Finance & Business Support Manager (Finance-led)

WHO WE ARE

Smith Engineering is a Motueka-based aquaculture engineering company specialising in the design, fabrication, maintenance, and innovation of marine and aquaculture systems. With a skilled team of machinists, welders, fabricators, hydraulics specialists, and technical drafters, the company supports the aquaculture sector with end-to-end engineering solutions—from R&D prototypes and depth-maintenance systems to vessel refits and custom-built equipment. Known for its practical problem-solving, “can-do” approach, and strong industry connections across New Zealand, Smith Engineering delivers reliable, innovative solutions that keep aquaculture operations running efficiently.

ROLE SUMMARY

We’re looking for a hands-on Finance & Business Support Manager to take ownership of the company’s financial management while supporting the smooth running of the business.

This is a newly created role to support the next stage of growth, bringing greater structure, financial visibility, and commercial focus to the business. You’ll be working closely with a hands-on team, so the ability to communicate clearly and practically day-to-day is important.

This is a practical, in-house role where you’ll be responsible for ensuring financial clarity, discipline, and visibility across the business. Alongside this, you’ll provide support to the wider team by improving systems, maintaining structure, and stepping in where needed to keep things running efficiently.

In a growing company, priorities shift — so we’re looking for someone who is comfortable balancing core financial responsibilities with broader business support.

This role would suit someone ready to take the next step in their career, moving from a hands-on accounting or admin role into a broader position with the opportunity to develop and lead the company’s finance and business support function over time.

WHAT YOU"LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

Financial Ownership (Primary Focus)

• Own day-to-day financial management (AP/AR, payroll oversight, reconciliations)
• Produce monthly reports, WIP tracking, and cash flow forecasts
• Manage invoicing, cost tracking, and job profitability
• Support budgeting and forward planning
• Ensure compliance (GST, tax, reporting requirements)
• Improve financial systems and reporting accuracy

Business Support & Systems (Secondary Focus)

• Support the business with clear, practical financial insights
• Help improve project tracking, job costing, and workflow visibility
• Maintain and improve internal systems, processes, and documentation
• Assist with coordination across admin, reporting, and general office functions
• Identify inefficiencies and help implement better ways of working

Team & Office Support (As Needed, Not Core)

• Provide support to the team during busy periods or where gaps arise
• Assist with maintaining organised systems, files, and documentation
• Help ensure the office runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis

WHAT THIS ROLE IS (and isn't)

This role is:

• A hands-on lead for the company’s financial management
• A practical problem-solver who improves how things run
• Someone who contributes across the team when needed

This role is not:

• A purely administrative or task-based role
• A narrow accounting function focused only on data entry
• An operations management role responsible for delivery or production

IDEAL PROFILE

• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to understand and apply financial information in a practical, business-focused way (formal qualifications or experience supporting a finance lead are beneficial but not essential).
• Experience in a growing business (critical)
• Comfortable being both hands-on and commercially involved
• Able to work across finance and operations without rigid boundaries
• Practical, proactive, and solutions-focused
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a range of team members, clients, and suppliers in a fast-paced environment.

Applications close 17 April 2026 - EXTENDED BY REQUEST TO 20th APRIL 2026!!