Director - Private Business

About the role

PwC New Zealand is looking for a Director to lead its Private practice in Wellington, part of a broader national Private business with strong growth ambitions. You will work alongside two Private partners and four Tax partners in a collaborative practice of about 40-50 people, and connect with colleagues across the national Private network. The role combines technical credibility with commercial thinking, practical advice, collaborative leadership and a strong focus on originating new opportunities across a portfolio of privately owned businesses.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a significant portfolio of privately owned businesses, including property, large trading and high-growth businesses, as a senior trusted adviser across accounting, tax, business advisory and broader commercial matters.
• Build enduring relationships with business owners, entrepreneurs, CFOs and other senior stakeholders, applying practical commercial judgement to complex client needs.
• Lead high-quality accounting, tax and advisory engagements, including statutory reporting, forecasting, financial modelling, board reporting, virtual CFO support and systems and process improvements.
• Originate new business, identify market opportunities and play a central role in the commercial growth and strategic direction of the Wellington Private practice.
• Take accountability for engagement scope, pricing, resourcing, work in progress, recoverability, billing and profitability.
• Coach and develop team members, collaborate across Private, Tax and the wider firm, and help lead the AI First approach by embedding AI-enabled ways of working in client delivery.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in accounting, tax and advisory services, ideally in a Big Four or comparable professional services environment or a senior commercial finance role, with experience working with complex privately owned businesses.
• A proven record of building trusted senior relationships and generating growth through strong networks, market awareness and client origination.
• A personable, collaborative leadership style, with experience coaching and developing people across multiple engagements.
• Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, confident engaging business owners, entrepreneurs, CFOs, partners and other senior stakeholders.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Accounting, Commerce, Business or a related discipline is essential; CA or CPA membership is desirable.

What we offer

• Discretionary bonus opportunities, generous referral bonuses and retail discounts and deals.
• Global network, leadership development, AI tools and training, and formal learning pathways.
• $250 annual wellbeing allowance, life and income protection, Sonder/EAP/Headspace, 15 days' paid sick leave and group-rate health insurance (eligibility applies).
• Flexible working, supportive coaching culture, two paid recognition days each year and the option to buy up to two extra weeks of annual leave.
• Paid parental leave for all parents, inclusive networks and paid volunteering leave.

The role requires an independence review process. Applications are made directly through the PwC careers site; the firm is not partnering with recruitment agencies for this role and encourages early applications.