Financial Controller

• Lead DOC’s Financial Control function to protect public funds, assure reporting excellence, and enable confident decisions that support conservation outcomes across Aotearoa 

• $145,350.00 - $188,100.00  

• Permanent full time, Wellington location 

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa 

Mō te tūranga | About the role 

Protect what matters while steering DOC’s financial heartbeat. If you’re a decisive finance leader who thrives on accuracy, assurance, and impact, this is your chance to safeguard public resources and enable confident decisions across Aotearoa. 

The Financial Controller provides enterprise-wide financial stewardship for DOC, ensuring robust financial management, strong internal controls, and high-quality external reporting. This role leads the Financial Control function and partners closely with the CFO, senior leaders, Audit New Zealand, Treasury and central agencies, as well as internal directorates. You’ll own the integrity of DOC’s financial systems and balance sheet, lead statutory reporting, oversee external audit, and embed risk management and policy frameworks that protect public funds. 

The position will be focussed on: 

• Lead the Financial Control function, maintaining department-wide financial management and internal control frameworks that safeguard public resources and reduce risk 

• Ensure completeness, accuracy, and reliability of financial systems, the general ledger, and the balance sheet to support leaders, auditors, and central agencies 

• Oversee timely, accurate, and compliant external financial reporting and act as the primary accountability point for external audit 

• Develop, maintain, and enforce financial accounting policies, procedures, delegations, and risk controls to prevent misstatement or misuse of funds 

• Build a high-performing, inclusive team culture; set clear expectations, coach and develop capability, and model health, safety, and wellbeing 

Click here for the Role Description  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience 

We are keen to hear from you, if you have; 

• Chartered Accountant with experience in a Financial Controller role within the NZ public sector 

• Deep knowledge of Public Sector Accounting Standards, taxation in the public sector, the Public Finance Act, and machinery of government 

• Proven strength establishing internal control environments, leading audits, and navigating political sensitivities 

• Experience modernising FMIS and driving continuous improvement in processes, data, and reporting 

• Advanced commercial and financial management, budgeting, and negotiation skills 

• Ability to present complex finance concepts clearly to non-accountants and influence senior leadership decisions 

• People leadership that sets direction, delegates effectively, coaches for performance, and lifts team cohesion 

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you? 

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.  

We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader. 

Want to know more? 

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now 

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted. 

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate. 

Salary: $145,350.00 - $188,100.00, depending on skills and experience. 

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.