Group Finance and Commercial Lead

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 143,000 - 214,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

The Ministry of Education in Wellington seeks a Group Finance and Commercial Lead to shape financial strategy across the public sector education system. Reporting to the CFO, you will lead a new Finance, Commercial and Property function and partner with Deputy Secretaries and senior leaders to drive investment decisions and performance.

You will provide strategic financial leadership, build high-performing teams, manage major investments and help transform finance capability to deliver equitable

Qualifications

• Significant senior finance leadership experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Experience influencing executive-level decision-making.
• Strong financial planning, analysis and business partnering capability.
• Commercial and investment management experience.
• Proven people leadership, relationship management and team development skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, complexity and change.
• A relevant tertiary qualification and Chartered Accountant (or equivalent) membership.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and executive teams providing strong financial stewardship and strategic insight
• Lead strategic financial planning, forecasting and performance management
• Provide insights and strategic advice on major investments, business cases, commercial opportunities and organisational priorities
• Translate complex financial information into clear strategic advice
• Build strong partnerships across the Ministry and wider public sector
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of finance professionals
• Identify emerging financial and commercial risks and support leaders to make informed decisions
• Help drive the next phase of finance transformation, capability uplift and continuous improvement.

Skills

Senior finance leadership

Executive-level influence

Financial planning

Business partnering

People leadership

Education

Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp shape the future of EducationWe work toshapeaneducationsystem that deliversequitableandexcellent outcomesOur organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga Shape the future of finance, commercial and strategic decision-making across one of New Zealand's largest and most impactful public sector organisations A newly established leadership role reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Permanent, full-time hours, Wellington based As part of the Ministry's ongoing transformation programme and the establishment of a new Finance, Commercial and Property function, we're looking for an exceptional leader to join our senior leadership team as a Group Finance and Commercial Lead. This is a newly created role reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer and partnering closely with Deputy Secretaries, General Managers and senior leaders across the Ministry.This is more than a traditional finance leadership role. Leading a team of finance professionals, you will provide strategic financial leadership, commercial insight and trusted business partnering to influence decisions that shape the future direction and performance of the Ministry.Working closely with Deputy Secretaries, General Managers and leadership teams, you will deliver strategic financial, commercial and investment advice that supports informed decision-making and strong organisational outcomes.

What you'll do:

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and executive teams providing strong financial stewardship and strategic insight
• Lead strategic financial planning, forecasting and performance management
• Provide insights and strategic advice on major investments, business cases, commercial opportunities and organisational priorities
• Translate complex financial information into clear strategic advice
• Build strong partnerships across the Ministry and wider public sector
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of finance professionals
• Identify emerging financial and commercial risks and support leaders to make informed decisions
• Help drive the next phase of finance transformation, capability uplift and continuous improvement.

Salary range: $142,856 - $214,284 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience. For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

This is a rare opportunity to help shape and embed a new finance leadership model across the Ministry.You will play a key role in helping shape the Ministry's future operating model, supporting leaders to make informed decisions about strategy, investment, service delivery and organisational performance. As the Ministry embeds service-based accountability, multi-year planning and a strengthened business partnering approach, you will be at the centre of some of our most important conversations. You'll be joining at a time of significant transformation, with the chance to: Shape how finance partners with the business Influence major strategic decisions Work across a diverse and complex portfolio Lead high-performing teams through change Contribute to an organisation focused on delivering equitable and excellent outcomes for learners Display the ability and willingness to adhere to thePublic Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You'll bring:

• Significant senior finance leadership experience in a large, complex organisation
• Experience influencing executive-level decision-making
• Strong financial planning, analysis and business partnering capability
• Commercial and investment management experience
• Proven people leadership, relationship management and team development skills
• The ability to navigate ambiguity, complexity and change
• A relevant tertiary qualification and Chartered Accountant (or equivalent) professional membership.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

This is an opportunity to help shape the future direction of a newly established Finance, Commercial and Property function at a pivotal time for the Ministry.You'll work alongside talented and committed colleagues, contribute to decisions that matter nationally, and play a key role in strengthening financial stewardship, commercial performance and strategic decision-making across the organisation.

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

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

If you require further information, please contact Fiona Ramson, Senior Recruitment Advisor at: [e-mail]

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 October 2026