Help shape the future of Education
We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes
Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
This full-time, fixed term position to 31 July 2026 leads the financial stewardship of one of New Zealand’s largest public infrastructure portfolios and is based in Wellington.
You will oversee the accounting, valuation and reporting of the School Property asset base, ensuring financial integrity across the full property lifecycle — from capital delivery through to asset management and revaluation.
Your focus will be on three key areas:
- Financial governance at scale – ensuring accurate asset accounting, reconciliations and statutory reporting across a complex, capital-intensive environment.
- Leadership and capability – leading a specialist team and setting high standards for technical accounting, quality assurance and delivery.
- Risk and system oversight – strengthening internal controls, managing audit and valuation processes, and improving financial systems to support capital programme visibility and performance.
This role sits at the intersection of infrastructure, investment and public sector finance, requiring both strong technical expertise and strategic judgement.
Salary range: $121,139 - $151,424 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description hereFinance Manager School Property Financial Accounting
About you | Mōhou ake
We’re looking for a senior finance leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with the ability to operate confidently in a complex infrastructure environment.
You will bring sound judgement, attention to detail, and the ability to see the bigger picture — understanding how financial integrity supports long-term investment decisions and public value.
You will also offer:
- Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) qualification (or equivalent recognised in New Zealand).
- Senior financial management experience within a large, complex or capital-intensive organisation.
- Proven experience leading and developing a high-performing finance or asset accounting team.
- Strong technical expertise in public sector financial reporting and asset accounting.
- Experience managing fixed assets, capitalisation processes and asset revaluation programmes.
- Confidence providing strategic financial advice to senior leaders in a complex environment.
- Strong analytical capability and the ability to interpret financial and asset data to identify risks and opportunities.
- A collaborative style, with the ability to build trusted relationships across operational and regional teams.
- The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
You’ll be joining a team that values professionalism, integrity and continuous improvement. We operate in a complex and high-impact environment, where quality financial stewardship directly supports better learning environments for ākonga across Aotearoa.
You’ll have the opportunity to lead at scale, influence infrastructure investment outcomes, and strengthen capability within a specialist finance function. We support flexible working and encourage ongoing professional development, recognising that strong leadership and technical excellence are built over time.
This is a role where your expertise will be valued, your judgement trusted, and your impact visible.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
The School Property group stewards one of the largest public property portfolios in New Zealand. We plan, fund and oversee the delivery of school infrastructure nationwide.
The Financial Accounting team underpins this work by ensuring the integrity of the asset base — overseeing asset accounting, valuations and reporting, and maintaining strong financial controls across the capital lifecycle.
Our work enables confident investment decisions and supports sustainable learning environments for ākonga across Aotearoa.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.
For further information, please contact Maneesha Cumaranasinghe, Manager of Capital Investments at Maneesha.Cumaranasinghe@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight Wednesday 4 March 2026.
We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
