Head of Future State Finance

Tiaki Wai; Lower Hutt; Hybrid; NZD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

WFH flexibility

Wellbeing day

Professional development

5 weeks annual leave

Job summary

Tiaki Wai is seeking an experienced finance leader for a 2-year fixed-term role in Lower Hutt. You will lead the development of a modern Finance function, shaping people, systems and processes to support better decisions and sustainable water services.

AI adoption and ERP implementation are central priorities, with a dedicated team and strong senior collaboration. You will report to the CFO, influence finance operations across the organisation, and help unlock value while maintaining governance

Qualifications

• Substantial senior experience leading finance or business transformation.
• Experience applying AI to improve business outcomes.
• Strong understanding of how Finance functions operate and deliver value.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of our future Finance function across people, systems, information and ways of working.
• Oversee Pūnaha Tautoko Pūkenga ERP program and related business practices.
• Lead AI adoption across Finance to improve productivity and decision-making.
• Manage a team including a Project Manager, Business Analyst and Change Lead.

Skills

Senior finance leadership

AI adoption in finance

Change management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

• Help shape the future of Finance at Tiaki Wai.

• 2 Year Fixed term

• Location: Petone, Lower Hutt

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week.

The opportunity

We’re building a modern regional water organisation that puts customers and communities at the centre of what we do. Finance has a central role in that journey, providing the insight, capability and financial discipline needed to support good decisions and sustainable water services.

We’re looking for an experienced leader to help turn that ambition into reality.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, you’ll lead the development of our future Finance function across people, systems, information and ways of working. You’ll have the opportunity to influence how Finance operates and the value it brings to the wider organisation.

AI will be an important part of your mandate. You’ll lead its adoption across Finance to improve productivity, strengthen insight and support better decision‑making. Just as importantly, you’ll build the capability and confidence of our people to use AI effectively and responsibly.

A central focus will be Pūnaha Tautoko Pūkenga, our programme to introduce a modern enterprise resource planning platform and reshape supporting business practices. As the CFO’s delegated Finance lead, you’ll ensure the programme delivers lasting improvements for Finance and the people who rely on it.

You’ll lead a dedicated team comprising a Project Manager, Business Analyst and Change Lead, bringing together expertise from across the organisation to deliver shared outcomes.

About you

You’ll bring substantial senior experience leading finance or business transformation, a strong understanding of how effective Finance functions operate, and a record of delivering complex change. You can connect strategic ambition with practical action, exercise sound judgement and bring people with you.

We’re also looking for practical experience applying AI to improve business outcomes, curiosity about its potential and the ability to help others develop their capability. Experience in infrastructure, utilities or the public sector would be valuable.

Our values guide how we work. We’re looking for someone who demonstrates these through their decisions, relationships and leadership.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution at a formative stage in Tiaki Wai’s development, helping build a Finance function that supports better outcomes for our customers and communities.

Benefits

At Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home

• Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually

• Formal and informal professional development opportunities

• 5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service

For a full list of our employee benefits click here.

About us

Tiaki Wai is a council‑owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.

We manage public‑owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long‑term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.

Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership. We work directly with water consumers and in partnership with councils and mana whenua to deliver better water outcomes for current and future generations.

Applications close: Sunday, 18 October.

Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work long‑term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.