Finance & People Operations Lead (Auckland or Christchurch)

Cause and FX has rapidly established itself as one of New Zealand’s foremost independent VFX studios, renowned for its vibrant environment and dedicated artists who consistently deliver exceptional work. We embrace innovation and state-of-the-art technologies while nurturing the growth and potential of our team. Our mutual commitment fuels our motivation, and we warmly welcome individuals who share the same level of passion and dedication.

Ready to bring your Finance skills into a creative, fast-paced VFX studio where no two days are the same? At Cause and FX, we work on major film and episodic projects for global clients  and we’re looking for a Finance and People Operations Lead to help shape the future of finance operations.

This is a full time, hybrid working role and we are taking applicants from Christchurch or Auckland.

You’ll strengthen internal capability and champion automation and efficiency across:

• Accounts Payable: Manage end-to-end invoice processing, approvals, coding, and creating payment batches on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Financial Project Management: Collaborate with the Production team to manage projects and client invoicing, supplier invoicing (Outsourcing) and queries and fulfil reporting requests.
• Bank and Credit Card Reconciliations: Perform daily reconciliations for bank accounts and credit cards.
• Payroll Compliance & Management: Ensure accurate employee records are maintained to comply with the Employment Relations Act. Addressing and supporting Employees' queries from the Internal team.  
• Contractor Management: Act as the subject matter expert to support and engage the onboarding of Contractors and provide monthly support to ensure compliance, completed time logs and engagement. Process Contractor scheduler payments.
• HRIS Administration: Collaborate with the People & Culture Manager to maintain the company’s HRIS (HiBob), ensuring that crew records are accurate, up-to-date, and that crew lifecycle changes are processed promptly.
• Financial Data Management & Reporting: Maintain and update internal accounting systems, databases, and spreadsheets to support reporting for decision-making
• System Optimisation: Drive improvements across financial systems, including fine-tuning.
• Ad-hoc Project Work: Support with ongoing project-based work as and when required.
• Cross-functional Support: Work collaboratively across all departments, with a particular emphasis on alignment and shared initiatives between Finance and People & Culture, to enhance cross-functional support and strengthen business-wide delivery and outcomes

You'll be a great fit if you have...

• Minimum 5 years of relevant accounting/finance experience with demonstrated strength in business partnering across cross-functional teams
• Proficient in financial and HR systems, including Xero, payroll platforms, and HRIS tools (HiBob experience advantageous).
• Advanced Excel/Sheets capability across both Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools.
• Proven experience managing payroll processes end-to-end, including compliance for contractors in NZ and Australia. Comfortable addressing payroll-related queries and maintaining accurate records.
• A continuous improvement mindset -  always seeking ways to streamline and enhance financial and operational processes
• Demonstrated project coordination or management experience, working across functions to deliver impactful outcomes

• Work for a  studio that cares: Work, Play & Stay Connected! We’re all about creating a collaborative and engaging space, whether you're in the studio or working remotely. Enjoy ping pong, foosball, and free coffee, tea, beers, smoothies, and snacks to keep you fueled. We also make time to unwind with health & wellness allowances, weekly quizzes, Fromage Friday, team engagement initiatives, studio celebrations, and lunches at a local craft beer venue ensuring everyone, near or far, stays connected and included in the fun!

At Cause & FX we promote a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger, more creative and ultimately better at what we do. At Cause and FX everybody’s welcome.

If you’re feeling excited and you have the experience and passion for this role, then we encourage to apply! Our Talent team are looking forward to reviewing your application and connecting with you soon. We can't wait to hear from you!