Finance Director: sample job description

A Finance Director is a senior executive role, integral to steering the financial health and direction of a company. They play a pivotal role in strategic planning, managing the company's finances, developing and controlling budgets, and overseeing financial reporting.

They are responsible for making financial forecasts and business decisions that guide the company's overall financial strategy.

Finance Directors typically manage teams of finance professionals and liaise with stakeholders. They present financial reports and strategies to boards of directors while ensuring compliance with New Zealand accounting standards (NZ IFRS) and tax regulations such as GST.

A Finance Director’s role is multifaceted, involving elements of financial management, strategic planning, team leadership, and compliance.

For a detailed overview of a Finance Director's responsibilities, download our job description template.

The average salary for a Finance Director in New Zealand depends on factors such as location, industry sector, level of experience, and company size.

According to the Robert Walters Salary Survey 2025, salaries for senior finance professionals such as Finance Directors vary across regions:

• In Auckland, Finance Directors earn between NZD 180,000 and NZD 250,000 annually. Contract rates range from NZD 120 to NZD 200 per hour.

• In Wellington, Finance Directors typically earn between NZD 160,000 and NZD 220,000 annually or contract rates of NZD 100 to NZD 180 per hour.

• In Christchurch, salaries range from NZD 150,000 to NZD 200,000 annually or contract rates of NZD 90 to NZD 150 per hour.

Robert Walters’ Salary Survey provides up-to-date information on salary ranges across major cities like Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch. Use this data to benchmark competitive compensation packages that attract top-tier talent while retaining existing employees.

Download your copy today for accurate salary insights tailored to New Zealand's Accounting & Finance market.

Our market intelligence team also offers bespoke salary benchmarking services specific to your business needs.

The demand for Finance Directors is consistently high, particularly for those with a strong mix of strategic planning and financial management skills. However, with a limited pool of qualified candidates, it can be a competitive market.

Robert Walters offers a comprehensive range of recruitment services and market insights to help you navigate this challenging market. With our expert knowledge and extensive network, we can help you secure top finance talent for your organisation.

Learn more about our finance recruitment services today. 

 

Successful Finance Directors often have these traits:

• Strategic Vision: They have a clear understanding of the company's business model and can translate this into strategic financial plans.
• Analytical Mindset: They have the ability to dissect complex financial data and draw insightful conclusions that can drive business decisions.
• Leadership: They demonstrate strong leadership skills, inspiring their team and leading them towards achieving the company's financial goals.
• Integrity: They uphold high ethical standards and lead by example, ensuring that all financial practices are transparent and compliant with regulations.
• Communication: They can effectively communicate complex financial information to a variety of stakeholders, in a manner that is easily understood.
• Adaptability: They are able to adapt and respond quickly to changes in the business environment, ensuring the company remains financially stable.
• Problem-Solving: They possess excellent problem-solving skills, able to identify financial challenges and develop effective solutions.
• Decision-Making: They have the ability to make informed, strategic decisions under pressure.
• Innovation: They embrace innovation, constantly seeking to improve financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency.
• Relationship Building: They have the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with various stakeholders, including investors, banks, and other financial institutions.

While every organisation has unique requirements for their ideal candidate, these traits are common among successful leaders in finance roles. 

Download our free template now for more details on essential qualifications needed from a Finance Director.