WASHINGTON, US - US software giant Microsoft announced on Tuesday that chief financial officer Chris Liddell will leave the company at the end of the year.

The Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft said Liddell, 51, a New Zealander, would be replaced by Peter Klein, 47, currently the CFO of Microsoft's Business Division.

"Chris and his finance team have accomplished a great deal over the past four and a half years," Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said in a statement.

"Peter brings great finance and operations expertise and a deep understanding of the company, and I am looking forward to a smooth transition that continues our commitment to cost containment and finance excellence."

Liddell joined Microsoft in May 2005 after serving as CFO of International Paper Co. and chief executive of New Zealand's Carter Holt Harvey Ltd. He said he was looking to expand his career beyond being a CFO.

Klein joined Microsoft in February 2002. He served three years as CFO of Microsoft's Server and Tools Business before taking over the Business Division.