Financial Controller

About the role

Simpson Grierson, a leading New Zealand commercial law firm, is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead its finance function. Reporting to the COO, you will own financial operations, provide commercial insight and support strategic decision‑making across the firm.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver monthly management and board reporting, together with detailed financial analysis.
• Drive budgeting, forecasting, scenario modelling and cash‑flow management.
• Ensure compliance with GST, PAYE, FBT, income tax, IFRS and statutory reporting requirements.
• Manage external relationships with auditors, tax advisers and banking partners.
• Oversee partner profit‑share, drawings and remuneration administration.
• Identify and implement improvements to finance processes, controls, automation and reporting.
• Manage the firm’s financial systems, including the Aderant practice management platform.
• Provide commercial insights to support strategic business decisions.

Required profile

• CA qualification.
• Significant experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or senior finance leader.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge across reporting, taxation and governance.
• Proven experience leading and developing finance teams.
• Exceptional analytical and financial modelling abilities.
• Ability to influence senior executives and board members.
• Experience in professional services, preferably legal, is highly regarded.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel
• Financial modelling
• IFRS
• GST, PAYE, FBT, income tax compliance
• Financial systems (Aderant practice management platform)
• Financial reporting
• Taxation knowledge

What we offer

• Strategic leadership role reporting directly to the COO.
• Close partnership with the Executive, Board and Partners.
• Collaborative, values‑driven culture within a respected professional services firm.
• Long‑term career development opportunities.