Principal Forensic Accountant

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Lead high profile financial crime investigations, delivering expert analysis and evidence that supports successful prosecutions.
• Shape strategy and influence policy, using your expertise to strengthen financial crime prevention and regulatory outcomes across New Zealand.
• Permanent role which can be located in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Porirua or Christchurch.
• Salary range: $118,390-$143,639 + KiwiSaver + Wellness Benefits

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

Are you an experienced forensic accounting professional ready to make a real impact? We’re seeking a Principal Forensic Accountant to join Immigration Investigations. 

The role will bring strategic leadership, advanced expertise, and investigative excellence to the front line of tackling complex financial and economic crime.

This is a unique opportunity to influence high-profile investigations, shape national approaches to financial crime, and contribute to strengthening organisational capability in a highly specialised environment.

As a Principal Forensic Accountant, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the investigation and prosecution of serious and complex financial crime. You will:

• Lead and contribute to high-profile investigations, providing expert financial analysis and evidential support
• Shape investigative strategies and influence operational and policy approaches
• Prepare robust evidential material and present expert testimony in legal proceedings
• Collaborate across law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and legal professionals to achieve unified outcomes
• Drive continuous improvement in forensic accounting practices and tools

This role blends technical depth, strategic insight, and leadership, positioning you as a trusted advisor in complex, high-stakes environments.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

• Expert knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Serious Fraud Office Act 1990 and broader public sector frameworks
• Proven experience analysing complex financial activity linked to criminal offending
• Confidence presenting expert evidence in court and preparing prosecution files
• Advanced skills in financial analysis tools (including Excel and visualisation software)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear insights
• A track record of influencing stakeholders and building trusted relationships across agencies
• Strategic thinking, with the ability to connect investigative insights to broader regulatory impacts
• Practical experience in forensic accounting or financial investigations
• Chartered Accountant status (CA ANZ) or ability to obtain
• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience
• Strong understanding of New Zealand’s regulatory and government environment
• New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency
• Ability to obtain and maintain national security clearance

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahunga roa o ngā iwi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, ka tutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapa kua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description. 

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Email Sarah Hutcheson at sarah.hutcheson@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19718 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Friday 3 July 2026.