Senior Project Analyst

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Mortgage guidance

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force, based in Wellington, is seeking a Senior Project Analyst within Finance Service Delivery to support major capital investment decisions and capability planning.

You will lead financial analysis and costing, develop robust business cases, and partner with project teams to ensure sustainable funding and strategic outcomes for Defence capability.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in finance, investment analysis, modelling, or business partnering within a large and complex organisation.
• Proven expertise in financial modelling, whole-of-life costing, and investment decision support.
• Experience developing business cases, investment proposals, or strategic financial advice for senior decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Shape investment decisions for some of NZDF's most significant capability projects.
• Lead the financial analysis behind business cases, Cabinet Papers, and funding proposals.
• Develop sophisticated costing and financial models that inform future Defence capability.
• Provide trusted advice to senior leaders on investment priorities, risks, and opportunities.
• Partner with project teams to deliver financially sustainable outcomes.
• Champion best-practice financial modelling and costing across NZDF.

Skills

Financial modelling

Investment analysis

Whole-of-life costing

Business partnering

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Education

Tertiary qualification in Finance or related

CA/CPA or equivalent (desirable)

Tools

Excel

Financial modelling software

Job description

Mo te tunga | About the roleUse your financial expertise where it matters most. Join a high-performing team delivering strategic advice and analysis that supports the future capability of the New Zealand Defence Force.As a Senior Project Analyst within Finance Service Delivery, you will play a critical role in supporting some of New Zealand Defence Force's most significant capital investment decisions. Working closely with project teams, capability managers and senior leaders, you'll provide expert financial analysis, modelling and advice that helps shape the future of Defence capability.In this role you'll:Shape investment decisions for some of NZDF's most significant capability projects.Lead the financial analysis behind business cases, Cabinet Papers, and funding proposals.Develop sophisticated costing and financial models that inform future Defence capability.Provide trusted advice to senior leaders on investment priorities, risks, and opportunities.Partner with project teams to deliver financially sustainable outcomes.Champion best-practice financial modelling and costing across NZDF.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and ExperienceWe're looking for a strategic and commercially minded finance professional who thrives in complex environments and enjoys turning data into insights that influence major investment decisions. You'll bring strong analytical capability, sound judgement, and the confidence to partner with senior stakeholders across Defence.To be successful in this role, you'll have:Significant experience in finance, investment analysis, modelling, or business partnering within a large and complex organisation.Proven expertise in financial modelling, whole-of-life costing, and investment decision support.Experience developing business cases, investment proposals, or strategic financial advice for senior decision-makers.Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence, challenge, and build trusted relationships.Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a knack for translating complexity into clear recommendations.A tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline.CA ANZ, CPA or an equivalent professional qualification (or working towards one) is highly desirable.Nou te rourou | What's in it for youYour skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning - safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.Me pehea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApplications close on Monday 5 October 2026.Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.Please Note:All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.NZDF Employees/Members - please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.NZDF Contractors - please apply via the Defence Careers website.NZDF Reserves - please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.Please Note:To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:Higher Level Security ClearanceYou must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.