Manager Finance and Risk

• Key finance leadership role in a purpose-led international NGO
• Strategic advisor to the CEO, SLT and Council
• Lead finance, risk and systems through a period of transformation

About the role

Volunteer Service Abroad – Te Tūao Tāwāhi (VSA) is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most experienced volunteering agency working in international development, partnering across the Pacific to create sustainable, people-led change.

Reporting to the Director, Shared Services & Engagement, the Manager Finance and Risk is a pivotal leadership role responsible for leading the finance function and providing strategic financial and risk advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Council.

This is a broad, hands-on role where you’ll balance strategic oversight with operational delivery – ensuring strong financial management, governance, reporting and compliance in a not-for-profit environment, while also fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

With Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central currently being implemented, you’ll join at a pivotal point, focusing on embedding and optimising the system to lift capability, improve processes, and enhance financial reporting and insights across the organisation.

What you’ll do

• Lead the finance function, providing strategic advice and insight to support organisational decision-making
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and audit processes
• Ensure strong financial controls, governance frameworks and compliance with relevant legislation and standards
• Lead risk management practices and reporting across the organisation
• Prepare and present reporting to Council and the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee
• Manage relationships with auditors, banks and key external stakeholders
• Lead and develop a small, capable finance team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and reporting
• Support organisational initiatives, including finance leadership through system change

What we’re looking for

• Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification
• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role, ideally within a not-for-profit environment
• Strong financial reporting, controls, and governance capability
• Experience supporting Boards and/or Audit & Risk Committees
• Demonstrated people leadership, with the ability to coach and develop others
• Experience working with financial systems, with the ability to embed, optimise and drive adoption post-implementation
• Strong analytical thinking, with the ability to translate financial information into clear insights
• High levels of integrity, judgement, and the confidence to provide constructive challenge
  
  

Why join VSA?

This is an opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation making a tangible difference across Aotearoa and the Pacific.

VSA offers a supportive, values-led environment, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, cultural understanding, and meaningful impact.

You’ll also benefit from flexible working arrangements, including up to two days working from home each week, and five weeks annual leave.

This is a permanent position based on Thorndon Quay, Wellington.

The salary range for this role is $105,637 - $142,921, with the intended appointment range being $120,000 - $130,000, depending on skills and experience.

To find out more about VSA visit their website at https://vsa.org.nz/

How to apply

Apply with your CV and a cover letter, addressed to Kirsty McLaren, by Sunday 12 April 2026. 

A position description is available on our website at mclaren.co.nz or call us on 04 499 1069.

Once applications have closed, we will commence the shortlisting process, which can take up to two weeks. We will be in touch with you regarding your application during this time.

View the position description by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/JD-Manager-Finance-and-Risk.pdf