Head of Finance, People & Technology
University of Canterbury Students' Association (UCSA)
Christchurch | Full Time | Permanent
Shape the future of one of New Zealand's most unique and dynamic not-for-profit organisations.
Introduction
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?
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.
About UCSA
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.
Our vision: We are here for students.
Our mission: Helping students succeed and belong.
The Opportunity
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.
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 Facilities and Compliance Cordinator (PT) and have knowledge and experience to support and develop this team.
What You’ll Do
Finance Leadership
Lead the end-to-end finance function and provide trusted financial advice to the Chief Executive and senior leaders.
Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, statutory reporting, audit, taxation, and financial compliance.
Drive financial insights that support strategic and commercial decision making.
Ensure robust financial controls, systems, and risk management frameworks are in place.
People & Culture
Lead and support UCSA’s people strategy, culture, capability development, and organisational change initiatives.
Partner with leaders across the organisation to build high-performing teams and positive workplace experiences.
Oversee recruitment, workforce planning, learning and development, engagement initiatives, and employment practices.
Technology
Lead the development and execution of UCSA’s technology strategy.
Drive digital transformation, process improvements, systems integration, automation, and data governance.
Ensure technology investments deliver value, scalability, security, and improved service delivery.
Facilities, Compliance & H&S
Provide strategic oversight of facilities, physical assets, regulatory compliance and health & safety.
Champion a proactive safety culture and future-focused systems.
About You
Significant senior leadership experience in finance, shared services, or corporate services functions.
Strong financial management, budgeting, reporting, and analytical capability.
Proven background in People & Culture leadership at a senior level.
Experience overseeing technology systems and digital transformation initiatives.
Strong understanding of governance, risk, compliance, and organisational performance.
Excellent relationship management, communication, and influencing skills.
A tertiary qualification and professional qualification in Accounting, Business Management, or a related discipline.
Why Join UCSA?
Make a genuine difference to the lives of thousands of students.
Join a values-driven organisation with a strong sense of purpose.
Lead diverse portfolios that provide strategic challenge and professional variety.
Be part of a supportive and collaborative Senior Leadership Team.
Influence significant organisational projects and future initiatives.
Apply Now
Applications should include a cover letter and CV outlining your suitability for the role. Applications will be considered and reviewed as they are received.
UCSA is the University of Canterbury Students’ Association Incorporated. Established in 1894, UCSA is a not-for-profit organisation with charity status. Twelve elected student representatives govern UCSA with the support and guidance of external advisors via an Advisory Board. The UCSA employs up to 280 full-time, part time and casual staff who report through a Chief Executive.
Since its inception the UCSA has grown into a diverse organisation with an annual turnover of around $10.0 million. The UCSA owns a 50% share of the University Book Shop, and has net assets valued at just over $12.0 million.
After the February 2011 earthquake the UCSA moved premises from 90 Ilam Road to the South East Side of the James Hight Library. The Undercroft was redeveloped as a student space, and work is currently being undertaken to replace the facilities and services that were on offer in the old UCSA building.
The UCSA operates a number of other facilities spread around the campus, including cafes at Kirkwood village (Kirkwood cafe), Dovedale Ave Campus (Collective) and in the Law (Alibi) and Engineering (Eng Cafe) buildings.
There is academic advice and support through to social comment and entertainment by way of UCSA’s student magazine, CANTA; from huge events like Orientation, End of Lectures and Tea Party, to Childcare at UCSA’s Early Learning Centres.
This diversity reflects the many services that students have initiated to ensure that the university experience for students at Canterbury is all that it can be.
