Principal Advisor Strategic Finance

Join the Disability Support Services (DSS) Finance team and play a key role in shaping the financial future of disability support services in New Zealand. This is a senior advisory role where you will provide expert financial advice, technical expertise and thought leadership on complex strategic and investment matters. You will work closely with senior leaders across DSS, Finance and the wider Ministry to support effective decision‑making, strengthen financial capability and contribute to the long‑term sustainability of disability support services.

The Disability Support Services Group (DSS) works to ensure fair and consistent access to disability support services for New Zealanders with the greatest needs.

The DSS Finance team provides strategic financial advice, analysis and cost modelling to support effective decision‑making and the long‑term sustainability of disability support services. We partner across DSS, the wider Ministry and central agencies to support investment decisions, business planning and strong stewardship of public resources, helping deliver better outcomes for disabled people and their whānau.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, you will provide expert financial advice and specialist support on complex strategic, investment and financial matters across DSS and the wider Ministry. Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will influence decision‑making, support long‑term financial sustainability and contribute to organisational capability and performance.

Key responsibilities include:

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• Providing strategic financial advice on fiscal management, investment priorities and financial sustainability
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• Developing financial models, business cases and investment proposals to support decision‑making
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• Advising on the financial implications of strategic initiatives and policy changes
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• Supporting planning, budgeting and investment management processes across DSS and MSD
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• Leading complex financial reviews and strategic projects
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• Identifying and implementing improvements to financial frameworks, processes and practices
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• Building effective relationships with senior leaders, governance groups and key stakeholders
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• Coaching and supporting finance staff to build capability and promote best practice
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• Identifying emerging risks and opportunities and translating these into practical advice
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• Contributing to financial strategies that support effective stewardship of public resources
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• Significant experience providing strategic financial advice in the public sector or a large, complex organisation
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• Experience developing financial models, business cases and investment proposals
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• Sound understanding of government planning, budgeting, accountability and investment processes
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• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex information into practical advice
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• Proven ability to build relationships, influence decision‑making and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders
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• Strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to connect financial insights to organisational priorities
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• Experience delivering complex pieces of work and achieving results in dynamic environments
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• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor information to different audiences
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• Sound judgement, political awareness and professionalism when dealing with sensitive issues
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• Experience coaching and supporting others to build capability and share best practice
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• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or equivalent operational experience; CA or equivalent desirable
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The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people‑centred organisation.

If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.