Principal Advisor Strategic Finance (Investment)
Date: 13 Sept 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
• Varied, challenging and highly rewarding role leading strategic finance advice for the largest vote in Government
• Wellington CBD based - Permanent full-time position
About our team | Mō te tīma
The Ministry for Social Development (MSD) helps New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent, with Vote Social Development being the biggest vote in Government. We are focused on:
• Getting New Zealanders working (employment)
• Supporting people with their housing needs (housing)
• Providing the income support people need (income support)
• Partnering with others (communities/partnerships)
• Enabling MSD people to help New Zealanders – supported by our Te Pae Tawhiti transformation programme
The Strategic Finance team supports the Leadership Team and senior managers with information and advice on long-term forecasting, funding, planning, investment and value management. The team has a key role in ensuring the financial sustainability of the Ministry and develops long term expenditure and funding forecasts to identify funding issues and potential solutions. The team also integrates with other parts of the Finance Group to provide comprehensive analysis and advice to support business outcomes.
We offer a great place to work, with a professional environment which invests in building capability and promoting teamwork. We aim to continually and progressively improve all aspects of the finance function.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
The Principal Advisor Strategic Finance is a trusted strategic partner to senior leaders, providing system-wide strategic advice on complex, ambiguous, and high-impact issues, anticipating emerging risks and opportunities, and shaping long‑term organisational and system‑level priorities. The Principal Advisor develops frameworks, sets strategic approaches, delivers projects and provides high quality analysis that informs executive‑level decision‑making.
The Strategic Finance Team comprises three Principal Advisors. The role we are currently recruiting focuses on Investment – leading the development and management of the Ministry’s investment and reporting processes, including the annual Capital Plan and long-term investment forecasts and plans.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
To be successful in this role you will be a strategic thinker with sound analytical, communication and relationship management skills. Ideally you will have:
- Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent operational experience.
- CA, CPA or equivalent desirable.
- Experience leading the development of strategic financial analysis, modelling, business cases, investment advice, resource allocation frameworks, or organisational performance insights.
- Sound knowledge of Machinery of Government and State Sector processes and systems and in particular strong understanding of annual budget cycle processes (including policy and appropriation processes).
- Able to understand high level management and strategic issues while working with ambiguity.
If this appeals, then we would love to hear from you.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Monday 28th September, 2026
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
