Head of Finance and Revenue
Auckland Rugby League | Penrose, Auckland | Full-time
Lead the numbers. Drive commercial performance. Make a difference to community sport.
Auckland Rugby League (ARL) is looking for a commercially minded, hands-on Head of Finance to lead our finance function and play an important role in the future of rugby league across Auckland.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a broad finance portfolio within a well-established sporting organisation, combining financial leadership, commercial analysis, operational management and strategic input at senior leadership level.
Reporting to the General Manager and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will be responsible for the financial management and performance of ARL, providing the insight, reporting and commercial advice needed to support sound decision-making across the organisation.
About the role
You will lead ARL's finance function, ensuring strong financial management, effective controls and accurate, timely reporting, while actively identifying opportunities to improve financial performance.
The role has two direct reports, alongside responsibility for managing external finance contractors and service providers.
ARL’s finance team has built and maintains strong and robust modelling and reporting tools, including those that were either built with and/or use AI. The successful applicant will have an inquisitive mind and be excited by the opportunity to use and further develop these tools, but also have an inquisitive mind to ensure that the function and how it operates continues to evolve and remain efficient.
Key areas of responsibility include:
Financial Management & Reporting
Lead the month-end process, financial reporting, forecasting and annual budgeting.
Prepare monthly financial reporting and commentary for the General Manager, Board and Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.
Oversee cash flow, payments, payroll processing and approvals, GST, tax and year-end audit processes.
Ensure payroll is accurately processed, reviewed and compliant with relevant employment and tax obligations.
Maintain robust financial controls, systems and compliance.
Commercial Performance & Cost Management
Drive cost control and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce expenditure.
Identify potential revenue opportunities and provide commercial analysis to support business decisions.
Monitor financial performance across departments, events, competitions and projects.
Work alongside budget holders to ensure accountability and value for money.
Grant Funding & Stakeholder Relationships
Oversee grant expenditure, reconciliations and accountability reporting.
Be responsible for the daily and monthly accounting of the Carlaw Heritage Trust up to and including month end close.
Build strong working relationships with affiliated clubs, volunteer treasurers, funders and other stakeholders.
Leadership & Operational Management
Provide leadership, direction and support to two direct reports, building an accountable, collaborative and high-performing team.
Manage external contractors and service providers, ensuring agreed deliverables, performance standards and service levels are met.
Oversee outsourced services.
Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, systems and reporting.
About you
We are looking for someone who combines strong technical finance capability with commercial thinking, initiative and the confidence to influence across an organisation.
You will ideally bring:
CA ANZ or CPA qualification, with approximately 3–4 years' post-qualification experience.
Strong experience in financial management, month-end reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
Excellent knowledge of New Zealand GST, tax and financial compliance requirements.
Experience in commercial analysis, cost management and financial planning.
Proven ability to lead people, manage contractors and oversee outsourced service providers.
Advanced Xero and Excel skills; experience with ApprovalMax and iPayroll is advantageous.
Experience working with auditors and managing annual financial reporting.
Strong communication skills and the ability to engage confidently with senior leaders, Board members, funders and volunteers.
Experience in sport, not-for-profit or membership-based organisations would be an advantage. Funding relationship experience would also be beneficial.
Importantly, you will be commercially curious, solutions-focused and comfortable working in an environment where initiative and continuous improvement are valued.
Why join Auckland Rugby League?
Auckland Rugby League plays an important role in the sporting and community landscape of Auckland, supporting affiliated clubs, players, volunteers and communities across all levels of the game.
This is an opportunity to take on a genuinely varied leadership role where your contribution extends well beyond traditional financial reporting. You will have the opportunity to influence organisational performance, improve financial sustainability and help ensure resources are directed towards growing and supporting the game.
If you enjoy taking ownership, making things better and using finance to drive organisational success, we'd like to hear from you.
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and what you would bring to Auckland Rugby League.
We are looking to close this advertisement on 2 December 2026 with interviews taking place the week beginning 7 December.