Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

**Ā tātou kōrero – Our Story** Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea (TToTW) is based in Ōpōtiki in the sunny Eastern Bay of Plenty. Following our Treaty settlement in 2024, we are entering an exciting period of growth, with the return of significant assets and renewed opportunity for our people. Our vision, Tū Ake Whakatōhea, speaks to unity, identity, resilience, and collective aspirations. It reflects both our history and our future, acknowledging the hardships we have endured, the strength we carry, and the shared path we are continuing to shape together. Tū Ake means to stand with pride, to stand connected, and to stand grounded in whakapapa and tikanga. It is about standing for those who came before us and those who will follow, as Whakatōhea. Guided by our strategic direction, Te Puia o Whakaari, we are committed to strengthening connections to whakapapa, reo, marae, and whenua; creating meaningful opportunities for whānau; and ensuring sustainable, intergenerational prosperity. This is a time of transformation and possibility. A time to stand together. Tū ake Whakatōhea. **Mō te Tūranga | About the Role** We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the financial function across Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea and its group entities. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will partner with the Chief Executive and governance to provide financial leadership, inform strategic direction, and support the Group’s long-term aspirations. ***Full-time and part-time opportunities are available, with contractor arrangements also considered. The role can be undertaken locally or remotely.*** **Ngā kawenga me ngā mahi – Key Responsibilities** - Lead the development and delivery of group-wide financial strategy, budgets, forecasts, and long-term planning. - Provide high-level financial advice, commercial insights and recommendations to the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team, and governance. - Oversee financial reporting, cash flow, treasury, and investment performance, ensuring clear visibility of the Group’s financial position. - Drive commercial analysis, capital allocation, and investment appraisals to inform significant business and growth decisions. - Maintain robust financial governance, internal controls, risk management, and statutory compliance across group entities. - Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, optimise resource allocation, and enhance commercial returns. - Lead the review and modernisation of financial systems, processes, and reporting frameworks to improve accuracy, efficiency, and management of information. - Lead and develop a high-performing finance function, building capability, professional standards, and a culture of excellence. **Ōu Pūkenga - About You** You will be an accomplished finance leader who combines technical expertise with commercial insight, executive presence, and the ability to influence organisational direction. **You will bring:** - A relevant tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or Business, supported by a professional accounting qualification (CA, CPA or equivalent). - Significant senior financial leadership experience, ideally within a complex, multi-entity, or group environment. - Proven experience advising Chief Executives, Executive Leadership Teams, and Boards on strategic and commercial matters. - Strong commercial acumen, including investment management, financial modelling, business cases, and capital allocation. - Advanced financial systems capability, including experience with Xero and the ability to critically review existing systems, processes and controls, identify inefficiencies and lead improvements that enhance financial operations and reporting. - A strong understanding of New Zealand accounting standards, taxation, statutory obligations, and financial risk management. - The ability to interpret complex information, challenge assumptions, and translate analysis into clear, practical recommendations. - Demonstrated leadership experience, including developing teams, managing performance, and building organisational capability. - Exceptional analytical, communication and relationship management skills, with the credibility to influence at all levels. - Sound judgement, integrity, and discretion when managing sensitive financial and commercial information. An understanding of Māori organisations, iwi structures and the wider Māori economic landscape would be advantageous. Bilingual proficiency in Te Reo Māori and English, alongside an understanding of Whakatōhea tikanga, kawa and whakapapa, is highly regarded. If you’re a strategic and hands-on accounting professional who can navigate both charitable compliance and commercial complexity, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your expression of interest to [peopleandculture@whakatohea.co.nz](mailto:peopleandculture@whakatohea.co.nz) requesting the job description. Check us out at: ***https://www.whakatohea.co.nz***