"Financial Controller"

Job Description:

• Lead financial control in a large, complex organisation
• Provide financial insight to support strategic decision-making
• Drive innovation, systems and financial transformation

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

This is a key Financial Controller role within a complex, multi-entity university environment ensuring strong stewardship of public funds.

You will lead financial control across the University and its entities, with accountability for statutory reporting, financial accounting policy, audit, tax, treasury and insurance. You will act as a key guardian of the University’s financial integrity, ensuring robust control, compliance with Public Benefit Entity (PBE) standards, and high-quality financial reporting.

Working closely with the CFO and alongside the Finance Leadership Team, you will provide authoritative technical advice and deliver accurate, timely and insightful financial information to support effective decision-making.

The role operates across a complex environment, including multiple entities, significant fixed assets, and diverse funding streams. It offers the opportunity to strengthen financial systems, improve processes, and contribute to ongoing transformation initiatives across the Finance function.

Salary will be based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Anthony Robertson, Chief Financial Officer, anthony.robertson@waikato.ac.nz. All applications must be submitted through the university online portal; emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are an experienced Financial Controller or senior finance professional with strong technical accounting capability and a track record operating in complex organisations.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience in financial accounting, reporting and control
• Strong knowledge of Financial Reporting Standards, ideally including PBE
• Proven experience leading audit and annual reporting processes
• Experience in multi-entity and/or highly regulated environments
• Strong understanding of financial controls and balance sheet integrity
• The ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice on complex financial matters
• A track record of improving systems, processes and controls
• Proven leadership capability, including developing high-performing teams

You are confident engaging with senior stakeholders, regulators and external advisors, and thrive in environments where complexity, scale and impact create opportunities to lead and influence.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The Finance team is part of the Corporate Services Group and plays a critical role in delivering high-quality financial services, reporting, and insights across the University. The team supports strategic planning, budgeting and performance monitoring, ensuring strong financial stewardship of public funds.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on April 19, 2026

Requisition number: 1003542