Senior Finance Manager

Overview

Southern Cross Health Insurance is a New Zealand-owned, member-centric organisation dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of nearly one million members nationwide. Our mission is to empower healthier, longer lives by ensuring timely access to quality health care and leading positive health system transformation. We foster a high-performing, values-driven culture focused on making a meaningful impact for our members and people.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced and technically proficient Senior Finance Manager to act as the pivotal support to our Financial Controller. This role is integral to our recently revamped finance function, focusing on statutory and regulatory financial reporting, tax compliance, and spearheading finance process improvements. While you will not have direct leadership responsibilities, you will serve as the senior technical authority and trusted advisor within the finance team, driving modernization and efficiency enhancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Financial Controller in delivering accurate, reliable reporting and uphold robust control frameworks, including stepping in to lead the finance function as required.
• Champion initiatives to enhance finance processes through automation, standardisation, and adoption of new technologies to simplify reporting workflows.
• Review financial data, reconciliations, and accounting estimates from team members, ensuring accuracy and reinforcing a rigorous two-level review system.
• Prepare precise and timely statutory financial statements and regulatory submissions such as those required by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and Statistics New Zealand.
• Offer well-documented technical accounting and tax guidance, acting as a senior escalation point for complex or novel financial matters.
• Collaborate with the Financial Controller, audit, risk teams, and business stakeholders to address issues and bolster assurance measures.
• Contribute to the advancement of finance systems and reporting tools as part of wider technology and automation strategies.
• Mentor less experienced finance personnel to cultivate sustainable and scalable working practices.
• Manage ad hoc reviews and respond to stakeholder inquiries within delegated authority to maintain smooth operational finance processes.

Candidate Profile

• Qualified Chartered Accountant, Certified Practising Accountant, or equivalent, with a bachelor's degree in commerce, accounting, or a related field.
• Extensive senior experience in financial accounting, statutory reporting, and technical accounting, acquired either through professional practice or in a large organisational environment.
• Strong expertise in New Zealand IFRS standards, statutory reporting requirements, auditing practices, and New Zealand tax matters including GST, FBT, withholding tax, and income tax.
• Proven experience driving process improvements and control enhancements, with the capacity to simplify complex and manual financial procedures.
• Ability to operate independently, confidently engage in group discussions, and ensure progress is clearly communicated.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and change, demonstrating initiative in leading transformation efforts.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with large-scale enterprise resource planning systems; experience with TechnologyOne is advantageous.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, able to clarify complex accounting topics for diverse audiences.

Why You Should Join

This senior finance role offers a significant opportunity to influence and drive the technical and operational excellence of our finance function. You'll work closely with the Financial Controller as a key strategic partner, gaining exposure to innovative process improvements and critical reporting at scale. Southern Cross is recognised for its strong corporate reputation and trust, reflected in its 2026 rankings in the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index.

Work Environment & Benefits

• Five days annual wellbeing leave.
• Health insurance coverage for employees and immediate family.
• Life insurance, plus discounts on pet and travel insurance.
• Enhanced parental leave provisions and financial wellbeing support.
• Access to workplace wellbeing programmes.
• Option to purchase flexible leave for education, volunteering, or family support.
• Annual team volunteer day to engage with local causes.

Diversity & Inclusion

We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive environment committed to diversity, equity, and belonging. We support multiple employee-led networks including Rainbow, Māori, Pasifika, Neurodiversity, and Whānau Support, alongside publicly committing to the Pride Pledge.

Additional Information

This position is based in Auckland and is not open to remote work options. We welcome candidates who share our values and dedication to enhancing health outcomes in New Zealand's community-oriented culture.