Finance Manager

Cowater International is a leading global international development consultancy firm that works with partners to deliver technical assistance to governments and the private sector in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific.

Cowater International is seeking a hands-on Finance Manager to lead and deliver the full finance function for its New Zealand office. This role combines day-to-day financial operations with oversight of project and corporate accounting, donor compliance, and reporting to HQ. The Finance Manager will work closely with the Country Manager and Project Directors to ensure strong financial control, accurate reporting, and commercial performance across projects. This is a practical, delivery-focused role in a small, high-performing office, requiring both technical expertise and operational involvement.

This position forms part of the Cowater International global finance leadership network and reports locally to the Managing Director with a functional reporting line to Global Finance.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

 Corporate Finance

• Manage day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, receivable, payroll coordination, supplier payments, and client invoicing.

• Maintain bank accounts and oversee cash management and reconciliations.

• Lead monthly close for both corporate and project accounts.

• Prepare and coordinate annual statutory reporting, GST, income tax filings, insurances, and company compliance requirements.

• Manage intercompany transactions and reconciliations with HQ.

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning with the Country Manager.

• Maintain and strengthen internal controls appropriate to a small office environment.

Project Financial Management

• Set up new projects in the accounting system (budgets, cost codes, structures).

• Monitor project financial performance including revenue, expenditure, WIP, invoicing, and margins.

• Conduct regular reconciliations and variance analysis.

• Prepare donor financial reports in line with contractual requirements (e.g., MFAT and other development partners).

• Support Project teams with financial insight to manage delivery within budget.

 Accounting Oversight & Financial Reporting

• Prepare monthly financial statements within 15 days of month-end.

• Submit quarterly reporting to HQ within required timelines.

• Coordinate annual audit processes and ensure audit readiness.

• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, local laws, and Cowater policies.

• Ensure integrity of accounting records in accordance with applicable standards.

• Oversee revenue recognition, project costing, invoicing, receivables, payables, payroll, and foreign exchange management.

Systems Integration & Global Alignment

• Support integration of New Zealand systems with Cowater International’s global finance platforms.

• Work with Global Finance and IT teams on system alignment and reporting consistency.

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, automation, and data accuracy.

• Support change management during system integration.

Experience and Skills

• Professional accounting qualification (CA ANZ, CPA, ACCA or equivalent) is desired.

• Minimum 5+ years of progressive finance experience.

• Experience in project-based environments, ideally within international development consulting or donor-funded programmes.

• Strong understanding of contract accounting, margin management, and cost control.

• Experience working within international, matrix organisations preferred. MFAT, Asian Development Bank, World Bank project implementation experience is an asset.

• Advanced Excel and ERP proficiency with strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Employment Conditions

• Full-time, permanent position.

• Right to work in New Zealand required.

• Occasional travel as required.