The Dressage NZ Board invites interest in the Board role of Finance Officer
This will be for an initial term until Conference scheduled for June 2027, with the possibility for a further term
This is a volunteer role with expenses for Accommodation, travel and meals for in person board meetings paid for.
Expressions of interest should be addressed to the Dressage NZ Appointment Panel, and sent by email to [email protected] no later than 5pm Monday 10th November
Finance Officer – Dressage New Zealand (DNZ)
Purpose of the Role
The Finance Officer provides financial expertise to DNZ and is a member of the DNZ board.
This role ensures that the board has clear, accurate and timely understanding of relevant
financial information to make sound financial decisions, manage risks, and plan for the long term
sustainability of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
• Governance and Leadership
o This role is first and foremost being a board member. This involves working
closely with the rest of the board to govern and lead the sport of dressage in New
Zealand by setting strategic goals, planning initiatives to help us achieve those
goals, and getting hands on as needed to execute on those initiatives.
• Financial Strategy and Planning
o Work with the board to develop the annual budget and facilitate re-forecasting
as required.
o Provide strategic financial advice to the board to support decision-making and
long-term planning.
• Financial Oversight and Risk Management
o Gain a deep understanding of DNZ’s financial position, including key drivers of
income and expenditure.
o Present financial reports (produced by ESNZ) to the board in clear, nontechnical
language, highlighting risks, trends and opportunities.
o Identify and help mitigate financial and operational risks, ensuring DNZ’s
financial security and compliance.
• Cost Efficiency and Resource Stewardship
o Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies and improved value for money, such
as negotiating with suppliers or reviewing contracts.
o Provide recommendations on funding strategies and revenue diversification.
• Operational Support
o Oversee and support the Sport Manager in managing DNZ’s financial
transactions and processes, liaising with ESNZ (who is responsible for day-today
bookkeeping and preparation of financial reports) to ensure smooth integration of
financial information.
Skills and Attributes
• Strategic Thinking: Sees the “big picture,” linking financial data to DNZ’s mission and
long-term goals. Encourages open dialogue and questions about financial matters
without jargon or judgement.
• Financial Expertise: Professionally qualified or highly experienced in financial
management, accounting or a related field; able to read and interpret financial
statements and provide meaningful analysis to a non-financial audience.
• Risk Awareness: Understands financial and non-financial risks and can develop
appropriate frameworks to manage them.
• Integrity and Values-Led Leadership: Demonstrates high ethical standards and
commitment to DNZ’s mission and values.
• Analytical and Solution-Focused: Brings critical reasoning to board discussions,
identifies opportunities for improvement, and frames options clearly.
• Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills: Works collaboratively with the board, Sport
Manager and ESNZ; listens, asks probing questions and communicates complex
information simply.
• Action Orientation: Delivers agreed tasks, follows through on commitments and
proactively drives improvements.
Commitment
This is a board role requiring regular attendance at meetings, timely preparation of financial
information, and availability to support the Sport Manager and board on financial matters as
needed.
Compensation
This is a volunteer role. Accommodation, travel and meals for board meetings will be paid for.
Expressions of interest should be addressed to the Dressage NZ Appointment Panel, and sent by email to [email protected] no later than 5pm Monday 10th November