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About Matthew Needham

I’m a speaker, consultant and award-winning CFO

Matthew Needham is a strategic facilitator, award-winning CFO and performance advisor with over two decades of experience transforming finance functions and leading strategic growth for organisations managing assets from £150 million to $48 billion.

He has held senior leadership roles across the UK and New Zealand, spanning multinational corporates, central government, Crown entities and purpose-led organisations. As a CFO and executive leader, Matthew has led high-performing teams, overseen billion-dollar programs, secured global investment and worked closely with Boards, Ministers and senior executives to deliver measurable, long-term impact.

Today, Matthew works with boards, executives and finance teams to simplify complexity, sharpen strategy and accelerate results. His work is grounded in real-world financial leadership and a practical understanding of how to shift capability, culture and commercial performance.

He helps:
  • Boards and senior leaders to confidently engage in financial performance conversations without needing to be accountants
  • Senior leaders to prioritise strategically and focus on what really moves the dial
  • Finance teams shift from reporting the numbers to influencing the business
  • CFOs succeed either in their first 90 days, or in increasing influence, trust and performance
Key achievements include:
  • Pioneered New Zealand’s largest ESG finance programme ($8B+)
  • Delivered $350M+ in cost optimisation savings
  • Led the UK’s first university bond issue on the London Stock Exchange
  • Consistently achieved 80%+ finance team engagement (vs org average of 65%)
  • Finalist: New Zealand CFO of the Year (2020 & 2021)
  • Winner: CFO Awards for Finance Team Culture, Talent, and ESG Leadership
  • Former President, CPA Australia (NZ Division); Chair of the CPA Council of Presidents

Matthew brings a calm presence, a sharp commercial mind and a clear, action-oriented approach to every engagement. His sessions are known for lifting clarity, confidence and strategic impact – helping professionals step fully into their role as value creators.