Deputy Head of Finance Profession

The Treasury - New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A government departmental entity is seeking a Deputy Head of the Government Finance Profession to enhance strategic financial management across the public service. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in finance leadership and a strong understanding of public sector operations. This role offers flexible work arrangements and opportunities for professional development, aiming to create a positive work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Five weeks annual leave

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role, ideally within the public sector.
• Strong understanding of public sector financial management and decision-making processes.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Head of Finance Profession team to manage performance and foster professional development.
• Work with senior leaders to improve finance function performance across the public sector.
• Deliver the Finance Development Programme to meet demand for financial skills.

Skills

Financial management

Relationship management

Change leadership

Education

Membership in a recognised professional accounting body

Job description

About Us

At The Treasury Te Tai Ōhanga we're creating a better future for New Zealand and everyone who calls our amazing country home. We're the Government's economic and financial advisor, working hard to raise the standard of living for everyone in Aotearoa, now and in the future. Our talented people bring their diverse backgrounds and experiences to tackling New Zealand's biggest and most inter-connected issues. Every day, they are influencing, advising, and supporting Ministers, Crown CEOs and Government decision-makers to shape our country's collective tomorrow.

About the Role

As the Deputy Head of the Government Finance Profession, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing strategic financial management (SFM) across the public service. Reporting to the Chief Government Accountant at the Treasury, you will lead a high-performing team to deliver the work programme of the Head of the Finance Profession. This is a unique opportunity to influence senior leaders, build financial capability, and act as a catalyst for change across government agencies.

This role operates within a system leadership model, with strategic leadership from the Public Service Commissioner in their capacity as Head of Profession.

This role offers you the opportunity to lead and influence strategic financial capability building across the public service.

You'll also contribute to a system-wide programme of work, supported by both Te Tai Ōhanga - The Treasury and Te Kawa Mataaho - Public Service Commission, reflecting the collaborative nature of public finance leadership.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Capability Building: Leading the Head of Finance Profession team to deliver results, manage performance, and foster professional development.
• Strategic Influence: Working with Chief Executives, Chief Financial Officers, and other senior leaders to lift financial capability and improve finance function performance across the public sector.
• Programme Delivery: Expanding and delivering the Finance Development Programme to meet the growing demand for financial skills and leadership across government.
• Collaboration and Engagement: Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Ministers, public sector leaders, and professional accounting bodies, to drive cross-government initiatives.
• Change Leadership: Supporting and managing change initiatives to ensure successful implementation of strategic financial management improvements.

About You

We are seeking a senior finance leader with a proven track record of success in financial management and leadership. You will bring:

• Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role, ideally within the public sector.
• A strong understanding of the government environment, including public sector financial management and decision-making processes.
• Exceptional relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and inspire senior leaders and stakeholders.
• A demonstrated ability to lead through change, manage complex issues, and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Membership in a recognised professional accounting body (e.g., CAANZ, CPA Australia, or equivalent).

You will also embody the values of Te Tai Ōhanga - The Treasury:

• Making a Difference (Kia Pono) Using your skills and judgement to create sustainable solutions for New Zealand's most pressing challenges.
• Enhancing Mana (Kia Whakamana) Respecting, empowering, and connecting with others to inspire success.
• Achieving Together (Kia Hono) Collaborating boldly and resourcefully to achieve results for Aotearoa.

What We Offer

This is an important job and that's why we'll do all we can to support your success. Flexible work arrangements and five weeks annual leave, along with a range of other health and wellbeing initiatives, will help you enjoy a positive work/life balance. Our numerous social events, sports teams and employee networks will enable you to connect and have fun. The wharenui, at the heart of our workplace, embodies our commitment to diversity and making this an inclusive place that will welcome the unique experiences and perspectives you bring to our collaborative team culture.

We\'ll prioritise your development, offering you opportunities to train and advance your chosen career. The work will stimulate and challenge you, helping you learn, grow and build valuable experience and skills.

Apply Now

Apply online. Applications close at 12pm on Friday 3 October 2025.

For more information and a kōrero please contact us at [e-mail].

Kia Pono (Making a Difference) | Kia Whakamana (Enhancing Mana) | Kia Hono (Achieving Together)