Director Enterprise Finance

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Join the New Zealand Defence Force at a pivotal time as we continue to strengthen our financial stewardship, modernise our finance capability, and support critical decisions that enable Defence to deliver for New Zealand.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this influential leadership role sits at the centre of enterprise decision-making, providing strategic financial direction across a highly complex operating environment. You'll lead long-term financial planning, guide investment and resource allocation decisions, drive finance transformation initiatives, and help shape the future of Defence capability.

As Director Enterprise Finance, you'll provide enterprise-wide financial leadership and advice that supports both current operational priorities and long-term strategic outcomes. Leading a team of senior finance professionals, you'll partner with executive leaders across NZDF and play a key role in ensuring sustainable financial performance for the organisation.

Key responsibilities include

• Lead NZDF's long-term financial strategy and planning
• Influence enterprise investment and capability decisions
• Drive strategic budgeting and resource allocation processes
• Provide trusted advice to senior leaders and governance groups
• Lead finance transformation and continuous improvement programmes
• Oversee financial systems, reporting and assurance functions
• Foster a high-performing and future-focused finance team

This role is based in Wellington.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're seeking a strategic and credible finance executive who can operate confidently at the highest levels of a large and complex organisation. You will bring sound judgement, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to influence decisions through trusted relationships and expert advice.

You’ll bring

• Significant experience in senior finance leadership positions
• Expertise in enterprise planning and financial management
• Experience leading large-scale transformation initiatives
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Proven success leading high-performing teams
• Experience operating within complex governance environments
• Chartered Accountant or equivalent professional qualification

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

To be considered you MUST be a NZ citizen who has resided continuously in this country for the last 15 years, or in one or more of the following countries for the last 15 years, or since the age of 18: either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed for security clearance.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 20 September 2026

APPLY OR VIEW THE POSITION DESCRIPTION :

REFERENCE: BH-11787

FURTHER ENQUIRIES:  Tracy Szeto on View phone number on nz.workus.org or Kendall Bushby on View phone number on nz.workus.org