Senior Investigator, Aml/cft

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

**Type**:Fixed Term
**Hours**:Full time
**Location**:Wellington, Auckland, and/or Christchurch
**Business Group**: Regulatory Services
**Branch**:Regulation and Identity Services
**Salary**:$100,359 - $124,891

**Term**:1 January 2026 - 30 June 2027

A key part of New Zealand’s approach to tackling organised crime is making it harder for criminals or terrorist groups to move money through legitimate businesses. That’s the purpose of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulatory scheme, which requires businesses to know their customers, understand and manage risk, and report suspicious activity to Police.

The Department of Internal Affairs currently shares regulatory oversight with the Reserve Bank and the Financial Markets Authority. From 1 July 2026, DIA will take on full responsibility as the sole AML/CFT regulator.

We’re investing in our capability across the board to set ourselves up as a highly effective regulator - it’s an exciting time to be part of work that’s dynamic, impactful, and making a real difference.

At the Department of Internal Affairs, the work we do makes New Zealand a better place for those born here, and those new New Zealanders who have chosen to call this country home.

The Regulatory and Identity Services branch is responsible for regulatory systems and functions related to charities, gambling, anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), digital safety, passports, civil registries, citizenship and identity management.

**Two Fixed-Term Opportunities: Senior Investigator, AML/CFT**

We have two fixed-term Senior Investigator positions available in our AML/CFT Regulatory Services team. These roles offer a unique opportunity to contribute to New Zealand’s fight against money laundering and terrorism financing at a pivotal time for the Department.

**Who we are**:
Working at the Department of Internal Affairs, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of New Zealanders.

The Regulatory Services Group leads and influences key regulatory systems for New Zealand, including Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism, Gambling, and Charities. In the gambling system we deliver community wellbeing through reducing gambling related harms; in Charities Services, we regulate over 29,000 registered charities and support the Charities Registration Board to promote public trust and effective use of charitable resources; and in the AML/CFT system we protect the trust in the financial systems of Aotearoa.

We are a responsive risk-based regulator focused on reducing harm, and ensuring that iwi, hapū and communities across Aotearoa are safe, resilient, and thriving.

**About the role**:
As a Senior Investigator, you will join a small, highly specialised team at an exciting time as we strengthen our investigation function. You’ll lead and support high-quality investigations and prosecutions into serious, complex, and harmful non-compliance by businesses we supervise under the AML/CFT Act.

Success in the role hinges on your seasoned investigative skills. You'll rely on accomplished interviewing techniques, problem-solving aptitude, analytical ability and report writing skills to collect, assess and report on large financial data sets and extensive documentation. Collaboration with internal teams and partner agencies will be key, so strong engagement and influencing skills are essential.

Our environment is fast-paced, dynamic and often uncertain, so we're looking for adaptable and innovative investigative practitioners who are passionate team players.

**About you**:
Essential
- Experience conducting and leading end-to-end investigations in complex cases involving large volumes of data.
- Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise multiple competing demands.
- Excellent verbal and written skills, assisting in preparation and presentation of civil and criminal cases for court action and other enforcement outcomes as required.
- Strong and effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop and maintain productive relationships across a diverse stakeholder base.
- A tertiary qualification or equivalent experience relevant to investigation, accounting or legal areas is required.
- A passion for continuous improvement, with sound planning and task prioritisation skills.

Desirable
- Experience with another regulator, law enforcement, financial services, or forensic accounting roles. Other backgrounds will be considered if you can demonstrate curiosity, attention to detail, and ability to analyse large amounts of data and documentation.

Yu must be abile to obtain and maintain an appropriate Security Clearance. Use this tool to check if you might be eligible for a security clearance: Eligibility self-check tool | Protective Security Requirement

If you're looking for a new challenge that encourages you to think innovatively to help make a diff