Principal Financial Accountant

About The Organisation

This large central government agency operating within a complex and high-profile environment, the organisation is focused on delivering better outcomes through strong systems, capable people, and meaningful engagement across the public sector.

The finance function sits at the heart of decision making, providing strategic financial oversight, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and enabling the organisation to perform at its best.

The Role

Reporting to the Financial Controller, the Principal Financial Accountant is a senior technical role responsible for leading the organisation’s external reporting, Treasury submissions, and financial control framework.

You will oversee the full accounting cycle, ensure compliance with public sector financial management requirements, and provide authoritative accounting advice. This role also plays a key part in driving continuous improvement, strengthening internal controls, and enhancing financial capability across the organisation.

As a trusted advisor, you will engage with senior stakeholders, external auditors, and central agencies, while also deputising for the Financial Controller when required.

Role Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Qualified Chartered Accountant status (CAANZ or equivalent)
• Extensive experience in financial accounting and external reporting within a complex organisation, ideally in the public sector
• Strong knowledge of Treasury reporting, Public Finance Act requirements, and PBE accounting standards
• Proven experience leading financial reporting processes including Annual Reports, forecasts, and budget/estimates cycles
• Hands-on experience with financial management systems, preferably SAP
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement financial control frameworks and risk management practices
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and communicate with both finance and non-finance audiences
• Leadership capability, with experience mentoring and developing finance professionals

What’s in it for You?

• Opportunity to work in a high-impact role within a large, complex environment
• Exposure to senior leadership and central government stakeholders
• Chance to shape financial control and reporting frameworks at an organisational level
• Collaborative and purpose-driven culture
• Wellington-based role at National Office

Contact

All inquiries and applications to Archway Recruitment are treated in the strictest confidence. For a confidential discussion and to find out more about this opportunity please contact Michael Chhim – e-mail ***email_hidden*** or phone 027 582 1128