Senior Finance Business Partner

• Join a supportive and innovative Finance team
• Parklike Campus environment
• Additional University leave, competitive superannuation and more

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially astute Senior Finance Business Partner to join our high-performing Finance team.  In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic financial leadership and business partnering to the Division of Health, including a unique opportunity to be part of the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine (NZGSM) establishment programme.

You will lead the delivery of financial management, commercial advisory, analytics, and reporting services across the Division, including the NZGSM establishment programme. This includes oversight of capital investments, procurement, contract negotiations, and performance reporting — all in support of a bold, equity-focused vision for health education.

Working closely with Divisional management, senior academic, clinical, and operational leaders, you'll provide trusted financial insight and strategic advice that supports sound decision-making, improving financial viability and ensuring long-term sustainability. Your work will directly influence decision-making and contribute to the success of one of the University's most significant strategic programmes.

Salary will be in the range of $135k to $150k per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Michelle Butler, Deputy Director Finance, at  All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are a confident communicator and trusted advisor with a strong background in financial leadership and stakeholder engagement. You bring:

• A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or Economics (CAANZ CA status or equivalent preferred).
• Financial and commercial experience in complex organisations.
• Proven experience supporting large-scale projects, including capital investments and procurement.
• Ability to identify opportunities to improve financial viability and long-term sustainability 
• Strong knowledge of NZ IFRS and NZ IPSAS.
• Advanced financial modelling, forecasting, and analytical skills.
• The ability to influence, negotiate, and build relationships across all levels of an organisation.
• A commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and awareness of Māori and Pacific cultures.
• Applicants must hold the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we? 

The Finance team, part of the Corporate Services Group, provides best-in-class financial services, reporting, and analytics to support the University's strategic goals. You'll be joining a high-performing, future-focused team committed to excellence and innovation.

The Division of Health and the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine are leading a new era in health education. Following on from our nursing, midwifery and pharmacy programmes, our graduate-entry Doctor of Medicine programme is designed to meet Aotearoa's urgent health workforce needs, with a focus on primary care, rural practice, and health equity leadership.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

This is your opportunity to shape the financial future of a nationally significant programme. You'll work alongside passionate leaders, contribute to meaningful change in the health sector, and help build a medical school from the ground up.

Join a university that is globally connected, research-intensive, and committed to innovation, inclusion, and community engagement. At Waikato, you'll enjoy a rewarding work environment with a wide range of staff benefits, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all. 

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Friday 14th November 2025

Requisition number: 1003066