Chief Financial Officer

Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora; Wellington; On-site; NZD 260,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy, planning, performance and assurance across New Zealand’s health system. You will work with the Director-General and ELT to provide financial leadership and accountability, shaping finance, risk, and property approaches while building strong partnerships.

The role emphasizes collaboration, influence and leadership within one of New Zealand’s largest public sector organisations.

Qualifications

• Finance leadership experience in large, complex organisations.
• Strong ability to provide strategic financial advice to senior leaders.
• Deep expertise across finance, performance, risk and assurance.
• Proven stakeholder engagement across government and health sector.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building across diverse contexts.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders to provide trusted financial advice for strategic decisions.
• Drive planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting to support organisational priorities.
• Lead finance, risk and assurance to promote governance and accountability.
• Support organisational performance by monitoring resources and ensuring facilities meet needs.
• Build high-performing teams and partnerships across government and health sectors.

Skills

Executive financial leadership

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial planning & analysis

Communication excellence

Education

Finance qualification

CA certification

Job description

• Wellington based | Permanent | Full-time

• Drive financial strategy at the heart of New Zealand’s health system

• Midpoint of $273,102 dependent on experience

What you’ll do - Ko tōu ake mahi

This is a rare opportunity to influence the future performance and sustainability of New Zealand’s health system. As Chief Financial Officer, you will work closely with the Director-General, Executive Leadership Team and leaders across the Ministry to provide financial leadership and accountability to support effective organisational performance, and strategic decision-making. Sitting at the centre of key organisational priorities, you’ll help shape the Ministry’s approach to finance, performance, risk and assurance, and property, while building strong partnerships across the organisation and wider health sector. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact through collaboration, influence, and leadership in one of New Zealand’s most significant public sector organisations.

What you’ll do

• Partner with senior leaders
  Provide trusted financial advice and insights to support strategic decision-making across the Ministry.

• Drive planning, performance and reporting
  Strengthen planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting to support organisational priorities and results.

• Lead finance, risk and assurance
  Oversee finance, performance, risk and assurance functions to promote strong governance and accountability.

• Support organisational performance
  Work with business groups to monitor performance, optimise resources, and ensure property and facilities services meet organisational needs.

• Build capability and influence outcomes
  Develop high-performing teams, strengthen financial capability, and build effective partnerships across government and the health sector.

What you’ll bring - Ko ngā pūkenga ōu

• Professional credibility and communication excellence , underpinned by a finance qualification, CA certification, and the ability to work effectively across diverse cultural contexts.

• Executive financial leadership experience with a track record of delivering strategic and financial outcomes in large, complex organisations.

• Deep expertise across finance, performance, risk and assurance , including leading high-performing functions and driving organisational improvement.

• Strong strategic and stakeholder leadership skills , with the ability to influence, collaborate and build trusted relationships across government and complex environments.

• Knowledge of the public sector environment , including government financial management, the Budget process and the Public Finance Act.

About the Ministry

As the Government’s lead advisor on health, we help shape the future of New Zealand’s health system through policy, regulation and monitoring. Join a team that makes a real difference to the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders while working in a supportive, inclusive environment that values wellbeing, growth and development.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to an accessible and respectful recruitment process.

Applications close Midnight Tuesday 8th September 2026.

Please note: We are reviewing applications as they come in and interviews may take place during the advertising period. Please note if we receive a high number of applications this job may close prior to the closing date.