Working for Finance Now

After a decade in retail, Maire Pare transitioned to finance and has found her “forever home” at Finance Now as a Motor Vehicle Lending Specialist.
“I’ve done all lending divisions in the company,” Maire explains. Starting in retail financing, she’s moved through Purple Visa credit card, motor vehicle, and recently, personal loans. “I’m very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in all these lending divisions.”
In the Motor Vehicle department, the largest of Finance Now’s lending groups, Maire is primarily responsible for processing loan applications and evaluating creditworthiness. Her work involves communicating with dealerships and brokers and making sure that she’s offering the best possible services and staying compliant.
Maire appreciates the company’s flexible work arrangement and the open office layout that encourages interaction across departments. The dynamic team environment makes her daily strategic lending decisions uncomplicated. “We work closely together and there’s always a sense of collaboration, which makes even the tough days more manageable.”
What stands out most for Maire is how Finance Now has fostered her professional growth. “This job has given me so much confidence in myself,” she shares. With supportive team leaders who have taken her interest in management seriously, she feels her “career is growing rapidly.”
Maire values the approachability of the management team, including CEO Hadyn Halls. “When he’s in the office walking around, he’d always say hello, and he’ll come over to our desks to make sure we’re doing okay.” This friendly environment extends throughout the company.
When asked what she would tell someone considering a job at Finance Now, Maire emphasises the growth opportunities: “There’s so much space to develop.” Looking ahead, she sees herself at Finance Now for at least another decade. “For me, it’s a great fit and I have visions of moving onto other specialised areas and contributing to the company’s success.”

When Don Bowden joined Finance Now in December 2000 as one of its first employees, he took what he calls “a big leap”, leaving an established position at a well-known brand to join a startup finance company. What convinced him was his trust in founders Phil Ellison and Wayne Evans, whom he had worked with previously. “I just had complete faith in both Phil and Wayne,” Don recalls.
That faith proved well-placed. Twenty-four years later, Don continues to serve as a relationship manager for the South Island region, looking after an area from Timaru to Nelson. He’s seen the company grow from humble beginnings in a boardroom above Dean Brownie’s store to become a significant player in New Zealand’s finance industry.
For Don, Finance Now’s success stems from its progressive approach and family-like culture. “We brought a different dynamic to the finance market,” he explains, noting how the company pioneered online credit scoring and processing systems for retailers. But beyond the technology, it’s the personal connections that have kept him engaged for over two decades.
“We’re very much close to our customers, our retailers, and we build very strong bonds,” says Don. He particularly values the company’s caring nature, which he’s experienced firsthand through various life events, including health challenges. “If I didn’t like it, I would have gone,” he reflects. “The business has always worked well for me.”

When Maria Jones joined Finance Now in 2003 at age 22, she couldn’t have imagined it would become such an integral part of her life. Twenty-one years later, she’s witnessed the company’s transformation from a team of 15 to 240 employees, while growing alongside it through marriage, motherhood, and multiple career progressions.
Starting in credit administration, Maria worked her way up through customer support roles before becoming an Area Manager based in Hamilton 17 years ago. Today, she oversees consumer finance and business finance across the Waikato and Taranaki regions, maintaining relationships with retailers and business partners.
“I have a personal investment in Finance Now and its success,” Maria explains. “I’m not just turning up to a job to tick a box. I want to see success.” This dedication has been matched by the company’s commitment to its people – from founders Wayne Evans and Phil Ellison driving cars at her wedding to supporting work-life balance as she raises her family.
For Maria, she’s particularly enthusiastic about the company’s future, especially with new products like the Purple Visa card. “We’re consistently developing, launching new products. We’re not the same company we were 20 years ago,” she reflects. “For me, there’s always new things coming which makes me excited for the future and things that I know are happening that I want to be a part of.”

What started as a one-year maternity cover contract in 2011 turned into a 14-year journey for Jo Osborne, Finance Now’s Chief Financial Officer. “We’re in charge of the money,” she explains with characteristic directness, describing her team’s role in everything from cash forecasting to payroll.
During her tenure, Jo has witnessed Finance Now’s remarkable transformation and growth, actively contributing not just to its financial success but also to its vibrant workplace culture. Known for her organisational skills and love of bringing people together, Jo helps coordinate various company initiatives including the “Spring into Summer” wellness challenge, which encourages both physical activity and community building.
At its core, Jo sees Finance Now’s purpose clearly, “We’re helping someone go on holiday or helping them buy a car… sometimes it’s just people need a hand and that’s what we’re here to do.” This people-first approach shapes how the company operates both externally and internally.
“We have a lot of fun. We do our work, but you’re here for a long time – you spend a lot of time here, so you might as well have some fun while you’re at it,” Jo says. As CFO, she especially values the company’s ability to be nimble in a changing marketplace: “It’s going to be our ability to keep up and anticipate our customers’ changing needs. You kind of want to be either with them or a little bit in front of them.”
What keeps her at Finance Now after all these years? “Like any job, you have your moments, but I love my job,” Jo reflects. “It’s still challenging – there are still things that I’m learning. If it was the same old all the time then possibly not, but I can’t see myself going anywhere anytime soon.”

