Chief Financial Officer

JacksonStone & Partners; Wellington; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

NZQA seeks an experienced Chief Financial Officer to lead its Finance function in Wellington, reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, Strategic & Corporate Services. You will oversee financial accounting, planning, procurement and facilities management, delivering high-quality reporting and robust controls.

We are looking for a senior Chartered Accountant with proven leadership, strong relationship skills and the ability to influence outcomes across government-facing education sectors.

Qualifications

• CA/Chartered Accountant qualification registered with CAANZ or equivalent.
• Experience in a senior finance leadership role.
• Strong accounting and financial management expertise.
• Understanding of the machinery of government.
• Proven people leadership experience.
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills.
• Hands-on leader who can support the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function.
• Oversee financial accounting, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
• Manage cashflow and organisational financial performance.
• Maintain strong financial controls and compliance.
• Provide financial advice to senior leaders.
• Oversee procurement, administration and facilities services.

Skills

Chartered Accountant (CA/CAANZ)

Senior finance leadership

Technical accounting

Understanding of government machinery

People leadership

Relationship management

Hands-on leadership

Education

Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) qualification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

JacksonStone & Partners – Wellington Central, North Island

• Drive financial performance across a nationally significant organisation
• Hands-on CFO role with leadership across finance, procurement and corporate services.
• Influence outcomes, develop great people, and keep close to the numbers.

NZQA plays a vital role in New Zealand's education system, ensuring qualifications are credible, trusted and recognised both nationally and internationally. The organisation manages the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework, administers the secondary school assessment system, undertakes quality assurance of non-university education providers, and supports qualifications recognition and standard setting across a range of sectors.

NZQA is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to lead its Finance function. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, Strategic & Corporate Services, you will lead a team across financial accounting, management accounting, procurement, administration and facilities management. You will be responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, financial controls and compliance, while ensuring high-quality support services is delivered across the organisation.

This role will suit a senior Chartered Accountant who enjoys leading people and staying close to the day-to-day operation of a finance function. You will be a practical and approachable leader who builds capability, supports your team, and isn't afraid to get into the detail when required.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing the finance function
• Overseeing financial accounting, budgeting, forecasting and reporting
• Managing cashflow and organisational financial performance
• Maintaining strong financial controls and compliance
• Providing financial advice to senior leaders
• Overseeing procurement, administration and facilities services

To be successful, you will bring:

• Chartered Accountant (CAANZ or equivalent) qualification
• Experience in a senior finance leadership role
• Strong technical accounting and financial management expertise
• An understanding of the machinery of government
• Proven people leadership experience
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills
• A hands-on approach and willingness to support the team where needed

This is an opportunity to lead an established team and make a meaningful contribution to an organisation that plays an important role in New Zealand's education sector.