Head of Finance, People & Technology

Head of Finance, People & Technology\n

University of Canterbury Students' Association (UCSA)

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Christchurch | Full Time | Permanent

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Shape the future of one of New Zealand's most unique and dynamic not-for-profit organisations.

\nIntroduction\n

Are you an experienced senior leader who can bring together finance, people, technology, facilities, and organisational performance? Do you thrive on improving systems, building high-performing teams, and providing strategic advice that helps an organisation achieve its goals?

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The University of Canterbury Students' Association (UCSA) is looking for an exceptional Head of Finance, People & Technology to join our Senior Leadership Team and help lead the next chapter of our organisation's success. This is a rare opportunity to influence strategy across multiple business functions while contributing to a purpose-driven organisation focused on student success and belonging.

\nAbout UCSA\n

Established in 1894, UCSA is a registered charitable not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping students succeed and belong. Governed by an elected Student Executive and supported by more than 300 staff, we provide a wide range of services including advocacy, welfare support, dental and optometry services, early learning centres, clubs support, events, media, hospitality venues, and other commercial activities that help fund our mission.

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Our vision: We are here for students. Our mission: Helping students succeed and belong.

\nThe Opportunity\n

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this is a critical senior leadership role responsible for enabling organisational performance, sustainability, and transformation across UCSA. You will provide strategic and operational leadership across Finance and Commercial Decision Support, People & Culture, Technology and Digital Systems, Facilities and Asset Management, Health, Safety and Wellbeing, and Organisational Compliance and Continuous Improvement.

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Leading the team, you'll be supported by a finance administrator (FT), Accounts payable/Payroll administrator(FT), HR Manager (PT), IT Coordinator (FT), and a Facilitiesand ComplianceCordinator(PT) and have knowledge and experience to support and develop this team.

\nWhat You’ll Do\nFinance Leadership\n

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• Lead the end-to-end finance function andprovidetrusted financial advice to the Chief Executive and senior leaders.
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• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, statutory reporting, audit, taxation, and financial compliance.
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• Drive financial insights that support strategic and commercial decision making.
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• Ensure robust financial controls, systems, and risk management frameworks are in place.
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\nPeople & Culture\n

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• Lead and support UCSA’s people strategy, culture, capability development, and organisational change initiatives.
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• Partner with leaders across the organisation to build high-performing teams and positive workplace experiences.
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• Oversee recruitment, workforce planning, learning and development, engagement initiatives, and employment practices.
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\nTechnology\n

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• Lead the development and execution of UCSA’s technology strategy.
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• Drive digital transformation, process improvements, systems integration, automation, and data governance.
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• Ensure technology investments deliver value, scalability, security, and improved service delivery.
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\nFacilities, Compliance & H&S\n

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• Provide strategic oversight of facilities, physical assets, regulatorycomplianceand health & safety.
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• Champion a proactive safety culture and future-focused systems.
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\nAbout You\n

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• Significant senior leadership experience in finance, shared services, or corporate services functions.
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• Strong financial management, budgeting, reporting, and analytical capability.
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• Proven background in People & Culture leadership at a senior level.
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• Experience overseeing technology systems and digital transformation initiatives.
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• Strong understanding of governance, risk, compliance, and organisational performance.
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• Excellent relationship management, communication, and influencing skills.
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• A tertiary qualificationand professional qualificationin Accounting, Business Management, or a related discipline.
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\nWhy Join UCSA?\n

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• Make a genuine difference to the lives of thousands of students.
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• Join a values-driven organisation witha strong senseof purpose.
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• Lead diverse portfolios that provide strategic challenge and professional variety.
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• Be part of a supportive and collaborative Senior Leadership Team.
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• Influence significant organisational projects and future initiatives.
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\nApply Now\n

Applications should include a cover letter and CV outlining your suitability for the role. Applications will be considered and reviewed as they are received.