Job Title

OverviewTwo searches in New Zealand across two locations: Auckland and Christchurch. Two levels, two leadership styles:Role One (Auckland): Director of Finance larger property, broader remit, larger team.Role Two (Christchurch): Finance Manager lean team, highly hands-on, partnering closely with an Area/Cluster Director of Finance.Both roles sit within full-service hotel environments with meaningful commercial complexity across Occupancy, Food & Beverage and Events/Functions.Relocation support and visa pathways may be considered for exceptional international candidates.Important (Auckland DOF): English/Mandarin fluency is essential due to ownership and executive stakeholder engagement requirements.The OpportunityRecruitment Labs has been retained to partner with two outstanding hotel properties in New Zealand, each operating under globally recognised hospitality brands and positioned as destination-of-choice in their respective markets.These appointments suit finance leaders who enjoy being close to the commercial engine room, bringing discipline to governance and controls, while partnering with operational leaders to drive performance (not just report it). Both roles require strong stakeholder management, commercial curiosity, and the ability to improve finance rhythms without slowing the operation.Role One (Auckland): Director of FinanceAn executive leadership seat in a prominent city hotel environment, offering a broader remit than most, combining end-to-end finance leadership with accountability for IT/Information Systems and key governance processes.Lead end-to-end hotel finance: statutory and management reporting, budgeting/forecasting and performance analysis, cashflow and working capital oversight, capital planning and audit readinessStrengthen governance and internal controls: disciplined balance sheet ownership (including fixed assets and inventory), maintain robust compliance rhythms without adding bureaucracyRegulatory Compliance: Oversee tax, key licences, contracts and insurances, coordinating with external advisors and auditors as requiredLead IT/Information Systems: ensure systems are secure, optimised and fully utilised, maintain stability, resilience and continuous improvement across hotel platformsOperate as a true 2IC: partner closely with the General Manager and ownership stakeholders, provide commercial leadership across Rooms, F&B and EventsDevelop and lead a high-performing team: uplift capability, set clear standards and drive accountabilityEssential requirement: Fluent English and MandarinRole Two (Christchurch): Finance ManagerA commercially exposed Finance Manager opportunity within a full-service property, leading a lean finance function on-property and working closely with an Area/Cluster Director of Finance.Own day-to-day finance leadership for the hotel: month-end, forecasting, reporting and variance analysis, compliance within policy and regulatory frameworksPivitol business partner: Be the key finance partner to the Hotel leadership team and department heads. Translate numbers into actions across Rooms, F&B and Events/FunctionsMaintain a strong controls environment: audit readiness, disciplined processes and proactive risk identificationLead and develop a small team through clarity, coaching and practical, sleeves-rolled-up leadership. Coordinate effectively with shared services/regional teams to ensure smooth financeSuccessful Candidate ProfileProven hotel finance experience in full-service environments (luxury exposure highly regarded for the Auckland appointment)Strong governance mindset: controls-first leadership, audit readiness and process discipline, able to lift standards without slowing operationsCommercial operator: confident partnering with operational leaders to drive outcomes, comfortable across the key hotel profit centres (Rooms, F&B, Events/Functions)Clear, confident communicator with the presence to influence senior stakeholdersAuckland DOF: senior finance leadership experience, comfort leading IT/IS alongside finance, English/Mandarin essentialChristchurch FM: hands-on finance leadership in a lean environment, effective partnering with Area/Cluster finance leadershipApply NowThese appointments are being managed exclusively by Recruitment Labs on a retained and confidential basis.Relocation to New Zealand is required. For exceptional international candidates, relocation support and appropriate work visa sponsorship may be considered. Be aware that both roles offer a local remuneration package and not an expat package (no housing provided).To apply, please submit your CV via the job advert link or contact Liam Hassell on +61 2 9044 5825 directly for a confidential discussion.About Recruitment LabsRecruitment Labs is a boutique search firm specialising in accounting & finance leadership. Our belief is simple: the right hire can change everything. With boutique agility, big-firm resources and a network earned over nearly two decades, we run a meticulous, candid search process that prioritises fit, signal and substance over noise.Seniority levelDirectorEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionAccounting/Auditing and FinanceIndustriesHotels and Motels, Hospitality, and Real Estate #J-18808-Ljbffr