Chief Financial Officer
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
Accounting & Finance
Wellington, New Zealand
Posted on Feb 19, 2026
This role is based in Wellington
Who we are
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand's international business development agency. We work with some of New Zealand’s most forward-thinking companies, helping them to grow internationally bigger, better, faster for the good of New Zealand. With people in 47 offices, across 37 countries, in 24 time zones and speaking more than 40 languages, we are a truly global organisation.
What you’ll be doing
As Chief Financial Officer (CFO), reporting to the GM Strategy, People and Partners, you will provide financial leadership across the entire organisation. You will ensure responsible management of Crown funding, enabling NZTE to deliver the best possible value to New Zealand taxpayers.
This is a global financial leadership role, where you will influence the Board and Executive Lead Team, guide NZTE’s medium to long-term financial strategy, and manage cost pressures. You will be responsible for maintaining NZTE’s financial strength, transparency, and resilience in a complex and constantly evolving global environment.
The CFO position encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, leading finance, property, facilities, and operational functions. You will oversee NZTE’s global property footprint, maintaining positive partnerships with NZ Inc and seeking out further co-location opportunities. You will also oversee procurement and insurance at NZTE, and enterprise-wide policies.
This role offers an opportunity to:
o Lead NZTE’s financial strategy, planning and advice, supporting sound, evidence-based decision making at executive and Board level.
o Ensure robust, transparent financial systems, controls and reporting that enable confidence, agility and accountability.
o Articulating financial risk well to ensure it is proactively managed, including treasury and foreign exchange exposure.
o Maximise the impact of Crown funding while balancing fiscal discipline with organisational priorities.
o Lead NZTE’s property, facilities and operational functions.
o Build strong relationships with external auditors, the Board Audit & Risk Committee, and NZ Inc partners such as MFAT and MBIE.
o Develop and lead a high performing Finance, Property and Operations team and contribute as a key member of the Strategy, People and Partners leadership team.
What you’ll bring
You are a strategic, values-led finance leader who combines commercial insight with strong people management capability. You are dynamic at prioritising in a fast-moving environment, ensuring you and your team focus on what delivers the greatest impact.
You will have a proven ability to build capability, culture and high performing teams. You are an exceptional relationship builder who can advise, connect and influence different stakeholders to lift returns on investment.
You will hold a Chartered Accountant qualification, possess expertise in financial management, governance, and risk management. You will have a track record of providing credible advice to, and influence on, senior stakeholders.
As a financial and commercial professional, you will be curious and aware of how the public sector operates with a strong understanding of New Zealand accounting standards. Experience working in the public sector or in a global organisation, while beneficial, is not essential.
Why you’ll love working here
NZTE is a values-led, purpose driven, growth-focused organisation where you will collaborate with passionate and culturally diverse people every day. We embrace flexible working, enabling you to balance life and work, and we encourage and empower all our people to grow.
This role is banded NZ Level 20.
What’s next
You can review the Position Description here: Chief_Financial_Officer_-_PD
If this sounds like the impact you’re looking to make, we’d love to hear from you.
Please apply with your CV and cover letter by 11:59pm Thursday 5th March, telling us why this role is the perfect next step.
NZTE is an equal opportunity employer
We believe New Zealand is good for the world. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is an equal opportunity employer. At NZTE it is all about our people and we seek diversity of thought; we welcome and encourage you to apply regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity or disability. If we need to make specific accommodations in any part of the interview process, please note this in your application or discuss with the Talent Acquisition Partner.