Controller to lead group financial control, shared services and reporting across the university and its entities, ensuring integrity, compliance and timely insights. This permanent, full‑time role (37.5 hours) requires CA or equivalent and a degree in accounting or finance, with 5+ years leading multi‑disciplinary finance teams. You’ll bring proven capability in financial control, consolidation and external audit, plus a track record of finance transformation, ERP implementation and AI‑enabled automation. As ERP owner you’ll drive process improvement with OneFinance, coach and develop a high‑performing team, and partner across faculties, divisions and governance committees. Apply online by Sunday 8 March 2026, including your cover letter and CV that demonstrate how you meet the skills; contact Josh Chapman with questions; not accepted via email. Equity and Māori partnership information available.

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is Aotearoa’s leading university and largest research institution, ranked in the Global top 100.  We employ over 9,000 staff and support 50,000 students to achieve their ambitions. With annual revenue of $1.6 billion and a $5 billion balance sheet, the University is a large and complex organisation. As one of New Zealand’s most enduring brands, the University leads the way in teaching and research excellence positively impacting the lives of its people, communities and society at large.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Lead the University’s group financial control, shared services and reporting functions, ensuring integrity, compliance and timely insights across the University and its entities. As Group Financial Controller, you’ll drive operational and service excellence, strengthen internal controls, lead and support transformational initiatives (new ERP, automation and AI‑enabled efficiencies) as part of Finance 2030, the University’s programme to modernise financial services.

Key responsibilities:

• Own statutory, consolidated and management reporting; oversee external audit and resolve issues promptly.
• Maintain robust policies, internal controls and accounting standards compliance (treasury, tax, international considerations).
• Act as business owner for the new ERP; lead and support process automation and continuous improvement with OneFinance.
• Build a high‑performing team: coach, develop and succession‑plan for core finance capabilities.
• Partner across faculties, service divisions, Group entities and governance committees; manage relationships with auditors, regulators and banks.
• Champion customer‑centred service and change management to lift quality, timeliness and value.

This is a Permanent, full-time role (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday). 

For more information, please see Position Description

He kōrero mōu | About You

A senior finance leader with deep technical accounting expertise and a track record of lifting performance in large, complex organisations. You combine strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery and you’re comfortable leading teams and programmes through change.

You’ll bring:

• CA (or equivalent) and a degree in Accounting/Finance/Commerce.
• Significant combined accounting/finance experience; 5+ years leading multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Proven financial control, consolidation and external audit management; strong commercial acumen.
• Demonstrated success in finance transformation and ERP implementation; data/automation mindset and familiarity with AI‑enabled tooling.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills; resilient, pragmatic and outcome‑focused.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, service excellence and developing people.

If you’re motivated to shape a modern, insight‑driven finance function and deliver on a significant transformation programme, we’d love to hear from you.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

We offer you more than just a job. We offer you the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, world-class educational institution.

We provide benefits and support throughout your career to help you develop and grow.

In addition, we offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, on-site childcare options, leisure and recreation facilities, and a number of other discounted products and services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Hear more about making Worlds of Difference in your career at the University, our partnership with Māori, our Te Ao Māori principles, our impact, our staff and life in Auckland on our careers website

Additional Information

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of Sunday 8th March, 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and/or CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above. 

If you have any questions regarding the role please contact Josh Chapman - [email protected] 

Please note, we are happy to answer questions but we do not accept applications by email. 

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz