Head of Finance

Mitre 10 Napier & Hastings is seeking a Head of Finance to join their Senior Management Team based in their Hastings Head Office. As a key leader, you will oversee all finance and accounting functions, working closely with executive teams to drive business performance and ensure robust financial health. This role provides an exceptional platform for you to influence strategic decisions, foster a supportive team environment, and contribute directly to the company’s ongoing success.

An opportunity not to miss!

• Play a pivotal role as part of the Senior Management Team across two Mitre10 stores in Hastings and Napier.
• Enjoy a collaborative environment, where your ability to lead a team, nurture talent and share knowledge will be highly valued by both your team and senior stakeholders.
• Benefit from a commitment to professional development within a well-established and respected company.
• Head office is in Hastings, open to someone looking to relocate to the area if you have the desired skills and experience (within NZ).

What you'll do:

As Head of Finance, you will play an integral role in shaping the organisation’s financial direction. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve collaborating with senior leaders on strategic planning, providing insightful analysis that drives business performance, and ensuring all statutory obligations are met.

You will guide your team through complex budgeting cycles, streamline cash flow operations, and champion cost-saving initiatives that enhance overall efficiency. By nurturing talent within your department and maintaining open communication with stakeholders across the business, you will help create a dependable financial foundation for continued growth.

Your expertise in accounting systems will be essential as you oversee payroll processing, tax preparation, and compliance activities. Success in this position means not only delivering accurate reports but also empowering others through mentorship while upholding Mitre 10’s values of teamwork, integrity, and shared achievement.

• Develop comprehensive financial strategies that include risk minimisation plans and proactive opportunity forecasting to support long-term organisational goals.
• Deliver high-level financial reporting and in-depth analysis to inform decision-making across all levels of the business.
• Manage, mentor, and support a dedicated finance team of 6, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages professional growth and knowledge sharing.
• Consolidate budgets regularly while ensuring accuracy and alignment with overall business objectives.
• Oversee cash flow management processes to maintain healthy liquidity and support operational needs.
• Drive initiatives aimed at improving efficiencies and reducing costs throughout the organisation without compromising quality or service.
• Engage in effective stakeholder management by building strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Supervise debt management activities, including collection processes, to optimise working capital.
• Prepare company tax returns and BAS statements in compliance with statutory requirements.
• Utilise advanced accounting software skills for general ledger functions, month-end/year-end close processes, payroll processing, and authorisation.

What you bring:

To excel in this role, your background should reflect significant experience leading finance teams within complex environments where collaboration is key. You are adept at navigating regulatory frameworks, producing detailed reports for senior audiences, and implementing process improvements that benefit both people and profit margins.

Your ability to communicate clearly ensures that insights are shared effectively across departments. Familiarity with SAP or similar platforms would be beneficial but is not mandatory- your openness to learning new tools will serve you well. Above all, your approachability, reliability, and dedication to ethical practice set you apart as someone who can be trusted with Mitre 10’s financial stewardship.

• CA qualification is required to ensure you bring a solid foundation of technical expertise to the finance function.
• Demonstrated experience managing finance teams with a focus on mentoring staff members in a supportive manner.
• Proven track record in developing financial strategies that balance risk minimisation with opportunity identification for sustainable growth.
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software administration coupled with hands-on experience in general ledger management.
• Comprehensive understanding of statutory law and financial regulations relevant to large organisations.
• Strong background in preparing company tax returns and BAS statements accurately and efficiently.
• Experience overseeing budget consolidation processes while maintaining attention to detail under tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills enabling you to build trust-based relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the business.
• Well-developed analytical abilities for high-level reporting as well as practical problem-solving within daily operations.
• Prior exposure to SAP is advantageous but not essential; willingness to learn new systems is important.

What sets this company apart:

Mitre 10 stands out as one of New Zealand’s most trusted names in retail home improvement, a brand built on community values, customer care, and genuine teamwork. Employees enjoy being part of an organisation that prioritises personal development alongside business success.

Not only being part of Mitre10 but part of a much larger Scott & Ricketts business, this is a family owned and operated business that has been a part of the Hawke's Bay community since 1961. Mitre10 was formed in New Zealand in 1974 with Scott & Ricketts joining the group the following year as one of the first provincial members.

This company fosters an inclusive atmosphere where every voice is heard; ideas are welcomed from all corners of the business regardless of title or tenure.. Joining the business means becoming part of a network that values loyalty, mutual respect, and shared achievement, qualities reflected not just in their products but also in their people-focused culture

What's next:

If you are ready to take on this key opportunity and make a lasting impact on their finance function, now is the perfect time to apply!

If you would like to hear more on this opportunity please contact Laura at Robert Walters directly – laura.sanford-scutt@robertwalters.co.nz / +64 9 374 7301

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence within this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Laura Sanford-Scutt on +64 9 374 7300.