Senior Financial Systems Analyst

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

5 weeks annual leave

Income protection

Inclusive culture

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking an experienced finance and analytics professional to join its Revenue Services and Projects team in Palmerston North.

You will work across finance, operations, technology and change delivery to support complex revenue and payment initiatives, with emphasis on data, reporting and system controls.

Qualifications

• Experience in data analytics and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of financial management systems.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into business terms.

Responsibilities

• Support financial operations and reporting for major initiatives.
• Deliver process improvements and operational readiness.
• Provide BAU support for financial systems and controls.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Data analytics

Excel proficiency

Financial systems knowledge

Process improvement

Business change

System governance

Root cause analysis

Education

Tertiary qualification desirable

Job description

• Bring your expert financial and analytical skills to this busy role
• Mix of project work, process improvement, systems support and reporting
• Permanent opportunity based in Palmerston North

The opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

As NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) continues to invest in major transformation programmes and modernise its customer, payment and revenue systems we're looking for an experienced and highly capable professional to join our Revenue Services and Projects team and play a key role in delivering some of NZTA's most significant business, revenue and technology initiatives.

This position sits at the intersection of finance, business operations, technology and change delivery. Working closely with business stakeholders, technology teams, vendors and operational teams, you will help deliver complex project and change initiatives that support some of NZTA's most significant revenue, payment and customer service systems. You will ensure financial operational requirements are considered from solution design through to implementation, operational readiness and ongoing support, while helping shape future-state business processes, operating models and financial controls.

Alongside project delivery, you will provide subject matter expertise and support for core financial services processes, systems and digital payment solutions, helping to ensure operational stability and effective service delivery across Financial Operations. This includes investigating issues, supporting users, undertaking analysis and reporting, identifying opportunities for improvement, and contributing to the ongoing enhancement of systems and processes.

This is a varied and rewarding role that offers exposure to some of NZTA's largest and most complex revenue, payment and customer service systems, strategic initiatives, and a diverse stakeholder environment. No two days are the same. Success in the role will require strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent relationship management, sound judgement, and the ability to navigate ambiguity and complexity to deliver practical outcomes.

As a trusted member of the team, you will be encouraged to challenge the status quo, identify opportunities for improvement, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of how we work.

There may be some travel involved in the role.

About you | Ko wai koe

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Bring

• Effective relationship management skills and confidence engaging with, influencing, and presenting to a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, including error detection, root cause analysis, and resolution of complex business and system issues.
• Experience in data analytics, data interrogation, and reporting, with a high level of proficiency in the use and manipulation of financial databases, Microsoft Excel, and other analytical tools.
• Extensive working knowledge of financial management information and business systems, including the use, integration, reconciliation, and assurance of subsidiary ledgers within a general ledger environment.
• Experience in process improvement, business process analysis, and the design and implementation of practical solutions that meet business, customer, and operational requirements.
• Demonstrated experience translating complex technical concepts into business context, with a proven track record in evaluating, influencing, and resolving complex issues.
• Experience supporting business change initiatives, including solution testing, operational readiness, training, process documentation, and providing guidance to users.
• Experience providing BAU support for business and financial systems, including investigating and resolving issues, analysing system and data anomalies, supporting users, contributing to system controls and governance processes, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Understanding of financial controls, data integrity, reconciliation processes, and assurance requirements within complex operational and technology environments.
• Relevant tertiary qualification is desirable, but equivalent experience will also be considered.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

About us | Ko wai mātou

You’ll be part of the Te Ama – Commercial and Corporate group, within the Financial Operations team. The Revenue Services & Projects team provides expert financial advice and analysis to support NZTA’s strategic initiatives and digital payment services. We manage financial systems processing over $5.4bn in annual revenue and 14.2 million transactions.

What you will get in return | Ka whiwhi koe i te aha

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees
• A supportive, inclusive culture where your contribution is valued

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

7 October 2026

For further information, email: [e-mail]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.