Principal Advisor

Join an organisation contributing to meaningful outcomes, About Aotearoa, for Aotearoa – data that improves lives today and for generations to come.

• Lead strategic financial advice that shapes the future of Stats NZ

• Work across the organisation to embed financial sustainability

• Influence long-term investment decisions that support public value.

About Us | Ko mātou

Stats NZ | Tatauranga Aotearoa is a Central Government employer of 1300+ people across Aotearoa. We provide data and statistics to support the decisions of Government, Māori and Iwi organisations, businesses, NGOs, and New Zealanders. Our work is About Aotearoa, for Aotearoa – data that improves lives today and for generations to come. We welcome every gender, ethnicity, ability, religion, age, and background and encourage all our people to be their authentic selves.

What's in it for you? | Ngā hua ka riro ki a koe

At Stats NZ, we're proud to foster a workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued. We celebrate diversity and are committed to equity, inclusion, and wellbeing. As Principal Advisor – Strategic Finance, you'll be joining a team that's passionate about making a difference and having a good time doing it. Stats NZ offers a range of benefits to support our kaimahi, including:

• A competitive salary, plus a 3% net superannuation (appointment based on skills and experience)

• Flexible working options to support your lifestyle and wellbeing

• Supportive leadership and a collaborative, high-performing finance team

• Opportunities to lead meaningful financial work that influences Aotearoa's data future

• Access to employee-led social and community groups that help you connect and contribute

• Career development and progression opportunities, including leadership capability building.

The role | Te tūnga

As Principal Advisor – Strategic Finance, you will report to the Chief Financial Officer and play a pivotal role in shaping Stats NZ's long-term financial sustainability. You'll work across the organisation to embed financial perspectives into strategic decision-making and identify cost efficiencies that align with our strategic priorities and performance plan.

You'll collaborate closely with the Principal Advisor - Finance to the CFO, the wider Finance Team, Planning and Reporting, and Strategy & Performance teams. Your work will influence investment decisions, support organisational performance, and ensure financial advice is integrated into the work programme of Stats including the Deliver 2030 programme.

We see you bringing strategic leadership, deep financial expertise, and a collaborative mindset to the role and team. The key focus for the next 12 months includes driving financial sustainability initiatives, enhancing cross-organisational engagement, and supporting the delivery of Stats NZ's strategic goals through high-quality financial advice.

What you bring | Nōu te rourou

To be successful in this role, you'll need to hit the ground running with the agility to lead across a range of complex financial and strategic priorities. You'll need:

• Strong experience in leading successful change initiatives

• Proven ability to influence without direct reporting lines

• Experience driving outcomes and managing diverse stakeholder interests

• Strong analytical, strategic, and planning skills with commercial acumen

• Excellent understanding of the machinery of government and public finance processes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to balance principles with pragmatic decision-making

• Strong team player who contributes at senior leadership levels

• A tertiary qualification in accounting, business administration, or management.

We understand transferable skills can come from experience gained from outside of work. We encourage you to be you in your application.

Tell us about yourself in your cover letter, what attracted you to this role, and what you would bring to Stats NZ.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

If this sounds like you, click on the Apply now button to be redirected to the application page on our careers site. The position description is located on the right-hand side of the page.

We will be screening applications as we receive them to move swiftly to interview. You may be asked to complete a pre-interview screen via phone or video. Please let us know in your application if we need to make any specific accommodations during our process.

Please reach out to if you have any questions.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Background and various pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: unsolicited CVs will not be accepted.

Reference #

16852

Posted on

10 Nov 2025

Closes on

16 Nov :55

Location(s)

Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington

Expertise

Finance

Job level(s)

7+ years experience

Work type(s)

Permanent full-time