Finance Manager

Already a successful international operator, this cargo airline is entering its next phase of growth across Australia and New Zealand. Built on an entrepreneurial mindset, operational excellence and an unwavering commitment to putting customers first, the business has earned a reputation for delivering practical, solutions-focused outcomes in a highly regulated environment.

Based at Auckland Airport and reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Finance Manager will lead a team of three across financial accounting, accounts payable and payroll.

This is a hands-on role requiring someone who can take the accounts from trial balance through to completion. Alongside ensuring accurate reporting and strong financial control, you will look critically at existing practices and implement improvements that support the business’s continued growth.

The Opportunity
Key responsibilities will include:

• Prepare and analyse monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements.
• Manage the general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations and accounting records.
• Lead and support the Financial Accountant, Accounts Payable Officer and Payroll Officer.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable and working capital.
• Review customer invoices and monitor outstanding payments.
• Supervise the New Zealand and Australian payroll functions.
• Manage fixed assets, depreciation and inventory reconciliations.
• Oversee GST, payday filing and other tax compliance requirements, working with an external tax provider on more complex matters.
• Maintain effective financial controls and improve systems and processes.
• Work closely with the FP&A function, contributing to cost management, financial analysis and wider finance and compliance activities.

About You
You are likely to bring:

• CA, CPA or an equivalent professional accounting qualification.
• Ideally an audit background.
• Strong financial accounting experience, including working from trial balance through to completed accounts and reporting.
• Experience leading or supervising a finance team.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand accounting standards and compliance requirements.
• A practical and inquisitive approach, with the confidence to challenge existing ways of working.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in accounting systems and Microsoft Excel. Experience with Microsoft Business Central would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of Australian accounting or compliance requirements would be beneficial but is not essential.
• Experience within the aviation industry, or a genuine interest in aviation, would be highly regarded.

Previous payroll experience is not required, although you must be comfortable overseeing the function. This is not a tax planning role; however, experience managing tax compliance and preparing income tax returns is preferable.

Why Consider This Role?
For someone with a genuine interest in aviation, this is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the financial accounting function within a growing international cargo airline. Working from its Auckland Airport base, you will be close to the operation, work directly with the Chief Financial Officer and lead an established team. You will also have the scope to strengthen controls, improve how things are done and make a tangible contribution as the business continues to grow.

For further information, please contact Cohesion: Nichola Rawlence on [+64 21 621 712](tel:+64 21 621 712) or Rachel McNaughton on [+64 27 733 3819](tel:+64 27 733 3819).

Please note that only candidates with the current, valid right to work in New Zealand can be considered for this position.