Governance Counsel

We’re on a mission to become the best specialist lending company in New Zealand and Australia, and we’re looking for ambitious, driven people to help get us there. We’ve got bold goals and a clear vision for the future. That means exciting opportunities for those ready to champion new ideas, challenge the status quo, and grow alongside us. If you’re hungry to make an impact, thrive in a fast‑paced environment, and love turning ideas into action – you’ll feel right at home here. The role Reporting to our General Counsel and Company Secretary, this is a broad role that blends corporate governance and company secretarial work with wider legal support across the Group. Governance sits at its heart. You'll help run board week each quarter, strengthen our governance frameworks and keep our corporate records in great shape, while also rolling up your sleeves on the general legal work that keeps a growing lender moving. You’ll get genuine facetime with our executive leadership and directors, real ownership of your projects and the autonomy to run your own week. There’s plenty of room to make your mark, uplift frameworks and processes, and learn from a leader who loves to mentor and teach. It’s an exciting time to join, with growth across our lending and funds management business, an annual board round in Sydney, and exposure to our Australian operations giving you experience on both sides of the Tasman. Everything we do is built on our values: Champion the Customer, Win Together, Do What’s Right, Be Curious. What you'll be doing Coordinating board week each quarter: preparing agendas, papers and committee packs, checking every detail, and getting them out to directors and committees on time Taking and refining board and committee minutes, then tracking actions through to completion Preparing director resolutions whenever we enter new funding arrangements, make structural changes or sign major agreements Developing, documenting and uplifting governance policies, charters, frameworks and registers, and driving consistency across the Group Maintaining corporate registers and records, and supporting statutory filings for our group entities throughout the year Providing practical, business focused legal advice on corporate, commercial and regulatory matters across the Group Supporting our Australian business, Branded Financial Services, with company secretarial and filing obligations Designing and improving the internal processes and templates that support both growth and compliance What you'll bring A qualified lawyer with around 2 to 4 years of post qualification experience, someone returning to their legal career after a break, or a corporate governance professional from a bank, insurer or other regulated environment You don't need to be a lawyer. A strong compliance or governance background, with hands on experience owning policies and registers, is equally valued, and a legal qualification is a bonus Exposure to board and committee processes such as preparing papers, drafting minutes, resolutions, agreements or shareholder matters, or a genuine desire to learn if you're newer to this The confidence to work with senior stakeholders, execs and directors, and to lift the quality of board reporting The drive to own projects from start to finish, from corporate records to framework uplift Excellent organisation, sharp attention to detail and a love of good process Experience with governance platforms such as Diligent or Convene is ideal An ambitious, motivated self starter with a genuine interest in governance. We're happy to invest in training for the right person What's in it for me? Within the Avanti Finance Group, you can look forward to flexible and hybrid working as we offer up to two days working from home following your initial training period. We give back to our communities through our support of Duffy Books, and by offering an Annual Volunteer Day for you to use for a purpose that's close to your heart. We believe in celebrating diversity, and we also celebrate talent and development by working with you through an established capability framework that puts you in the driving seat of your development while achieving business goals. You won't find a gender pay gap here, as we have great remuneration packages but as we all know there's more to an awesome job than the money. If you are happy and fulfilling your potential, while feeling supported, valued and empowered, then that's a win for us! Fresh fruit, My Everyday Wellbeing Memberships, and increased Kiwisaver match is there for you to feel good from the inside out. Even as we scale, our values remain our compass: People First: We care deeply – for our team, our customers, our partners, and our communities. This is a place where you’re supported to show up as yourself and do your best work. Relentlessly Helpful: We roll up our sleeves and make things happen. Whether it’s helping a customer, an introducer, a teammate, or your own career, we’re here to make the impossible possible. Do What’s Right: No shortcuts. No ego. Just doing the right thing, every time. Trust and transparency are at the heart of how we do business. We’re building a workplace where people are challenged, supported, and inspired to do their best work – because when our people thrive, so does our business. At Avanti, you’ll be joining a team that’s as ambitious as it is grounded in purpose. We’re not just growing fast – we’re growing to be the best. Come be part of something that’s making a real difference. #J-18808-Ljbffr