A Tauranga man's up for a major prize in the prestigious Deloitte Top 200 business awards.

He's Stephen Gray who has been the Port of Tauranga's chief financial officer since 2007, a role that incorporates the job of company secretary.

Stephen is one of three finalists in the category of Massey Business School chief financial officer of the year award.

'It's great for the company,” says Stephen. 'We have a very small team here so this is for everyone.”

The other finalists for the chief financial officer award are Grant Ellis of Restaurant Brands and Paul Chambers of Meridian. Steve Gray is responsible for the financial management of the Port, continually monitoring the financial performance of the business. Part of his role includes providing forecasts and advice on the financial implications of specific programmes or projects planned for the future.

Steve is also responsible for briefing analysts, stockbrokers and the New Zealand Exchange and oversees the development of information systems within the Company. As Company Secretary, he works closely with the Board of Directors and also takes care of the Port's legal matters.

Stephen Gray is one of 27 finalists announced across nine categories in the Deloitte Top 200 Business Awards.The awards celebrate 28 years of business excellence and individual, team and management performances in New Zealand's largest companies and trading organisations.

Tourism Holdings, a2 Milk and Briscoe Group are vying for the big prize, the coveted Company of the Year title.Restaurant Brands' chief executive Russel Creedy, a2 Milk boss Geoffrey Babidge and Spark managing director Simon Moutter are up for the Chief Executive of the Year award.

The winners will be announced at Spark Arena in Auckland on November 23.