Principal Advisor, Finance

Impactful sole-charge finance position Location: central Wellington, New Zealand. Permanent position, at least 32 hours per week. About the Ministry for Regulation We are a small government agency focused on lifting quality across all regulatory systems and supporting agencies with regulatory responsibilities to align with good practice. We want it to be easier for businesses to innovate, grow and comply, while still ensuring the benefits from regulation that we take for granted won't change. We are a small group of dedicated professionals, working in a 'can do' environment. About the Role In this pivotal role, you'll be the sole finance expert within the Ministry. You will work closely with our external shared services team and the Deputy Chief Executive, to ensure the Ministry meets its obligations and follows best practice. We're looking for someone who is happy to operate at both strategic and operational levels. You will use your generalist finance and accounting experience to lead advice on financial activity across the Ministry. You'll deliver insightful reports to monitor expenditure and provide valuable financial advice to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), ensuring timely recommendations when necessary. Along with your legal colleagues, you will also support procurement activity. Additionally, you'll take ownership of the month‑end and year‑end timetable, liaising with various stakeholders, and compiling essential audit files. Your collaboration with business groups will ensure that the SLT remains informed about key financial risks and decisions. By fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government departments and shared services teams, you will play a crucial role in enhancing our financial transparency and operational efficiency. You will bring Experience in public sector financial reporting, including compliance with the Public Finance Act and Financial Reporting Standards, along with engagement with Treasury and Audit. Strong expertise in risk analysis, budgeting and forecasting. Strong written and verbal communication skills to present financial data to non‑financial managers, coupled with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy. A proactive, motivated team player with a proven ability to build strong professional relationships through effective collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders. Composure under pressure, with strong self‑management skills to swiftly respond to a crisis, handle competing priorities and adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining effective time management. A can‑do attitude and high initiative, able to problem‑solve while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive information with sound judgment and discretion. A qualified Chartered Accountant with 7+ years in management or financial accounting. What we can offer you Work with a dedicated and supportive leadership team, with a strong delivery focus and a can‑do approach. A supportive, professional team that values expertise, learning and collaboration. An opportunity to influence and deliver on a wide range of work. Flexible working options and wellbeing benefits. A modern office with great views, close to public transport. Salary range $129,685 – $172,352 dependent on skills and experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr