Head of Finance, Asia Pacific

Who are we?

Zespri is more than simply the world's single-largest marketer of kiwifruit. We like to think of ourselves as fruit on a mission and as rebels with a cause: to help people, communities and the environment around the world thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit. We are proudly the world's largest marketer of kiwifruit, selling kiwifruit in more than 50 countries. We work with around 2,800 New Zealand and 1,500 international growers and post-harvest companies to source the best-quality Zespri Kiwifruit which we supply through our distribution partners to wholesale and retail customers. We are one of New Zealand's best-known international brands, dedicated to creating sustainable long-term value for growers.

What's the role?

The Head of Regional Finance APAC is responsible for overseeing all financial operations for Zespri across the APAC region including leading financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and accounting functions. This position collaborates with the global finance team to ensure financial policies, procedures, and reporting are consistent across all regions.

Reporting to the Head of Commercial Finance, the Head of Regional Finance APAC is a key leadership role within the global finance structure driving overall financial performance and ensuring that Zespri’s strategic objectives are being met. The role will partner closely with the Territory Presidents and commercial sales and operations functions in APAC to provide commercial insights & advice, as well as support for commercial decision-making and driving overall business performance for Zespri.

Based in Tokyo, the key areas of responsibility include: 

• Leading the APAC Finance team - providing leadership through clear direction and the effective management of team workload as well as creating a consumer centric finance function with a value added mindset. Developing and empowering a highly skilled team by establishing development plans & learning opportunities.
• Partnering with regional lead teams to plan and execute the regional strategies - leading and managing the financial performance for APAC and working with the President APAC and Head of Commercial Finance to analyse and optimise results. Leading financial and business insights for APAC that identify and deliver value to growers and shareholders. 
• Provide commercial leadership within the APAC region, challenge and bring rigor to regional decision making - overseeing the commercial arrangements in all business divisions in region.
• Partnering with regional lead teams to plan and execute the regional strategies – developing and overseeing the regional finance strategy for Zespri including setting financial targets and KPIs and ensuring alignment with the overall company strategy.
• Providing advice, guidance, analysis and insights to support the region to improve profitability, increase revenue, decrease costs - leading financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and accounting functions for APAC as well as monitoring and reporting on financial performance, identifying and addressing areas of concern or improvement. 
• Ensure APAC remains compliant with local statutory requirements by overseeing financial reporting and accounting, including statutory and taxation.
• Manage the cash flow requirements for APAC and coordinate with the Head of Treasury
• Drive continuous improvement ethos and simplification within APAC by developing and maintaining reporting of initiatives across the region.
• Support the Head of Financial Operations meet the statutory obligations of Zespri – collaborating with the global finance team to ensure consistency in financial policies, procedures, and reporting across all regions - ensuring timely and accurate reporting and analysis, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

Who are you?

We are looking for a driven individual who has a strong knowledge of financial planning & analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and accounting principles. You will be able to bring strong leadership and people management skills with a passion for developing and mentoring team members. The successful candidate will also have: 

• At least ten years corporate finance experience ideally in a market-led FMCG company and/or distribution group
• Tax knowledge relating to the operation of a multinational corporations operating in the region
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken
• Experience with SAP and other financial systems.
• Strong commercial acumen, cognisant with up-to-date business models and best practice financial principles 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Advanced analytical skills allowing for the breakdown and understanding of various forms of information to aid good judgement and decision-making 
• Ability to plan activities and projects well in advance taking into account resources required, changing circumstances and deadlines to be met 
• An enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Accounting or Business
• Ideally be a Professionally Qualified Accountant or Chartered Accountant (or equivalent)

Why Zespri?

Our people are what makes our culture so irresistible and uniquely Zespri. We are a passionate and mighty team of 850+ employees in 23 different locations globally. Working at Zespri is an opportunity to join a fast-paced, culture-driven environment unlike any other. We want people who share our values of being personally connected, results-driven, and committed to guardianship. Join us in shaping our future and be part of a truly unique organisation.

• Competitive overall remuneration package, including a Short-Term Incentive scheme opportunity
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits.

Apply Now! Applications close 23 September 2024.

At Zespri, we understand the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences, and a fair hiring process is the first step to getting there. We want to attract a diverse range of people and encourage everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment and selection process by reaching out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@zespri.com.