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. 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