Finance Analyst

The role

We are on the lookout for a Finance Analyst who will play a pivotal role in delivering high quality financial insights, reporting and stakeholder engagement, particularly with our key shareholder in China. This role requires interaction with our Chinese stakeholders, meaning fluency in Mandarin and strong cross-cultural communication capability are essential.

This is an opportunity to step into a high-impact role with visibility across the business, where your insights and analysis will directly influence strategic decision-making at the executive level.

What you'll do

You will be a key link between Synlait and our Chinese shareholder, driving clear communication, strategic alignment and building on strong partnerships. You will play an important support role in preparing reports, consolidating data and helping ensure alignment between internal teams and shareholder expectations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Financial planning & reporting – Lead the development, automation, and enhancement of financial and performance reporting to meet evolving business needs. Provide insights, commentary and recommendations to guide decision-making.
• Executive reporting – Partner with the Head of FP&A to deliver high-quality performance reporting and analysis to the CFO, CEO, Board, and shareholders. Ensure the integrity and clarity of monthly, half-year and annual reporting.
• Forecasting & budgeting – Drive accurate forecasting and robust budgeting processes, including costing, pricing, and profitability analysis, ensuring alignment with business priorities.
• Financial modelling – Build and enhance complex financial models to support commercial decisions, system transitions (including SAP) and new reporting frameworks.
• Profitability & cost analysis – Support month-end close, materials ledger, and cost object reviews, ensuring insights are shared to drive efficiency, manage risk and identify opportunities.
• Continuous improvement – Lead initiatives to strengthen cost and inventory management processes, while supporting wider productivity and quality improvements across the business.

What you'll bring:

You'll be a technically strong, commercially minded finance professional with around 3 years' experience in an accounting or finance roles. Ideally with experience in financial planning, budgeting and variance analysis. You'll be confident navigating complex group structures and bring a natural curiosity for how businesses operate.

• Fluency in Mandarin and strong cross-cultural communication skills to effectively liaise with our Chinese shareholder and international partners.
• Strong technical finance skills, including financial modelling, forecasting and business performance analysis.
• Proven experience working with large, complex data sets and turning them into actionable insights.
• Advanced Excel capability, knowledge of data transformation, report design and Power BI is highly advantageous.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills – you can influence, challenge and communicate effectively at all levels.
• A proactive mindset with a passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement.

About us – The Synlait Spirit

Synlait is more than a global leader in milk nutrition – we're a purpose-led team that's Doing Milk Differently For A Healthier World.Our Synlait Spirit guides everything we do, from how we show up each day to the impact we create together. You'll be joining an authentic, down-to-earth team that lives the three values that underpin the Synlait Spirit.

Be The Difference means we understand before we act – that means asking why, supporting each other to think differently, stay curious, and continuously look for smarter ways to deliver value. Whether it's in the paddock, the plant or the boardroom, we're driven by impact and inspired to make a meaningful difference every day.

We Move as One by working together with respect, trust and a shared commitment to doing what's right. We collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions and create opportunity for those around us.

We feed the world's most vulnerable, including newborn babies, so we have to be Right on the Mark. That means we take accountability seriously, act with courage and focus our energy on what matters most. We combine expert farming and state of the art processing to deliver high quality nutritional products to all over the world.

At Synlait you'll be challenged and supported to grow. We know everyone brings something unique to the table so we're an inclusive workplace, where diverse perspectives fuel innovation and success.

What we offer:

• Health insurance cover & partnered with top brands for great benefits and discounts
• Excellent parental leave with our Matua policy
• B CorpTM certified
• Social Club membership opportunities

What's next? Apply now

Include your most recent CV and cover letter summarising your abilities and what you can bring to Synlait. We wish you the best of luck in your application. We encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications regularly and may close the advertisement early.

Together we will continue to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.

Applicants outside of New Zealand will only be considered if you have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Please note our office will be closed from Tuesday 23rd December and we will be returning Monday 5th January 2026. During this period, we may take longer than usual to come back to you on your application. Once our team is back on board we will be in contact. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season