School Finance Advisor - Auckland

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 

We are seeking an Auckland based School Finance Advisor in a full-time, permanent capacity to join our small but mighty, high performing team. As a School Finance Advisor, you will provide strategic and operational advice to schools and kura so that they can achieve high quality financial management that contributes to excellent student achievement and good governance and management. You will monitor schools' financial performance and provide proactive guidance and support to schools through managing relationships that strengthen schools' regulatory compliance. 

This position reports to the Team Lead, School Financial Advice and works closely with its peers. 

Salary range: $99,496 - $ 120,690 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. 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 here.

About you | Mōhou ake 

You will have had previous experience in: 

• Providing technical accounting and financial reporting advice succinctly and in a manner that is understood

• Assessing business processes and systems of internal control

• Identifying risks and issues and problem solving to mitigate risks

• Discussing complex and difficult issues and working collaboratively in achieving the desired outcomes.

• Utilising your excellent communication skills to solve problems, present outcomes and make recommendations.

You will also offer: 

• A formal tertiary qualification and be a member of the Chartered Accountants NZ or similar organisation or have equivalent experience

• An innovative and strategic thinker with initiative, who is willing to take a “hands on” approach as required

• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; The ability to explain complex finance issues simply to non-finance people is a must

• Strength in building and maintaining relationships

• High quality planning and organisational skills, attention to detail and the delivery of quality support and advice

• Sound knowledge of current Accounting Standards

• Experience across the education sector and specific knowledge in providing financial information/guidance for schools is desirable, but not required

• 4+ years' experience working in a business advisory function

• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangatawhenuatanga.

• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct. 

You’ll be joining a small, high-performing team with a culture of constructive open-minded debate and working together to make an impact. It’s a great developmental pathway as you gain political nous and systems thinking that will equip you in potential secondments to other business units. As an organisation, we are committed to building racial equity and excellence in the education sector.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

We use information, insights and service design functions to help the three Te Mahau frontline groups design and deliver services for our sector. We service and support the frontline groups and play an integration role between the enabling functions and our frontline services. 

Our group provides nationally consistent service design, practice guidance and systems to support the integrated teams led by Directors of Education providing flexible and responsive services. 

We deliver national resourcing functions, including inclusive learning support, and national regulatory functions.

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 Andrew Sutherland, Team Leader, School Financial Advice at Andrew.sutherland@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight – Thursday 25 September 2025. 

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.