Finance Manager

We are seeking top talent for this role

Are you ready to accelerate your career into the heart of the marine industry?

Are you a current Finance Manager or looking for your next step?

If so, we encourage you to enquire about joining us.

About Southern Spars

At Southern Spars we're not just about sailing; we're about shaping the future of high performance and luxury yachting technology. We're pioneers, and visionaries, dedicated to delivering new realms of possibility. And now, we're seeking a dynamic individual to become an integral part of our business, driving forward our mission to enable world leading performance.  We take pride in being the world's leading designer and manufacturer of carbon rigs from the America's Cup to super yachts. Our purpose-built manufacturing facility together with our expert team means we create and continue to develop into new industries including aerospace, aviation and high-performance sport.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the CFO, the Finance Manager will be a key member of the team, responsible for overseeing the full financial management, reporting, and control framework of the business. This is a hands-on role that combines strategic oversight with operational execution - ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment that delivers large, custom-built projects with complex cost structures and delivery cycles.

You will take ownership of the company's financial integrity, ensuring accurate, timely, and insightful reporting that supports sound commercial decisions at all levels of the business. Acting as a trusted advisor to senior management, you will help shape financial strategy, drive profitability improvement, and ensure that financial resources are deployed effectively to support sustainable growth.

The Finance Manager will lead a small offshore finance team responsible for day-to-day accounting, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and project reporting. You will champion continuous improvement across financial processes, systems, and controls to enhance visibility, efficiency, and governance.

A key part of the role involves business partnering with operational and project teams, ensuring that project financial tracking is accurate and aligned with project performance expectations. You will bring a strong understanding of manufacturing cost drivers, materials and labour tracking, and cash flow timing to ensure that management decisions are based on solid financial insight.

You will also manage the company's annual audit process, liaise directly with external auditors, and ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, tax obligations, and company policies.

The role requires balancing short-term operational priorities with a longer-term focus on business performance, capital structure, and financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and board/management reporting.
• Manage the general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, and month-end close process.
• Lead annual budgeting and half yearly forecasting processes.
• Ensure accurate project cost tracking, work-in-progress (WIP) reporting, and revenue recognition.

Business Partnering

• Provide commercial insights to project managers and operational teams.
• Lead the monthly project reviews with a risk mitigation based approach.
• Support pricing decisions, reviews, and margin improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to strategic planning, capital investment analysis, and scenario modelling.

Audit, Compliance & Controls

• Manage annual external audits and the relationship with auditors.
• Complete the external audit in a timely manner and without material adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with NZ IFRS and USGAAP, tax, and other statutory reporting requirements.
• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls and risk management processes.

Cash Flow & Treasury

• Monitor cash flow and working capital performance.
• Manage banking relationships and support group cash reporting and requirements.
• Oversee supplier payments, payroll review, and credit control processes.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, develop & lead our offshore finance team (currently 4 staff).
• Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement within the finance function.

Payroll Management

• Review and approve payroll prepared by the external payroll provider, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies and NZ employment and tax legislation.
• Verify that all pay changes, leave entitlements, deductions, and benefits are correctly processed.
• Maintain oversight of PAYE, KiwiSaver, and related filings, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Act as the internal point of contact for payroll-related queries and liaise with the external provider to resolve issues promptly.

Ad hoc financial support/ analysis for the GM/CFO as required

What's in it for you

• Fully equipped gym
• Health and life insurance
• On site Café with free barista coffee and fruit
• Birthday off on full pay
• Great team culture with active social club

What you'll bring

Essential:

• CA / CPA / equivalent professional qualification.
• 5–10+ years' experience in senior accounting or finance roles.
• Proven experience managing external audits and statutory compliance.
• Strong understanding of project accounting, cost control, and inventory management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial modelling skills.
• Advanced Excel, Power BI and ERP system skills (e.g., Epicor E10 or Kinetic, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Pronto, or similar).
• Excellent communication, and business partnering skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines.

Desired:

• Prior experience in a manufacturing, engineering, or construction environment with custom or contract-based projects.
• Exposure to inventory management, bill of materials (BOM) costing, or production control systems.
• Experience in system or process improvement projects, including ERP upgrades or automation initiatives.
• Understanding of import/export financial processes, FX exposure management, or supply chain impacts to manufacturing.
• Experience leading offshore teams.

If this sounds like you, then apply today

With the high volume of applications we receive, we will only be contacting those who are successful.