Senior Financial Controller

Role overview

Manuka AI is a Databricks-focused consulting business helping organisations across Australia and New Zealand build, grow, and commercialise modern data and AI solutions. The company is looking for a Senior Financial Controller to strengthen its finance function, bring structure to reporting and controls, and provide the CEO and Board with dependable financial insight.

This is a senior, hands-on position covering cash flow, management reporting, board pack preparation, intercompany consolidation, payroll oversight, and overall finance control across a multi-entity ANZ group.

The role is based in Auckland, New Zealand, with remote working and flexible hours. It is structured as part-time initially, with a pathway to full-time over 6 to 18 months.

Key responsibilities

You will be responsible for maintaining visibility over cash, producing board-ready reporting, managing the month-end process, and strengthening financial controls across the business.

• Build and maintain short- and medium-term cash flow forecasts, update the CEO weekly, and track collections, payments, payroll, tax, and other commitments against actual bank positions.
• Compile monthly board packs covering profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow, debtor and creditor analysis, project performance, budget versus actuals, forecast changes, and commentary on key movements and risks.
• Run the month-end close process carefully and on schedule, including reviewing bookkeeping outputs, bank reconciliations, payroll journals, accruals, prepayments, and intercompany balances, while keeping support papers for material accounts.
• Manage finance controls for both Australia and New Zealand, including GST, BAS, PAYG withholding, superannuation, payroll tax, workers compensation, New Zealand GST, KiwiSaver, and payroll compliance across a multi-entity structure.
• Monitor project budgets and profitability, compare actual results with budget and forecast, and work with project leaders to flag margin erosion, billing delays, and delivery cost issues.
• Review and approve payroll, oversee accounts payable and receivable, support debtor follow-up, monitor payroll liabilities, and guide bookkeepers and external finance support partners.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, scenario analysis, and commercial decision-making with practical recommendations on cash flow, resourcing, and profitability.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will bring substantial senior finance experience, especially in control-oriented roles within consulting, professional services, or technology businesses.

• Previous experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager, or Senior Accountant, ideally in a professional services, consulting, or technology environment.
• Proven exposure to Australian and New Zealand finance control responsibilities, including intercompany reporting and payroll obligations.
• Strong capability in cash flow management, board pack preparation, and project financial control.
• Sound commercial judgment, with the ability to translate financial data into practical business insight.
• A hands-on working style, comfort with deadlines, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.
• Clear communication skills for engaging with CEOs, Boards, and external advisors.
• Proactive approach to identifying risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Experience in project-based, billing-led professional services environments and familiarity with multi-entity ANZ group structures would be advantageous.
• Professional accounting qualifications such as CA, CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent are preferred, along with a relevant accounting or finance degree.

Perks and benefits

The company offers a flexible, high-trust working style and an opportunity to influence finance operations at a fast-growing AI and data consultancy.

• Remote work with flexible hours.
• Part-time to full-time transition path over 6 to 18 months.
• Competitive pay that is expected to increase as the role grows.
• Direct access to leadership, including close work with the CEO and reporting to the Board.
• High-impact work in an AI-native, fast-growing business.
• A low-politics environment with an emphasis on initiative, candid discussion, and outcomes.

Eligibility

This role is open to experienced finance professionals who can operate effectively in a senior controller capacity and support a multi-entity ANZ business from a remote setup in or around Auckland.

Additional information

Manuka AI says it is committed to inclusion and aims to build a diverse workplace where different backgrounds and career paths in finance are respected and welcomed.

Candidates who are motivated by building financial discipline in a founder-led, high-growth consulting firm are encouraged to consider the opportunity.