Director Financial Service Delivery

• Pivotal finance leadership role
• Drive a mature integrated strategic FP&A function
• Develop team capability

Every hour of every day, the New Zealand Defence Force contributes to the defence, security, and wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand. As a modern, professional military organisation, NZDF leads, trains, and equips its people to operate in demanding environments—at home and abroad.
 
Beyond combat readiness, NZDF plays a vital role in humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and security operations, working closely with other government agencies and partners. Our people—uniformed and civilian—are united by strong values, professionalism, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Together, we are a Force for New Zealand.
 
Shaping financial decision‑making is at the heart of ensuring Defence capability as it adapts and plans for the future.
 
NZDF Finance is now seeking an experienced, strategic leader to join the finance senior leadership team and strengthen financial capability and assurance. As Director Financial Service Delivery, you will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer and play a pivotal role in leading the delivery of integrated, strategic, and operational financial management across all Services, Joint Forces and Enabling Portfolios.
 
About the role
 
As Director Financial Service Delivery, you will ensure robust, quality financial advice is embedded across the organisation—enabling Defence executive, commanders and senior management to make informed, value‑for‑money decisions that support current operations and long‑term capability. You will:

•  Lead and develop a team of Finance Capability Managers embedded across NZDF portfolios.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and portfolio financial performance across complex operational and enabling environments.
• Provide financial leadership across the capability investment lifecycle, from concept, business case and acquisition, and ensure robust whole‑of‑life costing, investment analysis, and financial modelling to inform decision‑making and governance.
• Act as a trusted adviser to Defence executive, commanders, investment committees and central government agencies.
• Drive consistency, quality, and continuous improvement to mature financial service delivery and practice.
• Collaborate closely with Enterprise Finance and Financial Control teams to enable enterprise strategy into front‑line delivery.

About you
 
You will bring:

• Extensive senior finance leadership experience gained in complex operational government or commercial environments.
• A professional accounting qualification equivalent to Chartered Accountant (CA).
• A depth of expertise in financial planning and analysis, strategic business partnering, financial governance and investment decision‑making.
• Ideally a sound understanding of the public sector environment and relevant legislative and government frameworks.
• Proven experience developing and leading high‑performing teams and influencing at executive and governance level.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information for non‑financial audiences.
• A collaborative leadership style, with a focus on continuous improvement and building trusted relationships across the organisation.
• Experience leading change and supporting large‑scale programmes, will also be highly regarded.

Why join NZDF?
 
At NZDF, your work directly contributes to national outcomes. You’ll be part of a values‑driven organisation that prioritises integrity, service, and professionalism, and where your leadership will shape how Defence resources are managed—now and well into the future.
 
To be considered you must be a NZ citizen, who has resided continuously in this country for the last 10 years, or in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years, or since the age of 18: either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed for security clearance.
 
APPLICATIONS CLOSE:  Sunday 26th April 2026
APPLY OR VIEW THE POSITION DESCRIPTION:  www.jacksonstone.co.nz
REFERENCE:  BH- 11621
FURTHER ENQUIRIES:  Tracy Szeto 021 442 039 or Kendall Bushy 027 332 7896 or Simon Boyes 021 844 675