Financial Controller

Position Title: Financial Controller

Position Type: Fixed term or secondment parental leave cover until May 2027

Location: Wellington

About us

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

Are you an experienced finance leader looking for an opportunity to broaden your impact, lead through change, and help shape the future of finance within a newly merged organisation?

We are seeking a Financial Controller to join the Transport Sector Finance team of the newly established MCERT on a fixed-term secondment to cover parental leave from 21 September 2026 through to 14 May 2027.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer - Transport, this role provides leadership across financial accounting, reporting, systems, cash management, financial controls, compliance, and team leadership.

You will

• Partner with the CFO-Transport to lead and deliver the Finance work plan.
• Lead financial reporting, month-end and year-end reporting requirements.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, expenses management, cash management and tax compliance.
• Maintain and strengthen financial controls, accounting policies and processes.
• Lead relationships with external auditors and other key stakeholders.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of future finance processes, systems and new ways of working as MCERT continues to evolve.

Skills and experienc e

• Strong financial accounting experience within the public sector.
• Proven leadership experience, including coaching and mentoring.
• Excellent technical accounting knowledge, including NZ GAAP and preferably PBE IPSAS.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A continuous improvement mindset and the ability to navigate ambiguity and change.
• Sound judgement, commercial acumen and a solutions-focused approach.
• CA ANZ (or equivalent) qualification with significant post-qualification experience.

Salary range

Salary range for this role is $138,372 to $172,372pa. 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 mailto:[email hidden].

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

Note: for our internal permanent people who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Applications close: Sunday, 13 September 2026.