Director of Finance and Finance Manager (Luxury Hotels) – Relocation to New Zealand
Base pay range: NZ$130,000.00/yr – NZ$200,000.00/yr
Location: Auckland (Director of Finance) and Christchurch (Finance Manager)
OVERVIEW:
* Recruitment Labs has been retained to lead two searches in New Zealand, across two locations: Auckland and Christchurch.
* Two levels, two leadership styles: Director of Finance in Auckland – larger property, broader remit, larger team; Finance Manager in Christchurch – 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.
* For exceptional international candidates, relocation support and visa pathways may be considered.
* Important (Auckland DOF): English/Mandarin fluency is essential due to ownership and executive stakeholder engagement requirements.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Recruitment 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 FINANCE
* Lead end‑to‑end hotel finance : statutory and management reporting, budgeting/forecasting and performance analysis, cashflow and working capital oversight, capital planning and audit readiness.
* Strengthen governance and internal controls : disciplined balance sheet ownership (including fixed assets and inventory), maintain robust compliance rhythms without adding bureaucracy.
* Regulatory Compliance : oversee tax, key licences, contracts and insurances, coordinating with external advisors and auditors as required.
* Lead IT/Information Systems : ensure systems are secure, optimised and fully utilised, maintain stability, resilience and continuous improvement across hotel platforms.
* Operate as a true 2IC : partner closely with the General Manager and ownership stakeholders, provide commercial leadership across Rooms, F&B and Events.
* Develop and lead a high‑performing team : uplift capability, set clear standards and drive accountability.
* Essential requirement : Fluent English and Mandarin.
ROLE TWO (CHRISTCHURCH): FINANCE MANAGER
* Own day‑to‑day finance leadership for the hotel : month‑end, forecasting, reporting and variance analysis, compliance within policy and regulatory frameworks.
* Key business partner : be the finance partner to the Hotel leadership team and department heads. Translate numbers into actions across Rooms, F&B and Events/Functions.
* Maintain a strong controls environment : audit readiness, disciplined processes and proactive risk identification.
* Lead and develop a small team through clarity, coaching and practical, sleeves‑rolled‑up leadership. Coordinate effectively with shared services/regional teams to ensure smooth finance.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE PROFILE
* Proven 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 operations.
* Commercial operator : confident partnering with operational leaders to drive outcomes, comfortable across key hotel profit centres (Rooms, F&B, Events/Functions).
* Clear, confident communicator with the presence to influence senior stakeholders.
* Auckland DOF : senior finance leadership experience, comfort leading IT/IS alongside finance, English/Mandarin essential.
* Christchurch FM : hands‑on finance leadership in a lean environment, effective partnering with Area/Cluster finance leadership.
APPLY NOW
These 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. Both roles offer a local remuneration package; no housing is provided.
To apply, please submit your CV via the job advert link or contact Liam Hassell on +61 directly for a confidential discussion.
About Recruitment Labs
Recruitment 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.
Job details
* Seniority level : Director
* Employment type : Full‑time
* Job function : Accounting/Auditing and Finance
* Industries : Hotels and Motels, Hospitality, and Real Estate
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