Chief Financial Officer (Finance, Commercial, Property)

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand * Lead financial, commercial and property stewardship for the Ministry * Shape investment decisions and strengthen value across the organisation * Modernise services through data, digital solutions and continuous improvement This position is Wellington based. Applicants outside Wellington will only be considered if they are prepared to work a minimum of four days per week in Wellington. Strengthening Education
The Ministry of Education plays a critical role in shaping New Zealand’s education system to deliver equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners. Achieving excellence is about supporting every student to experience success at every stage of their learning journey, from early learning and schooling, right through to tertiary, training and employment. A focus on equity is critical in the New Zealand context. It means recognising and responding to the diverse circumstances and needs of all our learners. We are now reshaping the way the Ministry is organised so that we are better positioned to deliver on the goals of equity and excellence. This means being focused on our core role and doing it well; being deliberately outward-facing and forward-looking; utilising evidence and data to make informed decisions; and supporting a strong organisational culture. As the stewards of our education system, the Ministry is looking for experienced and outstanding leaders who are driven, curious, open to different perspectives and adaptable to lead our people through system and organisational change. About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
The Chief Financial Officer (Finance, Commercial, Property) contributes to the collective leadership and governance of Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education, helping to deliver our purpose and embed the strategic vision and key shifts across Finance, Commercial and Property. You will lead the delivery of financial, commercial, procurement, property, fleet and sustainability activities for the Ministry. The role provides strategic insight and direction, leads day-to-day operations and supports evidence-based decision-making across a significant operating and capital environment. The Chief Financial Officer will drive excellence, service improvement and efficiency across the portfolio. You will strengthen investment, programme and portfolio management, lift commercial capability, oversee high-risk commercial activity and lead property and asset management improvement. Better use of digital solutions, data and user-centred service design will support modern, responsive and integrated services while maintaining compliance and service continuity. About you | Mōhou ake
You are an accomplished senior finance leader with the professional standing, judgement and breadth to lead a significant Finance, Commercial and Property portfolio. You bring deep financial leadership, strong knowledge of public sector financial management and a record of providing strategic advice that shapes organisational direction, investment and performance. You also bring substantial commercial and change leadership. You have led complex improvement initiatives from design through implementation, strengthened procurement and contract management, and modernised corporate service delivery. You operate confidently at executive level, manage challenge constructively and build collaboration across the organisation. You will bring: * A professional qualification as a Chartered Accountant, CPA, ACCA or CIMA. * Extensive experience in senior finance leadership roles within large and complex organisations. * Strategic financial leadership across planning, budgeting, accounting, investment and performance reporting. * Deep knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, Treasury guidance and government processes. * Experience providing high-quality financial commentary and recommendations to senior leaders and external stakeholders. * Strong commercial management, procurement, contract and supplier management experience. * Investment, portfolio and programme management experience driving organisational uplift and change. * Experience modernising finance, commercial or property service delivery through digital, data and service design. * Experience leading asset management, property, fleet or related improvement within a complex portfolio. * The ability to operate confidently at executive level, use data and insight, and navigate competing priorities. * The ability and willingness to adhere to and promote the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct. Copy and paste the following URL into your browser to access the Standards of Integrity and Conduct:
https://www.publicservice.govt.nz/guidance/standards-of-integrity-and-conduct Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
This recruitment is being managed exclusively by IN SIDE Recruitment. Please email Charlotte Cottrell at [email protected] for a copy of the Position Description and/or to arrange a confidential conversation. Please apply directly to IN SIDE Recruitment at the following link:
Chief Financial Officer (Finance, Commercial, Property) Applications close at 12:00pm, Friday 18th September. We want our candidates to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.