Chief Financial Officer

• Lead finance strategy as a key member of the executive team
• Exceptional CFO opportunity with significant organisational impact
• Join Te Waihanga and help shape the future of NZ infrastructure

Jacksonstone and Partners is proud to partner with the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, to appoint its next Chief Financial Officer.
 
This is a rare opportunity to join the executive leadership team of a small, independent Crown entity with a big job: shaping New Zealand’s infrastructure system to work better for everyone, now and for generations to come. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you’ll lead finance, procurement, ICT, business planning, reporting, risk and legal oversight, and play a pivotal part in how Te Waihanga delivers on its mandate.
 
About Te Waihanga | Mō Te Waihanga
Te Waihanga is an Autonomous Crown Entity tasked by Government with improving New Zealanders’ lives through better infrastructure. Its work spans the whole system, from the roads and railways that connect us to the water, electricity and mobile networks we rely on every day. The Commission provides advice, uncovers insights and promotes change that lifts the performance of New Zealand’s infrastructure for generations to come.
 
Te Waihanga also supports the Crown in its relationships with Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Its people are guided by a spirit of service and by its values: Whakaaro nui (Free thinking), Māia (Courageous), Pono (Trustworthy) and Ngākau aroha (Empathetic).
It’s a relatively small, collegial organisation where it’s easy to work across teams and make a real impact.
 
About the role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi
As Chief Financial Officer, you’ll ensure Te Waihanga is financially sustainable and operationally efficient in a constrained fiscal environment. You’ll lead the Commission’s Treasury monitoring relationship, own the financial oversight and reporting of the Investment Decision Assurance (IDA) cost-recovery function, and serve as Secretary to the Risk and Assurance Committee.
 
In this role, you will:

• Develop and lead financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting and reporting to the Leadership Team, Risk and Assurance Committee and Board.
• Lead business planning, including the three-year business plan, Statement of Intent, Statement of Performance Expectations, quarterly and annual reports, and the annual audit.
• Set the direction for technology, ensuring systems are secure, fit for purpose and support the business.
• Lead and strengthen the procurement function in line with the Government Procurement Rules.
• Maintain a robust risk management framework and oversee external legal counsel and contracts.
• Drive an efficiency and effectiveness programme, and review the best mix of in-house and outsourced finance capability.
• Lead and develop your team, and build strong relationships with the Chief Executive, Board, Minister’s Office, the Treasury, Audit Office and other agencies.

 
About you | Mō koe
You’re a senior finance leader who combines strategic thinking with sound judgement and a strong sense of public service. A Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) qualification is preferred, and governance experience or Institute of Directors membership is welcome.
 
You will bring:

• Strategic financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting and analysis, ideally in the public sector or a government-related context.
• Experience leading integrated business planning and performance frameworks, including the SOI, SPE, annual report and audit.
• Experience managing Crown entity monitoring relationships with the Treasury or equivalent central agencies.
• A track record of providing high-quality advice to Chief Executives, Boards and Ministers.
• Experience establishing or strengthening a procurement function under the Government Procurement Rules.
• A strong grasp of risk management, and experience managing external legal and contractual relationships.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and drive organisational change and continuous improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with a high level of accuracy.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a willingness to engage with te ao Māori perspectives.
• An interest in New Zealand’s infrastructure challenges will help you hit the ground running.

 
What’s on offer | Ngā painga
This is a permanent, full-time executive role based in Wellington, with flexible working arrangements to be agreed with the successful candidate.
 
You’ll join a team of smart, experienced and friendly people who don’t stand on hierarchy or ceremony, in an organisation that values its people and wants them to feel welcome, supported and respected.
 
Please note applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applicants must be NZ citizens or permanent residents.
 
APPLY OR VIEW THE JOB DESCRIPTION: www.jacksonstone.co.nz
REFERENCE: BH-11859
FURTHER ENQUIRIES: Kendall Bushby on 027 332 7896 or Tracy Szeto 021 442 039