Head of Finance

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is the regulatory and governing authority for the sport of Thoroughbred Racing in New Zealand. We are tasked with ensuring the overall health and successful development of the sport across New Zealand, seeking to enhance its attraction to customers and its position in the sporting and cultural landscape of the country. Racing contributes $1.6 billion (0.9% of GDP) to the New Zealand economy and directly employs approximately 10,000 people.

The industry is at a turning point as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and the new Racing Industry Act assigns responsibility for all aspects of Thoroughbred racing to NZTR. We are therefore undergoing a period of change as the new industry arrangements are embedded and NTZR’s function and role expands across the industry.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join our team as Head of Finance. This full-time permanent opportunity will be based in Cambridge and head the Finance function for NZTR. The main purpose of this role is to manage the operational and strategic objectives of the finance function for NZTR.

As part of this role, you will prepare and review all financial information, review fortnightly and monthly payroll, oversee the preparation of the operating budget and forecast, and ensure payments to Owners, Trainers and Jockeys are completed within agreed timeframes. You will review all business processes to capitalise on efficiency gains, and implement effective business planning and budgeting, analysis, reporting and improvement strategies.

This role has a Finance Manager and 6 skilled finance professionals reporting to it, which will see you focus on the leadership, coaching and mentorship of these individuals in the day-to-day finance activities.

About the Team

We are a small team of like-minded people, passionate about delivering key outcomes to drive our industry forward. As a team, we enjoy a good laugh and having some fun, in an environment where we learn from each other and always look for new and innovative ways to get the job done. We are a close-knit team looking for someone to grow and develop alongside us. If you are passionate about Finance Strategy and are interested in learning more about the Racing Industry, then this is the job for you!

About the Person

The ideal candidate will have a relevant financial qualification alongside 15 years of relevant experience. Strong racing industry knowledge and/or passion is highly advantageous alongside previous leadership experience. As the entire finance team is currently based in Wellington, you will feel comfortable in leading a remote team and traveling as required.

Our Cambridge office is based at the Velodrome, where we share an office with Cycling New Zealand. You will have an easy commute, free parking, flexible working, onsite café, annual racing passes and the opportunity to work with a great bunch of people, what more could you want?

If you have a passion for horse racing and the implementation of Finance Strategy and aspire to work within a dynamic and innovate environment, then we want to hear from you!

Contact our People & Culture Lead on [email protected]