Principal Advisor - Budget

New Zealalnd Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 172,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Five weeks annual leave

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Social events and employee networks

Job summary

The Treasury – Te Tai Ōhanga in Wellington, New Zealand, is seeking a Principal Advisor to lead the Budget process and provide high‑quality economic and financial advice to Ministers. You will work with cross‑government teams to develop innovative, evidence‑based solutions and influence government decisions.

This permanent, full‑time role (40 hours per week) offers senior leadership opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and a focus on capability development within a supportive team in the

Qualifications

• Experience applying budget/financial management to complex policy issues.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to influence Ministers and senior officials.
• Ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholders and lead teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of high-quality, influential advice to Ministers and senior Treasury officials across the Budget process.
• Provide specialist expertise and apply policy thinking to develop practical, evidence-based solutions for public financial management matters.
• Lead critical Budget processes and manage priorities for timely and effective delivery.
• Build capability through coaching, mentoring, and contributing to learning and development initiatives.
• Provide leadership across projects and strategic initiatives, supporting team direction and organisational objectives.
• Engage and influence internal and external stakeholders to ensure advice is well-informed, credible, and impactful.
• Represent the Treasury with authority, clearly communicating strategic direction and influencing decision-making at Ministerial level.

Skills

Budget knowledge

Public financial management

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Te Tiriti o Waitangi awareness

Education

Advanced tertiary qualification in relevant fields

Job description

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About Us | The Treasury – Te Tai Ōhanga

At the Treasury –TeTaiŌhanga,we’refocused on securing a better future for Aotearoa New Zealand and the people who call it home. As the Government’s lead economic and financial advisor, we work to lift living standards now and for generations to come. We want Aotearoa to be prosperous, and for that prosperity to be sustainable and inclusive so all New Zealander’s can take part in a healthy and resilient economy and society.

Our talented people bring their diverse experience to some of the country’s most complex and inter-connected issues, including child wellbeing, climate change, health,housingand sustainable public financing. Every day, they influence, advise, and support Ministers, Crown Chief Executives and Governmentdecision-makersto shape a thriving future for Aotearoa.

TheBudget and Fiscal Strategy Divisiondelivers high-quality advice on macroeconomic management and fiscal choices, ensures delivery of a robust Budget process that evolves to ensure it remains fit for purpose in deliveringhigh-qualityoutcomes, and produces quality analysis on planning and executing a programme of capital investment and developing a strategy to manage the Crown’s assets and liabilities, and stewardship on the infrastructure policy system.

The Budgetteam has the primary responsibility for coordinating the Budget process, including working closely with the Minister of Finance and their office. The Budget team supports the Government and the wider public service by leading each phase of the annual Budget process, including Budget strategy, design, ministerialdecision-makingand production.

As a Principal Advisor, you will work closely with teams from across the Treasury while you provide intellectual and people leadership for the development and delivery of high quality economic and financial advice to Ministers in order to influence government decisions and improve the living standards of New Zealanders.

PrincipalAdvisorsin the Budget team play a critical leadership role in the annual Budget process.

This role is high-profileand willprovide plenty of opportunities for personal growth and stretch. As well as having responsibility for delivering specific outputs,you'llbe part of a supportive and close-knit team working together on one of the Treasury's key products.

AsPrincipal Advisoryou will work alongside our high performing team to:

• Lead the delivery of high-quality, influential adviceto Ministersandsenior Treasury officialsacrossthe Budget process, includingon complex and sensitive issues.
• Provide specialistexpertiseand apply current policy thinking to develop innovative, practical, and evidence-based solutions, particularlyto publicfinancial managementmatters.
• Lead criticalBudget processes, managing priorities to ensuretimelyand effective delivery.
• Build capability through coaching, mentoring, and contributing to learning and development initiatives.
• Provide leadership across projects and strategic initiatives, supporting team direction and organisationalobjectives.
• Engage and influence internal and external stakeholders to ensure advice is well-informed, credible, and impactful.
• Represent the Treasury with authority, clearly communicating strategic direction and influencing decision-making, including at Ministerial level.

This is a permanent,full-time position (40hours per week) based in Wellington, New Zealand.

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• An interest in the Budget and/or publicfinancial managementand/or economics.
• Substantial experience applying thisexpertiseto complex issues in a policy or business context.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop successful relationships, including with Ministers, with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding (and preferably experience) of the government environment.
• Well-developed written communication skills.
• Show an awareness of, and a commitment to, the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• AdvancedTertiary qualification inrelevant fields, or related discipline or equivalent experience.

Kongāhua| What we Offer

This is an important job andthat'swhywe'lldo 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 youtoenjoy a positive work/life balance. Ournumeroussocial 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'llprioritise your development, offering you opportunities to train and advance your chosen career. The work will stimulate and challenge you, helping you learn,growand build valuable experience and skills.

The base salary range for this role is: $171,542.75 to $201,815.00.Appointments will be made based on the successful candidate’s skills, experience, and alignment with the requirements of the role.

Applications close at 11:55pm on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.