Director Finance, Strategic Programmes

The Ministry of Social Development is a people‑centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

Join MSD’s flagship transformation programme, MSD – services for the future , and help shape how we deliver services to New Zealanders for the next 30 years.

MSD – services for the future is about MSD’s future role and how we can make a bigger and better difference for New Zealanders. It will help us achieve the shifts we want to make to achieve our strategic goal, Te Pae Tawhiti.

About the role | Mō te tūnga :

Based at National Office, Wellington.

As Director Finance, Strategic Programmes, you’ll provide technical and thought leadership, oversee all financial activities across the Services for the future programme, and support the General Manager Strategic Programmes, Director Strategic Finance, and CFO.

You’ll lead cost modelling, financial analysis, and ensure best practice across budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

This role is responsible for maintaining the programme’s detailed cost model, deriving key inputs, and providing meaningful insights.

You’ll coordinate with the Finance team, contribute to annual budget‑setting, and develop models that forecast the financial impacts of programme changes.

You’ll champion MSD’s purpose and values, build strong relationships, and actively contribute to strategy, decision making, and performance monitoring.

• Chartered Accountant or equivalent (desirable)
• Proven ability to manage key relationships at a senior level
• Experience developing financial models and using highly developed analytical skills
• Sound knowledge of government processes, annual budget cycles, and accountability
• Strategic planning, operational management, and performance monitoring experience
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop high‑performing teams
• Commitment to embedding Te Ao Māori and supporting MSD’s values

What’s in it for you | Nōu te rourou

Salary | Utu‑ā‑tau : $161,811.00 – $214,131.00

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

To apply, click the ‘Apply Now’ button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.

Note : Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as an internal candidate.

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.

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