Senior Assistant Director, Budget Planning & Analysis, CSPO

Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the science sector, based in Queenstown, is seeking a Senior Assistant Director for Budget Planning & Analysis. The role focuses on ensuring financial compliance, managing budget planning, and supporting strategic decisions through financial analysis. Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have substantial experience in finance, preferably within infrastructure or capital-intensive sectors.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in FP&A or corporate finance.
• Strong record of business partnering in capital-intensive industries.
• Proven ability in budgeting, forecasting, and investment appraisal.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with financial standards.
• Monitor financial reports and provide recommendations.
• Oversee and manage budget planning and prioritization.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Analytical Thinking

Financial Reporting

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

SAP

Job description

Senior Assistant Director, Budget Planning & Analysis, CSPO

Agency for Science, Technology and Research – Queenstown

This position is responsible for ensuring financial standards compliance for all infrastructure-related investment and operating expenditure.

Central to this role is formulating investments forecasting and budgeting, tracking both investment and operating budget fulfillment, and liaising with internal and external auditing and tax bodies. The role also involves handling complex accounting transactions and conducting financial training when required.

The role will also oversee all funds expenditure management for infrastructure, support strategic analysis, and translate insights into recommendations for decision-making.

Key Accountabilities:

Compliance and Regulations: Ensure that all space projects and operations comply with regulations, central accounting policies, and industry standards.

Reporting: Monitor and provide regular financial reports on the existing financial position. Provide recommendations and suggestions to ensure the conservation of reserves and mitigation of immediate risks.

Budget Planning & Resource Prioritization: Consolidate mid-term recurring budget needs and secure the necessary block budget. Propose any trade-offs for any variations to ensure meeting budget thresholds. Oversee and incorporate individual investments within the overall budget.

Capital Planning / Cost Benefit Analysis: Support the overall space long-term planning goals, including discounted cash flows, sensitivity analysis, and return on investments.

Stakeholder Engagement & Implementation Support: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align priorities and support the implementation of key initiatives. Partner with leadership to contribute insights for strategic review and decisions.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field, with strong knowledge of financial principles and standards.
• 10-15 years of experience in FP&A or corporate finance, with a strong record of business partnering, ideally in infrastructure, real estate, or other capital-intensive industries.
• Proven ability in budgeting, forecasting, and knowledge of investment appraisal (NPV, IRR, DCF), with strong attention to detail and analytical thinking.
• Effective in partnering with cross-functional teams to support decision-making and strategic planning.
• Proficient in Excel and familiar with financial tools and systems such as Power BI, Tableau, or ERP platforms (e.g., SAP).
• Self-driven, adaptable, and meticulous, with the ability to work under pressure, handle ambiguity, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from diverse candidates.