"Lead AUT’s Financial Services portfolio"

Job Description:

• Lead AUT’s Financial Services portfolio
• Provide university wide financial control & stewardship across AUT’s $1.5 Billion asset base
• Leader of a high-performing, dynamic, supportive and diverse Finance team
• Permanent, full‑time role based at AUT’s City Campus

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand’s newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 26,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono (fact, truth, reality, integrity), Tika (acting accordingly, doing what is needed, ethical expression), and Aroha (empathy, care, compassion). AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world.

AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our university and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

Finance at AUT

As a senior finance leader at AUT, you will operate in an environment where strong financial stewardship is essential. With annual revenues exceeding $520 million and a complex, fastmoving operating landscape, this role offers considerable scale, challenge, and strategic influence.

You will join a highly capable and collaborative Finance team that blends strategic insight with disciplined financial management to support AUT’s long-term strategic ambitions. We value strong knowledge & judgment, partnership, and high performance. AUT operates with the Technology One financial management system, providing a strong platform for robust controls, reliable reporting, and continuous improvement.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer / Assistant Vice-Chancellor Finance & Infrastructure, you will be a key member and leader within AUT’s finance leadership team. In this pivotal role, you will lead AUT’s financial services functions including financial compliance i.e. Audit & sector requirements, financial systems, procurement and oversight of AUT subsidiaries to ensure consistency of accounting across the organisation.

This position requires sound judgment, strong influencing capability, and exceptional communication skills, including the ability to translate complex financial information into clear insights that support confident decision making. High levels of confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to excellence are essential.

Key focus areas will include:

• Lead and inspire a team of 20+ finance and procurement professionals, embedding consistent, high-quality‑ practice and delivering strong financial leadership across the organisation.
• Drive university ‑wide financial stewardship, ensuring the integrity, resilience, and long-term‑ sustainability of AUT’s financial position.
• Oversee all core financial control functions, including statutory and external reporting, balance sheet management, treasury and banking, regulatory & tax compliance, asset and capital valuation, procurement, and the consolidation and governance of university subsidiaries.
• Ensure AUT’s financial position remains robust, transparent, and compliant, enabling the CFO, Executive Leadership Team, and Council to make confident, well-informed‑ decisions.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across the financial control environment, enhancing discipline, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.
• Champion the evolution of the Finance function, utilising digital technology, automation, and data driven‑ insights to strengthen performance and service delivery.
• Collaborate cohesively with the Group Director, Financial Operations to deliver seamless financial leadership and strategy, uphold high service standards, maintain accurate reporting, and ensure the overall integrity and performance of the Finance function.

Please see the detailed position description available for more information.

About you | Ko wai koe

If you’re the kind of person who isn’t afraid to try new things, explore bold ideas and inject real energy and passion into the entire university experience - you’ll fit right in.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

1. Qualification as a Chartered Accountant (CA or CPA), supported by a relevant tertiary degree.
2. Deep technical accounting expertise, with a strong foundation in financial accounting.
3. Proven experience leading a financial services function, ideally within a large or complex organisation.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of New Zealand GAAP and taxation, with familiarity with Public Sector Accounting Standards highly desirable.
5. Extensive people leadership experience, with a track record of building high performance, people centred teams and fostering innovation.
6. Demonstrated capability in driving continuous improvement and leading change across finance teams and processes.
7. Advanced proficiency in financial systems and technology, including experience with system implementation or optimisation.
8. Strong business partnering and customer service skills, with the ability to build and sustain effective, trust based relationships.
9. Proven problem-solving capability, with experience developing and implementing innovative solutions to complex issues.
10. A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and strong alignment with AUT’s Te Aronui journey.

As a professional member of staff at AUT, you’ll help keep us moving forward. From improving our services and streamlining our systems to supporting the experiences of students and staff across our campuses. By working collaboratively, solving problems and driving practical improvements, you’ll play a vital role in helping us operate smoothly, raise our profile, and evolve what we do, every day.

You will bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate cultural humility, awareness, and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Along with your CV - please ensure to submit a cover letter which a) explains why this role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) addresses how you feel you meet some, or all, of the experience and attributes listed above.

Please feel free to add any further comments you feel may also support your application. All applications must be submitted through the online application process.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

At AUT, you’ll be part of a values-led university that supports you to thrive in your role and career. We offer:

• Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports belonging.
• Recognition frameworks that reflect your contribution and how you live our values.
• The tools and trust to make a meaningful difference every day.
• Māori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared purpose.
• Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff.
• Professional development and funded study pathways to keep you moving forward.
• Free gym membership.

Further Information | Pārongo Anō

• Start Date: The successful candidate would ideally join AUT in mid-2026 (to be agreed).
• Term:The successful candidate will secure a permanent, full-time appointment. A competitive remuneration package will be agreed, commensurate with skills and experience.
• Enquiries:Contact Mike Wood, AUT Executive Recruitment Partner – mike.wood@aut.ac.nz
• A Ministry of Justice Check and Credit Check will be undertaken as part of the pre-employment checks required, for the preferred candidate.

Closing Date | Te rā aukati: Thursday 2 April at 11.55pm

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 95006