Strategic Finance Principal Lead

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Key senior strategic finance role supporting the Head of Finance Business Partnering across the Labour, Science and Enterprise (LSE) and Business, Resources and Markets (BRM) business groups.
• Lead strategic and priorities across portfolios.
• Be part of a high-performing inclusive team
• Permanent full-time position based in our central Wellington offices
• Salary range $132,417 - $160,472 + KiwiSaver + Wellness Benefits

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

We have a new Strategic Finance Principal Lead role within in our Finance Business Partnering LSE & BRM team reporting to the Head of Finance Business Partnering LSE & BRM.

Working in the LSE and BRM areas of MBIE is varied due the many government portfolios and initiatives fall within our remit, many of which are at the top of the government’s priority list. LSE and BRM also manage the funding and initiatives for 15+ Crown Entities.

The Strategic Finance Principal Lead is the technical expert and strategic lead who promotes financial reporting and performance within both business groups. The role is also to drive innovations and efficiencies across the business groups. They provide information, metrics and insight, together with education and understanding, to facilitate improved decision making within the business.

The role is also a key relationship and coordination point between the business and the overall Finance unit.

About the Branch:

The Finance Business Partnering LSE & BRM team is one of five Finance Business Partnering teams within the Finance and Performance branch. The Finance and Performance branch sits within the Corporate and Digital Shared Services Business group, and we work in partnership with business groups, supporting them to deliver their services effectively and efficiently, allowing the Ministry to achieve its outcomes.

Why work for us:

MBIE is one of New Zealand's largest, most influential and most diverse public sector agencies.  This means that we are able to offer significant opportunities for developing experience across a broad variety of areas.

We aim to create a culture where our people are empowered to bring fresh ideas and perspectives and to develop new approaches.

We also take the time to foster a work environment that is enjoyable for all.  This means we like to collaborate, support and encourage our people, encourage excellence and innovation and take the time to have some fun and celebrate our successes.

The Finance and Performance is on a journey to become a genuinely outstanding function that is recognised as such by its stakeholders. In this role you will help guide our direction as we continue on that journey. 

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

• Strong senior strategic financial management experience within a large, complex and diverse organisation.
• Strong experience in appropriation management and understanding of the Public Finance Act
• Strong analytical, strategic and planning skills as well as being commercially savvy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills and ability to articulate complex messages clearly, simply and concisely.
• Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships.
• Strong team player and ability to collaborate and contribute at senior leadership team level.
• High standards of professionalism and performance driven.
• Considerable experience in business facing senior management roles (Private or Public Sector).
• CAANZ Chartered Accountant qualification (or equivalent).
• Must have the right to live and work in New Zealand.

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 ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki 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 kaupapakua 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. 

All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role.  

Email Jess Dalbeth at jess.dalbeth@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/17877 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Wednesday 06 August 2025 (midnight)