Principal Adviser - Strategic Financial Management

The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) takes a long-term view of how New Zealand’s towns, cities and regions grow and change. We work across housing, transport, the environment, urban development, infrastructure and investment, and partner closely with local government.

We provide joined-up policy and investment advice to government, support effective regulation and market settings, and work with others to help deliver affordable housing, connected communities, well-planned infrastructure, and a healthy, sustainable environment.

About the role

This is an important senior role within our Finance team to ensure quality and timely advice is provided and we are continuously improving our Vote management processes.

In this role, you’ll lead strategic financial planning and reporting for Transport activities, including budget submissions and fiscal updates. You’ll provide financial advice for transport policy and contribute to ministerial briefings or cabinet papers. This role collaborates closely across Ministry teams, and externally with Treasury and other transport agencies to strengthen financial oversight and performance. You’ll also support the preparation of the annual financial statements, audits and responses to parliamentary and official information requests and mentor junior staff.

The new Ministry is consolidating and modernising its financial processes and systems. In this role you will collaborate across teams to deliver improvements, lead change initiatives, and help others adapt to new ways of working.

Skills and experience

• Proven knowledge and experience leading machinery of government and public sector finance processes and systems is essential, including a strong understanding of annual budget cycle requirements, policy development, and appropriation processes.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships and networks across a wide range of stakeholders, working collaboratively to deliver outcomes.
• Highly developed communication and influencing skills, with experience engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• Extensive experience and capability developing the capability of others, including coaching, mentoring, and identifying opportunities to support professional growth and performance.
• Demonstrated comfort with ambiguity and a proactive approach to problem solving, applying a continuous improvement mindset
• Membership of a relevant professional accounting/financial management body.

Salary range

Salary range for this role is $138,903 to $165,000 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.

Apply now

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

If you require further information about this position please contact David Kidman at [email hidden].

The location for this role is Wellington.

We are committed to equal opportunities and building a diverse, inclusive workplace. We support our people to work in ways that help them do their best. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

We want our recruitment process to be fair and accessible for everyone. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know or get in touch at [email hidden].

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

Note: Please speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Applications close: Sunday 30 August 2026.

Please note, we are managing this recruitment directly. We are not accepting unsolicited profiles from recruitment agencies for this vacancy.