Principal Adviser – Strategic Financial Management

Position Title:  Principal Adviser – Strategic Financial Management  

Team and Group:  Finance, Corporate Service  

Position Type:  Permanent full-time (38 hours per week)

Location:  Wellington CBD office

Salary: $137,529 to $150,000 per annum (+ KiwiSaver)

About the Ministry of Transport | He kupu mō mātou Te Manatū Waka

The Ministry of Transport is an impartial, expert and trusted adviser to government, shaping transport for New Zealand. We work to deliver a well-functioning transport system that helps grow New Zealand’s economy and productivity. The Ministry’s values are integrity, excellence and collaboration.

About the opportunity | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga

Our Finance team plays a vital role in enabling the Ministry to deliver its best—providing expert financial analysis and services that support operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and mitigate risk.

This is an important senior role within our Finance team and works closely with the CFO 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 Vote Transport, 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.

 
What you’ll bring | Te wāhi ki a koe

• Extensive knowledge and experience leading machinery of government and Public Sector finance processes, and systems and in particular strong understanding of annual budget cycle processes (including policy and appropriation processes)
• Extensive experience and demonstrated capability in proactively and successfully building and maintaining effective working relationships and networks at all levels, internally and externally, including collaborating with others to achieve outcomes
• Extensive experience and demonstrated capability in successful communication (written and verbal) and influencing skills
• Extensive experience and demonstrated successful capability in effectively building the capability of others, including proactively coaching and identifying opportunities to develop people
• 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 | Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau

The base salary budget for this position is $137,529 to $150,000 per annum + KiwiSaver. The salary offered will reflect skills and experience.

What we offer | Te wāhi ki a mātou

You’ll be joining a small and agile agency with a flat structure and a focus on continuous improvement, where everyone plays a key role in shaping our success. You’ll be part of an encouraging Finance team where you can genuinely make your own mark, with ongoing development opportunities to help you thrive in your career.

You’ll receive a range of employee benefits including

• Additional Ministry leave days to help you recharge
• Health and wellbeing benefits to support your overall wellness
• Modern offices with collaborative working spaces to support teamwork
• Laptop, mobile and work from home IT equipment
• Access to range of inclusive and supportive employee networks.
  

Join us and be a part of our passionate ministry, shaping the future of transport in New Zealand.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tono mai

To view the job description, or apply online, click Apply. Please include a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

To apply for this role, you must have right to live and work in New Zealand. You will need to be based in Wellington or ready to relocate. Other locations will not be considered.

Applications close midnight, Tuesday 11 November 2025.

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Senior Recruitment Adviser, Rebecca Bakker at r.bakker@transport.govt.nz.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We aim to have a Ministry that represents the wider Aotearoa that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, supported and a sense of belonging.

For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at applications@transport.govt.nz