Principal Advisor Strategic Finance
Date: 14 Jul 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
• Permanent opportunity
• Wellington based
• Influence strategic financial direction and investment decisions across Disability Support Services
• Trusted advisor to senior leaders on fiscal strategy, cost modelling and long-term sustainability
• Lead high-quality financial insights that support better outcomes for disabled people and their whānau
Join the Disability Support Services (DSS) Finance team and play a key role in shaping the financial future of disability support services in New Zealand. This is a senior advisory role where you will provide expert financial advice, technical expertise and thought leadership on complex strategic and investment matters. You will work closely with senior leaders across DSS, Finance and the wider Ministry to support effective decision-making, strengthen financial capability, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of disability support services.
About our team | Mō te tīma
The Disability Support Services Group (DSS) works to ensure fair and consistent access to disability support services for New Zealanders with the greatest needs.
The DSS Finance team provides strategic financial advice, analysis and cost modelling to support effective decision-making and the long-term sustainability of disability support services. We partner across DSS, the wider Ministry and central agencies to support investment decisions, business planning and strong stewardship of public resources, helping deliver better outcomes for disabled people and their whānau.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, you will provide expert financial advice and specialist support on complex strategic, investment and financial matters across DSS and the wider Ministry. Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will influence decision-making, support long-term financial sustainability, and contribute to organisational capability and performance.
Key responsibilities include:
• Providing strategic financial advice on fiscal management, investment priorities and financial sustainability
• Developing financial models, business cases and investment proposals to support decision-making
• Advising on the financial implications of strategic initiatives and policy changes
• Supporting planning, budgeting and investment management processes across DSS and MSD
• Leading complex financial reviews and strategic projects
• Identifying and implementing improvements to financial frameworks, processes and practices
• Building effective relationships with senior leaders, governance groups and key stakeholders
• Coaching and supporting finance staff to build capability and promote best practice
• Identifying emerging risks and opportunities and translating these into practical advice
• Contributing to financial strategies that support effective stewardship of public resources
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
• Significant experience providing strategic financial advice in the public sector or a large, complex organisation
• Experience developing financial models, business cases and investment proposals
• Sound understanding of government planning, budgeting, accountability and investment processes.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex information into practical advice.
• Proven ability to build relationships, influence decision-making and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to connect financial insights to organisational priorities.
• Experience delivering complex pieces of work and achieving results in dynamic environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor information to different audiences.
• Sound judgement, political awareness and professionalism when dealing with sensitive issues.
• Experience coaching and supporting others to build capability and share best practice.
• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or equivalent operational experience; CA or equivalent desirable.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 26th July, 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.
