Chief Financial Officer

Inside Recruitment; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead finance, risk and assurance for a newly established Crown entity. You will report to the Chief Executive and sit on the Executive Leadership Team, guiding investment decisions and public resource stewardship for a portfolio valued at billions.

You will establish financial management systems, planning, budgeting, reporting and statutory accounts while ensuring value for money and accountability across

Qualifications

• Must be a Chartered Accountant or equivalent with extensive senior finance leadership experience.
• Proven track record in strategic financial advisory to senior leadership and boards.
• Deep knowledge of public sector financial management, appropriations, budget processes and statutory reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the CFO portfolio including finance, risk and assurance to deliver reliable financial stewardship.
• Provide trusted advice to the Chief Executive and Board to guide investments and sustainability.
• Establish robust financial management systems, budgeting, reporting, controls and statutory accounts.

Skills

Chartered Accountant

Senior finance leadership

Strategic financial advisory

Public sector finance

Stakeholder management

Education

CA/CPA equivalent

Job description

• Shape investment decisions while building a modern corporate finance function.
• Be a key strategic adviser to the Chief Executive and Board.
• Location for this role is flexible.

• Shape investment decisions while building a modern corporate finance function.
• Be a key strategic adviser to the Chief Executive and Board.
• Location for this role is flexible.

Help shape the future of school property in Aotearoa

The New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) was established in October 2026 as a standalone Crown entity responsible for managing New Zealand’s school property portfolio on behalf of the Government. We build, maintain and oversee the infrastructure that helps children and young people learn and thrive. Our priorities are to deliver better value for taxpayers, improve service to schools, and provide greater transparency around property planning and school entitlements.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the financial and corporate foundations of a newly established national Crown entity. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and serving on the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will lead NZSPA’s finance, risk, and assurance portfolios, providing strategic advice and strong stewardship of public resources.

As the key strategic financial adviser to the Chief Executive and Board, you will help guide investment decisions and long-term sustainability across a school property portfolio valued at more than $30 billion. You will establish the agency’s financial management systems, planning, budgeting, reporting, controls and statutory accounts, while ensuring that commercial and assurance advice supports practical delivery and value for money.

You will lead a broad portfolio through organisational establishment and change, building integrated financial and corporate capabilities, strengthening public accountability and helping NZSPA deliver better outcomes for schools and communities.

About you | Mōhou ake

• A Chartered Accountant or equivalent professional qualification, with extensive senior finance leadership experience, ideally at CFO or equivalent level.
• A strong record of leading organisational transformation, establishing financial systems and controls, and improving performance and accountability.
• Deep knowledge of public sector financial management, appropriations, Budget processes and statutory reporting, ideally gained in a Crown entity or comparable environment.
• Experience providing trusted advice to chief executives and Boards, and overseeing or working closely withcommercial, risk and assurance functions.
• The ability to lead substantial professional teams, influence central agencies and auditors, and offer clear, independent advice on complex investment and financial decisions.
• A commitment to public service integrity, collaboration, inclusion and accountability.
• Deep understanding of the financial, commercial, and operational drivers underpinning education property portfolios and long-term asset sustainability.
• Proven ability to balance strategic property investment decisions with organisational, community, and educational outcomes.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The CFO portfolio brings together finance, risk, and assurance. You will work alongside executive colleagues to establish fit-for-purpose systems, governance and services that enable effective investment, operations and long-term stewardship of the school property portfolio. The proposed portfolio includes responsibility for a large team with final team structures and reporting arrangements subject to further organisational design and consultation.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If you are motivated by the opportunity to establish enduring financial and corporate capability in an organisation with a clear public purpose, we would welcome your interest.

Applications close: 4pm Wednesday, 18th November.

NZSPA is committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace. Please let us know if you require assistance or adjustments to participate fully in the recruitment process.