Financial Controller
Financial Controller
Location: New Zealand
Caruso is the AI-native fund administration platform for private markets. We replace legacy systems with modern software and integrated services, helping fund managers save time, impress investors, and grow AUM.
Since launching just over two years ago, Caruso has grown rapidly to $80B+ in assets, 900+ funds, and 80,000+ investors on the platform. We just completed our Series A capital raise, and are looking for smart, ambitious people to help us build a global business.
Learn more at getcaruso.com.
Role Summary
We’re seeking a Financial Controller to own and build the financial operations “engine room” of Caruso as the business scales across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. You’ll be comfortable thinking strategically about what the finance function needs, but also getting hands-on involved in day-to-day finance tasks like bank reconciliations and Accounts Payable.
This role is accountable for the end‑to‑end accounting, compliance, and financial operations function - bringing discipline, control, and clarity to month‑end, reporting, and statutory obligations - while partnering closely with the Chief Financial Officer, who is focused on commercial, pricing, and forward‑looking FP&A.
You’ll lead the design and implementation of Caruso’s finance systems, processes, and operating rhythms, establishing the foundations that allow the finance function to scale effectively across multiple jurisdictions.
What You’ll Do
Financial Operations & Month‑End Ownership
You will own the core finance engine of the business.
End‑to‑end ownership of the monthly close across all entities
Preparation of accurate, timely management and Board‑ready reporting packs
Balance sheet ownership, reconciliations, and integrity
Oversight of accounts receivable and accounts payable, including invoicing, collections, and payment controls
Ensuring finance operations scale cleanly as transaction volumes increase
Payroll, Tax & Statutory Compliance
You will ensure Caruso remains compliant as we grow across jurisdictions.
Ownership of payroll processes, including accuracy, controls, and compliance (with support from providers as needed)
Oversight of GST, income tax, and statutory filings across NZ, AU, and the US
Preparation and coordination of year end accounts and audit processes
Acting as the internal owner of relationships with external tax and accounting advisors
R&D Incentives, FX & Financial Risk Areas
You will take accountability for finance areas that require judgement and discipline.
Ownership of RDTI / RDTLC claim preparation, including tracking eligible expenditure and coordinating supporting documentation
Oversight of foreign currency exposure, including monitoring FX impacts and ensuring appropriate treatment in reporting
Maintaining controls and documentation in higher risk or higher scrutiny finance areas
Controls, Processes & Systems Build
You will build the foundations of a modern, scalable finance function.
Design, document, and embed fit for growth finance processes and controls
Lead optimisation of finance systems (e.g. Xero, Maxio)
Actively identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation and AI-enabled tooling
Ensure new processes are practical, understood, and adopted by the business
Partnership & Finance Function Evolution
You will be a key partner in shaping the future finance capability at Caruso.
Act as a trusted finance partner to internal stakeholders
Support the transition of work from external providers to in-house as the team grows
Help onboard and enable future finance operations roles
Work closely with the Finance Lead, who remains focused on commercial, pricing, and FP&A
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Capability
Strong accounting and financial operations background
Multi‑entity experience is essential (NZ plus Australia or United States minimum)
Experience owning month‑end and management reporting end‑to‑end
Comfortable working with external advisors and partners
Experience using and onboarding modern finance systems (Xero experience strongly preferred)
You’ll likely come from a corporate/professional services background, with experience in tech/SAAS/services businesses.
Mindset & Ways of Working
Thrives in scale‑up or high‑growth environments
Comfortable with ambiguity and building as you go
Highly organised, with a strong bias for ownership and follow‑through
Curious about technology and excited by AI and automation
Collaborative, pragmatic, and solutions‑focused
This role will suit a Senior Accountant ready to step into their first Financial Controller role, or an early‑stage Financial Controller who enjoys building foundations rather than inheriting mature systems.
Why Join Caruso?
Build a finance function from scratch
Work in a fast‑growing, high‑impact business with global reach
Partner closely with a commercially focused finance leader
Adopt modern tools and AI to make finance better, not busier
Flat structure, high trust, and real ownership from day one
Benefits
Comprehensive health insurance with Southern Cross.
Flexible work from home (WFH) arrangements. When in the office enjoy our premium office space with luxury fit-out and water views all within close proximity to Auckland's best bars and cafes.
Workstation package including Macbook Pro, dual screens, Apple peripherals, Airpod Pro noise-cancelling headphones.
5 weeks annual leave after 2 years tenure, 6 weeks of annual leave after 3 years tenure.
Unlimited sick leave.
Extended parental leave.
