Job Description

Are you ready to become a trusted strategic adviser to the Secretary for Justice and the Strategic Leadership Team?

Do you want to help shape enterprise decisions for over $2B of spending each year through clear, evidence‑based financial and investment advice?

Can you steward long‑term sustainability, performance and value for money across a complex system?

If so, this is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal senior leadership role at the heart of the Ministry's decision‑making.

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

As Chief Financial Officer (CFO) you'll provide strategic financial advice to the Secretary for Justice and the Strategic Leadership Team and lead a high-performing Finance function that enables sound decision-making, long‑term investment, and value for money across the Ministry.

You'll be a full member of the Ministry's Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) Board and Senior Management Team (SMT), bringing a strong financial, investment and performance lens to organisational strategy and delivery.

Reporting to the Deputy Secretary, Corporate Services, this is a pivotal leadership role within the Corporate Services group, with influence across the Ministry and the wider Justice sector on funding and investment matters.

You Will

Provide strategic financial, investment and performance advice to the Ministry's senior leadership
Lead the Finance unit to deliver financial management, financial and investment strategy and planning, finance reporting, and finance policy and process development
Strengthen and maintain robust, high-quality financial systems and services across the Ministry
Deliver rigorous business analysis and insights to support strategic issues, funding and long‑term investment priorities
Work collegially across SMT to develop and monitor initiatives aligned to the Ministry's performance plan
Represent the Ministry across the Justice sector on financial and investment matters

Ō Pūkenga/Skills And Experience

We're looking for an experienced executive finance leader who can operate confidently at organisational and system level. You'll bring:

Senior leadership experience in large, complex organisations, including:
- Enterprise‑level financial management and strategic investment leadership
- Operational management and leading sizeable, multidisciplinary teams
- Working as part of an executive leadership group with shared organisational goals
Strong capability communicating complex financial, investment and performance matters to a wide range of audiences
A sound understanding of the Public Finance Act and its application within a large, complex public sector environment
An understanding of the constitutional principles and legal processes underpinning New Zealand's justice system
The ability to build and maintain effective relationships across an organisation and a wide professional network across agencies

A bachelor's degree in business, Commerce or Accountancy, with a master's in professional accountancy preferred. A CA qualification and membership of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants is required.

Mō Mātou/About Us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The Finance unit sits within Corporate Services, providing a Ministry‑wide view on organisational issues and supporting sustainable delivery and value for money. The CFO leads this function and plays a key stewardship role for the Ministry and the wider Justice sector.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The remuneration band for this role is $215,642 to $300,564 with the appointing salary based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/Apply

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on 9 April 2026; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your application, please contact Graham.Lees@justice.govt.nz

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Chief Financial Officer