Principal Advisor - Strategic Finance
Date: 28 Jan 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
• Wellington based
• Permanent role
• Salary range: $142,874 - $177,798
We’re looking for an experienced Principal Advisor who can provide strong financial advice and help lead key strategic work across MSD.
About us | Mō mātou:
The Ministry of Social Development 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 and 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.
About our team | Mō te tīma:
Our Strategic Finance team works across the Ministry to help leaders understand the financial impacts of their work and make good decisions for people, whānau and communities.
We provide trusted advice, support long term planning, and help shape the financial direction of MSD.
You will be joining a collaborative team that partners closely with senior leaders, strategy, planning and business groups.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
We are looking for a Principal Advisor to provide high level financial advice, lead key pieces of work, and support our strategic planning and cost modelling processes. In this role, you will offer thought leadership on financial strategy and long term planning, lead and contribute to major projects and reviews, build strong relationships with senior leaders across MSD, and support integrated planning, budgeting and investment processes. You will help lift financial capability across the Ministry, guide and support other finance staff, and promote good financial practice and continuous improvement.
This position is based in our National Office in Wellington.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
We are looking for someone who brings:
• Strong experience in finance, strategic planning or cost modelling
• Confidence providing advice to senior leaders
• The ability to think strategically and see the big picture
• Great relationship building and communication skills
• Experience leading projects or complex pieces of work
• Sound understanding of public sector processes (Budget, appropriations, accountability)
• A proactive, organised and adaptable working style
• A commitment to working in a way that supports te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
A relevant tertiary qualification and/or CA (or equivalent) is desirable.
If you’re ready to use your skills to support our long term planning and make a real impact for communities, we would love you to apply.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono:
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, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
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.
Closing date: Tuesday 10th February, 2026.
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. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.
