Financial Operations Manager / Controller (Commercial Accounting / Full-Cycle / Xero / CPA Preferred)

Job Description

Company: Priority Haulage Limited
Job Title: Financial Operations Manager
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Hours: Starting at ~15 hours per week, plus additional hours during the monthly close process (typically 15-20 hours in the first 2-weeks of each month).
Job Location: Remote
Reports to: Financial Controller
Start Date: Early August

About Priority Haulage

Priority Haulage is a reputable and reliable heavy machinery and equipment transport business based in Auckland, New Zealand. We specialise in the safe and efficient transportation of a wide range of civil machinery and heavy access equipment.

Our company motto, “Your Assets, Our Priority”, reflects our commitment to the secure and dependable movement of our clients’ valuable machinery. We take pride in delivering a high level of client satisfaction through trusted service and operational excellence.

Job Summary

Priority Haulage is seeking a part-time, reliable and capable Financial Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day finance operations and support the monthly close process within a lean, systems-focused environment. This hands-on role is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing timely management information, and ensuring finance workflows operate efficiently and reliably.

Our finance function is built around well-documented processes, automation, and modern business systems. Routine bookkeeping and operational finance activities are supported by integrated and automated workflows, enabling the successful candidate to focus on financial accuracy, month-end reporting, continuous improvement, and optimising finance processes as the business grows.

Role Overview

The primary responsibility of this role is the preparation and ownership of Priority Haulage's monthly management accounts and financial close process. Day-to-day financial operations support this objective by ensuring accurate, timely financial information is maintained throughout the month.

This role suits someone who is organised, dependable, systems-minded, and comfortable working autonomously within a structured operational environment. They will be confident using modern business systems and technology to optimise workflows and maintain strong financial controls.

Availability & Working Hours
This role requires consistent daily coverage during New Zealand morning business hours, with a structured morning schedule and flexible, outcome-focused afternoon support. Philippine Time (PHT) is typically 4 hours behind NZT (5 hours during NZ daylight saving).

Core Daily Hours (NZT)
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM NZT (5:00 AM – 8:00 AM PHT)
These hours are required each business day and cover core financial operations, daily processing, reconciliations, payroll coordination (Monday only), and communication with the New Zealand team.

The operational finance workload during this period is expected to be manageable within these core hours under normal operating conditions.

Month-End & Management Accounts Cycle
Additional hours are required during the monthly close process.

This includes:

• Close preparation during the final 1–2 business days of the month; and
• Completion of the monthly management accounts package within 8 working days following month-end.

During this period, responsibilities include:

• Reconciliations
• Working papers
• Management accounts preparation
• Review updates
• Close-related coordination

This workload is expected to average approximately 15–20 hours per month depending on the cycle and business activity.

Flexible Support & Process Improvement
Outside core operational and month-end responsibilities, additional flexible hours may be available to support:

• Finance process improvements
• Reporting and documentation enhancements
• Workflow optimisation
• Additional reconciliation and operational finance support as required

These hours will be agreed based on operational priorities and the successful candidate’s capability and availability.

Job Responsibilities

Reporting & Compliance
• Prepare monthly management accounts, reconciliations, and reporting using Xero and CCH Workpapers, ensuring accuracy and timely month-end close.
• Support GST preparation and adherence to New Zealand accounting standards.
• Maintain financial data integrity, documentation standards, and contribute to ongoing reporting improvements.

Bookkeeping & Financial Operations
• Perform day-to-day bookkeeping activities in Xero.
• Manage the general ledger and maintain the chart of accounts.
• Complete all required financial reconciliations accurately and on time.

Payroll Administration
• Review approved driver timesheets.
• Process weekly payroll, submit payments, and manage IRD filings.
• Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with New Zealand standards.

Client Management
• Issue client statements and prepare, manage, and communicate job quotations.
• Resolve client account, billing, and payment enquiries.
• Support accounts receivable and debt collection activities via the Client Services Coordinator.

Supplier Management
• Manage supplier accounts, payments, reconciliations, and resolve queries.
• Coordinate subcontractor bills and ensure accurate reconciliation.
• Oversee recurring subscriptions, licensing, registrations, and compliance costs.

Operational Support & Continuous Improvement
• Drive process improvements, system optimisation, and efficiency opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support timely, high-quality workflows
• Partner with leadership to ensure accurate and reliable financial data while contributing to automation initiatives.

Required Experience & Capability

Applicants should demonstrate proven experience operating in a structured, deadline-driven finance environment.
• Minimum 7+ years’ hands-on accounting experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Xero is essential.
• Strong Microsoft Excel capability, with proven ability to reconcile and analyse data using XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, pivot tables, and financial modelling functions.
• Proven experience preparing monthly management accounts, conducting financial analysis, and supporting budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Working knowledge of New Zealand tax regulations, accounting standards, and statutory compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently in a remote environment, with strong self-management, reliability, and a consistent track record of meeting deadlines without oversight.
• Strong ability to collaborate cross-functionally, supporting finance-related workflows across the business.
• High level of technical proficiency, including the Microsoft platform, with working familiarity in modern business tools.

Preferred Experience

• CPA qualification required, preferably a Regular Member of PICPA, with a recognised tertiary qualification in accounting.
• Experience within New Zealand or Australian Chartered Accounting firms, including use of CCH Workpapers.
• Exposure to a commercial business environment, ideally within transport, logistics, or fleet-based operations.
• Experience using Notion, ChatGPT, workflow automation tools, and modern business systems to improve finance operations, documentation, and process efficiency.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in finance, business administration, or a related field.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities reliably.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to operate autonomously while contributing effectively in a remote team environment.
• Analytical and problem-solving capability, particularly in identifying, investigating, and resolving financial discrepancies.
• Proactive and improvement-oriented, with the ability to adapt, optimise workflows, and navigate operational change.
• Professional, client-focused mindset, demonstrating integrity, quality standards, and accountability in delivery.

Required Equipment and Setup

• Dedicated Workspace: Quiet, distraction-free home office suitable for video calls and focused work.
• Computer & Internet: Desktop PC or laptop with minimum Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM (16GB preferred), Windows 10/11 compatibility, and a stable high-speed internet connection (minimum 10 Mbps upload/download).
• Monitor Setup: Dual monitors, or a laptop paired with an external monitor.
• Headset: Noise-cancelling headset for clear communication during virtual meetings where operating outside a fully quiet workspace.
• Webcam: High-quality external or integrated camera for video calls.
• Power Backup: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or generator ensuring at least 3 hours of operational uptime during outages.
• Internet Backup: Secondary internet connection (e.g., mobile data or alternative wireless) for uninterrupted connectivity.

Application Requirement
In your application submission, include the word “Motivated!” in the title.