Head of Finance and Commercial

Lead finance. Shape strategy. Drive commercial excellence.

SchoolDocs is one of New Zealand's most trusted education technology companies. Since 2006, we have been supporting schools with clear, accessible online policies; and today, more than 90% of NZ schools rely on us to help meet their compliance requirements.

Our success has grown into two additional verticals:

• GPDocs – supporting around one-third of New Zealand's primary healthcare providers with policies and compliance since 2016
• ECEDocs – our brand-new platform designed specifically for the early childhood sector.

As we continue to grow our impact across Aotearoa and beyond, we are seeking an exceptional senior finance leader to join our Executive Team as Head of Finance & Commercial.

This pivotal role leads finance, commercial analysis, and organisational performance — ensuring SchoolDocs remains strong, future-focused, and positioned for long-term success.

About the role

As the Head of Finance & Commercial, you will be a key member of the Executive Team. You will shape business strategy, strengthen commercial decision-making, and ensure robust planning, budgeting, and financial operations across the organisation.

Your portfolio includes financial planning, pricing, forecasting, business cases, finance and administration systems, risk, and reporting. You'll also champion automation and continuous improvement to support a scalable, high-performing organisation.

This is a hands-on senior role designed for someone who enjoys both strategic influence and operational excellence.

Your responsibilities

Executive Leadership

• Contribute to organisation-wide strategy, planning and performance.
• Shape a culture that reflects respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Provide strategic advice and support across all functions.

Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Lead the annual planning and budgeting process.
• Maintain agile forecasting practices to prevent year-end surprises.
• Ensure clarity of financial performance across the organisation.

Business Cases & Pricing

• Support high-quality business case development.
• Model pricing proposals and ensure profitability.
• Identify opportunities for market development, R&D, and grant funding.

Finance & Administration Operations

• Oversee best-practice accounting, payroll, tax, and administration systems.
• Drive automation and process improvement.
• Manage cash, contracts, invoicing, AP/AR, and outsourced providers.

Risk, Assets & Compliance

• Manage insurances, leases, facilities, and fixed assets.
• Lead health and safety policy and compliance.
• Maintain the organisation's risk register.

Reporting

• Produce clear, accurate, and timely business and financial reporting.
• Provide forecasts and dashboards for the CEO and Board.
• Attend and present at Board meetings.

About you:

• CA qualified.
• 5+ years' senior financial management experience.
• Proven experience delivering reports, budgets and forecasts to Boards/ELTs.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge (NZ standards).
• Advanced financial modelling and Excel capability.
• Commercial acumen with strength in pricing, modelling, and strategic insight.
• Experience improving systems, processes, and controls.
• Excellent communicator with strong relationship and influencing skills.
• High integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Ideally, you'll also have:

• Experience in SaaS, knowledge-based, or growth/scaling organisations.
• Experience working with outsourced providers (tax, payroll, legal).
• Exposure to grants, R&D funding, or market development initiatives.
• Knowledge of automation tools and digital transformation.
• Leadership and coaching experience in a small/medium organisation.
• Adaptable, curious, and thrives in dynamic environments.

Why you'll love about working with us

• Warm, supportive, inclusive, values-based culture that embraces and celebrates diversity
• Purpose-driven work supporting schools, ECE services, and healthcare providers
• Significant scope to lead, build, and shape a critical function
• Stable, profitable organisation entering an exciting growth phase.

Please apply online, all applications will be processed as they are received.  Ideal start date for this role is mid-late January 2026.

Central Christchurch based with a car park available.

Permanent NZ work rights are essential for this role, please only apply if you have NZ work rights and will be available to start early in the new year.