• Shape investment decisions while building a modern corporate finance function.
• Be a key strategic adviser to the Chief Executive and Board.
• Location for this role is flexible.

Help shape the future of school property in Aotearoa
The New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA) was established in October 2026 as a standalone Crown entity responsible for managing New Zealand’s school property portfolio on behalf of the Government. We build, maintain and oversee the infrastructure that helps children and young people learn and thrive. Our priorities are to deliver better value for taxpayers, improve service to schools, and provide greater transparency around property planning and school entitlements.


About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the financial and corporate foundations of a newly established national Crown entity. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and serving on the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will lead NZSPA’s finance, risk, and assurance portfolios, providing strategic advice and strong stewardship of public resources.

As the key strategic financial adviser to the Chief Executive and Board, you will help guide investment decisions and long-term sustainability across a school property portfolio valued at more than $30 billion. You will establish the agency’s financial management systems, planning, budgeting, reporting, controls and statutory accounts, while ensuring that commercial and assurance advice supports practical delivery and value for money.

You will lead a broad portfolio through organisational establishment and change, building integrated financial and corporate capabilities, strengthening public accountability and helping NZSPA deliver better outcomes for schools and communities.


About you | Mōhou ake
We are seeking an accomplished finance executive who combines strategic financial stewardship, sound commercial judgement and the ability to build high-performing teams through change. You will bring:

• A Chartered Accountant or equivalent professional qualification, with extensive senior finance leadership experience, ideally at CFO or equivalent level.
• A strong record of leading organisational transformation, establishing financial systems and controls, and improving performance and accountability.
• Deep knowledge of public sector financial management, appropriations, Budget processes and statutory reporting, ideally gained in a Crown entity or comparable environment.
• Experience providing trusted advice to chief executives and Boards, and overseeing or working closely with commercial, risk and assurance functions.
• The ability to lead substantial professional teams, influence central agencies and auditors, and offer clear, independent advice on complex investment and financial decisions.
• A commitment to public service integrity, collaboration, inclusion and accountability.
• Deep understanding of the financial, commercial, and operational drivers underpinning education property portfolios and long-term asset sustainability.
• Proven ability to balance strategic property investment decisions with organisational, community, and educational outcomes.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
The CFO portfolio brings together finance, risk, and assurance. You will work alongside executive colleagues to establish fit-for-purpose systems, governance and services that enable effective investment, operations and long-term stewardship of the school property portfolio. The proposed portfolio includes responsibility for a large team with final team structures and reporting arrangements subject to further organisational design and consultation.


Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If you are motivated by the opportunity to establish enduring financial and corporate capability in an organisation with a clear public purpose, we would welcome your interest.

For a confidential discussion, contact Charlotte Cottrell at IN SIDE Recruitment on 04 913 6944.

Applications close: 4pm Wednesday, 18th November.

NZSPA is committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace. Please let us know if you require assistance or adjustments to participate fully in the recruitment process.