Principal Advisor, Finance

Impactful sole-charge finance position at a small agency
Member of the Organisational Enablement leadership team
Join a collaborative team with a ‘can do’ attitude
This is a permanent position, located in central Wellington, New Zealand. We are open to candidates looking to work at least 32 hours per week.
About the Ministry for Regulation
The Ministry for Regulation is a small government agency with a big job to do.
We’re focused on lifting quality across all regulatory systems and supporting agencies with regulatory responsibilities to align with good practice. We want it to be easier for businesses to innovate, grow and comply, while still ensuring the benefits from regulation that we take for granted won’t change.
We are a small group of dedicated professionals, working in a ‘can do’ environment.
About the Role:
In this pivotal role, you’ll be the sole finance expert within the Ministry. You will work closely with our external shared services team, and the Deputy Chief Executive, to ensure the Ministry meets its obligations and follows best practice. We’re looking for someone who is happy to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
You will use your generalist finance and accounting experience to lead advice on financial activity across the Ministry. You’ll deliver insightful reports to monitor expenditure and provide valuable financial advice to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), ensuring timely recommendations when necessary. Along with your legal colleagues, you will also support procurement activity.
Additionally, you’ll take ownership of the month-end and year-end timetable, liaising with various stakeholders, and compiling essential audit files. Your collaboration with business groups will ensure that the SLT remains informed about key financial risks and decisions. By fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government departments and shared services teams, you will play a crucial role in enhancing our financial transparency and operational efficiency. Join us to make a meaningful impact and drive excellence in our financial processes.
You will bring:
Experience in public sector financial reporting, including compliance with the Public Finance Act and Financial Reporting Standards, along with engagement with Treasury and Audit
Strong expertise in risk analysis, budgeting, and forecasting
Strong written and verbal communication skills to present financial data to non-financial managers, coupled with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
A proactive and a motivated team player with a proven ability to build strong professional relationships through effective collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders
Composure under pressure, with strong self-management skills to swiftly respond to a crisis, handle competing priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining effective time management
A can-do attitude and high initiative, able to problem solve, while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism in handling sensitive information with sound judgment and discretion
A qualified Chartered Accountant with 7+ years in management or financial accounting
Please see the job description here: Principal Advisor, Finance
What we can offer you:
Work with a dedicated and supportive leadership team, with a strong delivery focus and a can-do approach
A supportive, professional team that values expertise, learning and collaboration
An opportunity to influence and deliver on a wide range of work
Flexible working options and wellbeing benefits.
A modern office with great views, close to public transport.
Salary range: $129,685 – $172,352 dependent on skills and experience.
How to apply:
Please click the ‘Apply Now’ button and provide all the necessary information.
While we acknowledge that AI can be helpful, please make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your own voice and experiences.
Applications close on: Wednesday, 29 July 2026
For any questions please contact: people@regulation.govt.nz