Principal Financial Accountant

• Drive financial excellence and build organisational capability
• Own the full accounting cycle, Treasury reporting, and statutory deliverables
• Shape and influence sustainable and accountable financial decision-making

Take on a pivotal, trusted advisory role shaping financial integrity, performance, and decision-making

Join the impactful mahi at Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children

This position is based in Wellington (National Office).

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As a Principal Financial Accountant, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity and sustainability of Oranga Tamariki. Sitting within the Finance team, you’ll provide authoritative technical accounting advice, lead external reporting, and strengthen financial control frameworks across the organisation.

This is a senior, influential role where you’ll partner across the business to support informed decision-making, drive continuous improvement, and uphold strong financial management practices.

In this role, you’ll:

• Lead the preparation of external financial reporting, including Annual Reports, fiscal forecasts, and Treasury submissions
• Oversee the end-to-end accounting cycle, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
• Provide expert technical accounting advice and guidance across the organisation
• Support Treasury budgeting processes, including Estimates, Supplementary Estimates, and Baseline Updates
• Develop and maintain robust financial control frameworks, tools, and processes
• Manage external audit processes and ensure effective resolution of audit queries
• Provide clear, insightful financial analysis to support organisational decision-making
• Build strong relationships with Treasury, auditors, and internal stakeholders
• Coach, mentor, and support capability development across the Finance team
• Contribute to strengthening a culture of continuous improvement and trusted financial stewardship

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• A relevant tertiary qualification and Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) or equivalent professional accreditation
• Extensive experience in managing the full financial accounting, external reporting, including Treasury reporting, and external audit process
• Hands-on CFIS experience within a government department with an in-depth understanding of the mechanics of government accounting
• Strong working knowledge of public sector financial management frameworks, including the Public Finance Act, PBE accounting standards, best practice guidelines from the Audit Office, and Treasury Instructions
• Experience developing and embedding financial control frameworks and risk management practices
• Proven ability to interpret complex business issues and provide pragmatic, high-quality advice
• Strong leadership capability, including coaching, mentoring, and influencing others
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
• Highly developed analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Experience with enterprise finance systems (SAP preferred)
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $147,010 and $162,887 dependant on experience. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono  | How to Apply

If you’re passionate about strengthening practice and improving outcomes for tamariki and whānau, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

For more information about the role, please review the position description

If you have any questions about role, please contact

Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight on Sunday 21st June 2026

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now!

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.