After nearly two decades in financial services across New Zealand, UK-born Tracey Iceton found her professional home at Finance Now as a Credit Solutions Specialist, helping customers manage their financial commitments.
“Everybody’s so friendly, and they made me feel so welcome,” Tracey says about joining the team. After working at several financial institutions since moving from the UK 18 years ago, Tracey describes Finance Now’s culture as the most enjoyable she’s experienced.
Her interview felt “just like talking to friends, so laid-back,” setting the tone for an approachable workplace where “everybody talks to everybody” across departments.
In her role within the Credit Solutions team, Tracey helps customers navigate financial hardship and establish payment arrangements. “You’ve got to understand it from the customer’s point of view as well as a business point of view,” she explains. “The best thing to do is just to listen to them.” This customer-focused approach is enhanced by Finance Now’s commitment to keeping all operations in New Zealand. Tracey knows how important this local connection is when helping people through challenging financial situations.
The Collections team recently won “Best Team” at Finance Now’s annual Star Awards, and their creative 1960s-themed decorations took top prize in the office Christmas competition. Regular social events including pizza lunches, birthday celebrations, and Friday drinks create opportunities for team bonding.
Tracey values the easy-to-use systems, noting, “If you’re stuck, there’s always somebody to help you.” The flexible arrangement of three days in the office and two days working from home provides the balance she needs to enjoy time with her daughter and seven-year-old granddaughter.
When asked what she would tell someone considering a job at Finance Now, Tracey doesn’t hesitate: “It’s a fantastic place to work. I’m loving it, absolutely.” Looking back at her decision to join the company, she adds, “I should have done it sooner.”

After 28 years in banking, Geoff Adamson joined Finance Now in 2005 seeking a workplace that valued both professional excellence and personal well-being. Nineteen years later, as a Customer Administration Specialist – or as he has been called, the “Chief Entertainment Officer” – Geoff has helped shape the company’s unique culture of caring and connection.
“A job is not just about going to work, doing eight hours, and coming home,” Geoff explains. Working in the administration department as one of the company’s “gatekeepers,” he ensures policies and procedures are followed correctly while maintaining an environment where laughter is as common as spreadsheets.
Known for his dad jokes and spontaneous celebrations, Geoff believes that happy employees create better customer experiences. “We’re all basically big kids at heart,” he says, describing how a simple loan approval can turn into a moment of shared celebration with applause throughout the office.
Beyond his role at Finance Now, Geoff has dedicated 30 years to community service through the Lions organization, exemplifying the company’s commitment to caring for others. This blend of professional dedication and personal compassion reflects Finance Now’s broader culture.
“If I wasn’t happy, I wouldn’t be here,” Geoff says, crediting the company’s supportive environment and focus on human connection for his long tenure. “We have great management, great staff, and great culture – there seems to be no boundaries as to what we can do.”

When Rebecca “Bex” Young first joined Finance Now, her son was four years old. Now he’s 20, and Finance Now has been there through many of life’s milestones – including marriage, the birth of her daughter, and most recently, supporting her through breast cancer treatment in 2023.
Starting as a personal lender in direct lending, Bex progressed to become a team leader for seven years before moving into her current training and development role. “My joy is to see people achieve,” she says, describing her passion for helping new team members succeed.
For Bex, Finance Now can be summed up in three words: “Family, fun, and innovative.” She’s witnessed the company’s evolution from paper-based processes to digital transformation, including the current rollout of a new lending platform that will streamline customer experiences.
“I don’t think it’s lost the family orientation,” Bex reflects, noting how the company has grown while maintaining its caring culture. “It’s not a case of we just work together. It’s a case of I actually know you and I know about your family, what’s happening in your world.”
As a trainer helping implement new systems, Bex remains excited about Finance Now’s future. “What excites me the most is that we’re still looking for ways to enhance our processes for our staff and our customers,” she says. “I think moving forward we’ll just get better and better, which is really cool.”