Financial Controller

Position Title: Financial Controller 

Position Type: Fixed term or secondment parental leave cover until May 2027 

Location: Wellington 

 

About us 

The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) takes a
long-term view of how New Zealand’s towns, cities and regions grow and change.
We work across housing, transport, the environment, urban development,
infrastructure and investment, and partner closely with local government. 

We provide joined-up policy and investment advice to government, support
effective regulation and market settings, and work with others to help deliver
affordable housing, connected communities, well-planned infrastructure, and a
healthy, sustainable environment.

 

About the role    

Are you an experienced finance leader looking for an opportunity to broaden your
impact, lead through change, and help shape the future of finance within a newly
merged organisation?

We are seeking a Financial Controller to join the Transport Sector Finance team
of the newly established MCERT on a fixed-term secondment to cover parental
leave from 21 September 2026 through to 14 May 2027.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer – Transport, this role provides
leadership across financial accounting, reporting, systems, cash management,
financial controls, compliance, and team leadership.

 

You will:

* Partner with the CFO-Transport to lead and deliver the Finance work plan.
* Lead financial reporting, month-end and year-end reporting requirements.
* Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, expenses management, cash
management and tax compliance.
* Maintain and strengthen financial controls, accounting policies and
processes.
* Lead relationships with external auditors and other key stakeholders.

* Contribute to the design and implementation of future finance processes,
systems and new ways of working as MCERT continues to evolve. 

 

Skills and experience    

* Strong financial accounting experience within the public sector.
* Proven leadership experience, including coaching and mentoring.
* Excellent technical accounting knowledge, including NZ GAAP and preferably
PBE IPSAS.
* Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
* A continuous improvement mindset and the ability to navigate ambiguity and
change.
* Sound judgement, commercial acumen and a solutions-focused approach.
* CA ANZ (or equivalent) qualification with significant post-qualification
experience. 

 

Salary range   

Salary range for this role is $138,372 to $172,372pa.  Appointment within this
range will be based on skills and experience.   

 

Apply now   

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and
cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment
process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key
skills required for this role.  

If you require further information about this position please contact David
Kidman at david.kidman@mcert.govt.nz.    

The location for this role is Wellington.

We are committed to equal opportunities and building a diverse, inclusive
workplace. We support our people to work in ways that help them do their best.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing a
safe and inclusive environment for everyone. 

We want our recruitment process to be fair and accessible for everyone. If you
need any support or adjustments, please let us know or get in touch
at mailto:recruitment@mcert.govt.nz.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this
role.   

Note: for our internal permanent people who are applying for a secondment, you
must speak with your Manager before submitting your application. 

Applications close: Sunday, 13 September 2026.