• Lead the financial integrity of one of New Zealand’s largest public asset portfolios.
• Drive smarter systems, stronger controls, and continuous improvement.
• Wellington or Auckland based role.

At the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA), we're responsible for planning, building, maintaining and managing one of New Zealand's largest and most important public assets, our school property portfolio. Our work helps ensure students and communities across Aotearoa have access to warm, safe and fit-for-purpose learning environments.

About the role

This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring NZSPA's financial control, statutory reporting, compliance and transactional finance functions operate effectively, efficiently and with integrity.

Reporting to the Finance Director, you'll lead a team and be responsible for the production of accurate financial statements, external reporting, financial compliance, managing cashflow and Treasury function, and the continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.

You will play a key role in safeguarding NZSPA's assets, strengthening financial controls, and ensuring compliance with legislative and reporting obligations. You'll also help shape the future capability of the finance function, establishing the Financial Controller's Group as a centre of expertise and best practice.

In this role you'll

• Leading the financial accounting, external reporting, payments and revenue functions.
• Ensuring statutory reporting, audits and financial statements are completed accurately and on time.
• Maintaining strong financial control, compliance and risk management frameworks.
• Driving improvements in financial systems, processes and automation to deliver efficient and compliant services.
• Overseeing tax compliance, financial delegations, cash management and balance sheet integrity.
• Supporting budget updates, estimates processes and wider appropriation management activities.
• Building trusted relationships across NZSPA and providing expert financial advice to senior leaders.
• Leading, developing and coaching a high-performing team while contributing to capability across the wider Finance group.

What you'll bring

We're interested in hearing from experienced finance leaders who combine strong technical expertise with a genuine ability to build relationships, influence others and lead people through complexity.

• Senior financial leadership experience within a large and complex organisation.
• Proven experience leading financial control, compliance and reporting functions.
• A tertiary qualification in Finance and/or Accounting and full CA ANZ membership.
• Strong knowledge of public sector financial management, budget cycles and reporting requirements.
• Experience leading systems, framework and process improvements.
• The ability to provide trusted, strategic advice to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information clearly.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to help shape a newly established Crown agency with a significant mandate and a clear purpose. You'll contribute to a new Finance Team that is building a financially strong organisation that delivers better outcomes for schools, students and communities across New Zealand.

Apply now

If you're an experienced finance leader who enjoys balancing technical excellence, continuous improvement and people leadership, we'd love to hear from you.

For a copy of the Position Description, please contact Human.Resources@schoolproperty.govt.nz

Applications close: 30 October 2026