Head of Finance Strategy Execution - 12 Month Contract

Position Overview

Join Heartland Bank as the Head of Finance Strategy Execution under a 12-month contract based in Auckland City. This leadership position reports directly to the CFO and is central to advancing the Group's ambitious transformation agenda across New Zealand and Australia.

Role Purpose

Take charge of delivering the Group's finance strategy by managing a portfolio of enterprise-wide transformation projects shaping Heartland's future finance operations. This pivotal role plays a part in significant developments such as the prospective TSB merger, meeting rising regulatory demands, and realizing digital innovation goals.

Core Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the CFO and Finance Leadership Team to define, refine, and implement the finance strategy and its transformation roadmap.
• Oversee multiple concurrent transformation programs ensuring they align with strategic goals, are well governed, resourced, and meet regulatory standards.
• Coordinate finance involvement in enterprise initiatives, maintaining clear ownership and responsibility.
• Establish robust governance structures, reporting, and track programme risks, dependencies, and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with key regulatory and control frameworks such as RBNZ, APRA, BS11 and associated risk protocols.
• Drive modernization within Finance through initiatives focused on automation, process optimization, and leveraging data analytics for better decision-making.
• Prioritize resources effectively across competing projects, enhancing organizational capacity to support growth objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing team amid ongoing change fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive leadership experience managing large-scale transformation programs, ideally within banking, financial services, or similarly regulated industries.
• Proven ability to operate at executive and enterprise levels, influencing senior stakeholders and steering alignment across complex organizations.
• Deep understanding of finance operational models, governance, risk management, and regulatory landscapes.
• Demonstrated success in delivering strategic change, business transformation, and operational enhancements.
• Skilled in managing diverse portfolios spanning multiple workstreams and engaging varied stakeholder groups.

Leadership Attributes

• A strategic thinker adept at converting vision into actionable execution.
• Comfortable navigating complex change and ambiguity.
• Proficient in balancing competing priorities without losing momentum.
• Respected and confident engaging with executive leadership teams and boards.
• A collaborative leader who galvanizes teams to achieve shared objectives.

Essential Skills

• Strategic planning and transformation execution
• Program and portfolio management
• Senior stakeholder engagement and influence
• Financial and commercial insight
• Regulatory risk management
• Organizational change leadership
• Resource prioritization and optimization
• Data-driven process improvement
• Team development and leadership

Qualifications

Preference is given to candidates holding professional accounting qualifications such as CA or CPA or their equivalent.

About Heartland

Heartland is a publicly listed financial services group in New Zealand and Australia serving business owners, farmers, and retirees with award-winning savings and finance offerings. The Group's strategy emphasizes digitizing all operations to deliver better, faster customer outcomes.

Employee Benefits

• Access to exclusive employee banking advantages
• Comprehensive insurance coverage
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development
• Inclusive networks and community engagement groups
• Active social and sporting activities
• Friday evening social events featuring pizza and drinks
• Parental leave benefits

Additional Information

This role provides a notable chance to contribute significantly to transformational change and leave a lasting legacy across Heartland's finance function. Candidates must have valid work rights to be considered for employment.