Chief Financial Officer

Ministry of Health; Wellington; On-site; NZD 232,000 - 314,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Health in Wellington seeks a Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy in New Zealand's health system. You will work with the Director-General and executive team to provide financial leadership, accountability and strategic decision-making across finance, performance, risk and assurance, and property.

This permanent, full-time role sits at the heart of shaping the ministry's priorities and performance, requiring credible communication, CA certification and a proven track

Qualifications

• Professional credibility and communication excellence underpinned by a finance qualification and CA certification.
• Executive financial leadership with a track record in large, complex organisations.
• Deep expertise in finance, performance, risk and assurance within the public sector.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Executive financial leadership

Strategic decision-making

Stakeholder relationship building

Public sector financial management

Education

CA certification

Finance qualification

Public sector budgeting knowledge

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.

• 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.

The Ministry of Health is steward of the New Zealand health system and the lead advisor to Government on health. Our overarching goal is for all New Zealanders to live longer and in better health to have an improved quality of life. As steward, we set the direction across the health system so we and others can make informed decisions and prioritise resources accordingly. We advise the Government on health policy, and regulate and monitor the health system, to ensure all New Zealanders have access to health care for better health outcomes. Our role is to create an environment where all New Zealanders are supported to stay well and where all parts of the health system are supported to operate at their best.

Applications close Midnight Tuesday 8th September 2026.