Finance Officer, National Programmes

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

 About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

• 18 month fixed term contract.

The Finance Officer is a key member of the Safer Drinking Water for Schools Programme within the National Programmes team, School Property. The role provides financial support and stewardship across a portfolio of nationally delivered programmes.

This role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of programme financial information, supporting effective governance and decision making, and maintaining strong financial controls across programme delivery. You will work closely with programme teams, Finance, Procurement, suppliers, and other stakeholders to provide high-quality financial advice, reporting, and analysis.

Your key priorities will include:

• Financial Management & Reporting: Support the management of programme budgets, forecasts, commitments, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and transparency across programme activities.
• Financial Analysis & Assurance: Investigate variances, resolve financial issues, and provide insights that support informed decision making and continuous improvement.
• Contract & Supplier Financial Administration: Support contract payments, invoice approvals, financial reconciliations, and supplier financial queries while ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
• Governance & Compliance: Maintain audit-ready financial records and ensure adherence to Ministry policies, procurement requirements, and financial controls.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong working relationships across programme teams, Finance, Procurement, and external suppliers to support successful programme delivery.

Salary range: $60,879.00 - $72,999 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

 We are looking for someone with strong financial administration and analysis experience who enjoys working in a national programme environment. You will bring a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, alongside the ability to build effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

You will be comfortable working across multiple priorities, solving problems proactively, and translating financial information into meaningful insights that support programme outcomes.

You will also offer:

• Experience managing budgets, forecasts, commitments, accruals, and financial reconciliations.
• Strong financial analysis and reporting skills, including the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Experience supporting contract and supplier financial processes, including invoice management and payment assurance.
• Strong proficiency with financial systems and Microsoft Excel, with the ability to prepare dashboards and financial reporting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively while taking ownership of your responsibilities.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Joining our team offers the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant programmes, work alongside experienced professionals, and develop your skills within one of New Zealand's largest and most complex public sector property portfolios.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

 The School Property group plans, builds, and manages school properties to ensure they are safe, warm and dry. We oversee more than 2,100 primary and secondary state schools on 8,000 hectares of land with a value of $33.5 billion. It’s the second largest social property portfolio in New Zealand, and one of the largest overall.   

The New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) will be established as a Crown entity, to manage, plan, build, maintain and administer the education property portfolio. This is expected to happen by no later than 1 November 2026 now that the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Act 2026 - Ministry of Education has passed.

Once established, the NZSPA will be responsible for planning, building, maintaining and administrating the school property portfolio. Decisions on education policy, network and roll growth, including which schools will receive additional teaching spaces, will remain with the Ministry of Education. 

 Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

 If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

 For further information, please contact Ismael Costa, Programme Manager at ismael.costa@education.govt.nz.

 Applications close:  Midnight, Sunday 23rd August 2026.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.