Exceptional Financial Controller (Xero Experienced/CPA Preferred)

Job Description
Job Title: Financial Controller
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Reports to: Finance Manager
Date: June 2024

About Priority Haulage
Priority Haulage, a reputable and reliable heavy machinery and equipment transport business in Auckland, New Zealand, specialises in the safe, efficient transportation of a wide range of civil machinery and heavy access equipment. Our company slogan, “Your Assets, Our Priority,” underlines our commitment to the secure and dependable movement of valuable machinery, ensuring client satisfaction.

Job Summary
Priority Haulage seeks a versatile and experienced Financial Controller to oversee our accounting operations, financial reporting, and budget management. The candidate will combine the responsibilities of management accounting and bookkeeping to support our financial strategy and ensure compliance with accounting standards.

Role Overview
This part-time role will start with 1-3 hours a day, with high potential for increased hours over time as our business grows. The initial schedule is flexible as long as tasks are completed.

Operational Hours and Financial Responsibilities
Our operations run from 6:30 AM NZT to 5:30 PM NZT, Monday to Friday (2:30 AM PHT to 1:30 PM PHT). Below are the key financial responsibilities and their timing requirements:

Daily Invoicing: Completed by 2/3 PM PHT for sending the following day.
Daily Bill Loading: Completed by 1/2 PM PHT daily.
Bank Reconciliation: Our operations start at 4 AM PHT. Bank data reconciliation is critical for daily management review of debtors, payables, and cash in bank. This role does not necessitate an early start, but this component will be discussed and managed with the Office Manager.
Updating Weekly Cashflow: Completed every Monday using Excel and Xero data, typically taking 1 hour.
Monthly Management Accounts: Prepared as soon as the month-end is closed, aiming for completion within 5 working days. This task typically takes about 10 hours.

Initially, our Office Manager will handle key financial tasks such as payroll, supplier management, and debt collection due to the necessity of local insight. Over time, these responsibilities may gradually transition to you as needed.

Job Responsibilities
Primary
• Oversee daily financial operations using Xero, integrating with MyTrucking and Deputy software.
• Handle accounts payable and receivable, invoicing, bank statement reconciliations, and general ledger integrity.
• Maintain weekly cashflow forecast using advanced tools like Microsoft Excel and Xero.
• Assist in payroll processes and ensure timely and compliant remuneration of employees.
• Engage in debtor management to maintain healthy cash flow and minimise overdue accounts.
• Prepare and analyse monthly management reports to provide strategic financial insights.

Secondary
• Prepare detailed budgets, financial forecasts, and reports for enhanced business intelligence using Microsoft Excel and Xero.
• Develop and maintain compliance with tax regulations and accounting standards.
• Contribute to the preparation and submission of GST returns and annual financial statements.
• Assist in the development of dashboard information within Power BI for operational improvements and process optimisation.
• Regularly contribute innovative ideas for operational improvements, focusing on enhancing automation, workflow, and process optimisation.
• Agilely respond to and manage ad hoc financial tasks, showing adaptability and a proactive approach in implementing and managing responsibilities.

Knowledge and Experience
• Minimum 5 years of accounting experience, ideally in management accounting, with intermediate to advance proficiency in Xero software.
• Understanding of New Zealand tax regulations, or a willingness to learn.
• Strong grasp of accounting principles and practices.
• Experience in a Chartered Accounting Firm and with CCH Workpapers highly beneficial.
• Proven robust analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Familiarity with the transport industry, including logistics, fleet management, or supply chain management, is advantageous.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with other relevant business and software including:
o MyTrucking
o Deputy
o Notion
o Power BI
o ChatGPT
o WhatsApp

Qualifications
• CPA: Associate member of the PICPA is preferred.
• A degree or diploma in accounting.
• Certification in Xero or other relevant accounting software.

Personal Attributes
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively across teams.
• Exhibits a proactive attitude towards acquiring new skills and knowledge to continuously improve performance.
• Proactive and self-motivated, with a strong focus on deadlines and compliance.
• Customer service-oriented with a commitment to quality and integrity.
• Demonstrates a solution-oriented mindset with the adaptability to effectively respond to changing scenarios