Senior Management Accountant

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Management Accountant to join our Finance Service Delivery team, supporting the Air Capability portfolio.

As a trusted finance partner, you'll work closely with senior military and civilian leaders, providing strategic financial advice, analysis and insights that support critical capability outcomes across the Air Force environment. Working within a complex and dynamic operating environment, you'll play a key role in ensuring financial resources are effectively managed to support current operations and future capability requirements.

This role provides an opportunity to work on significant programmes and investments that directly contribute to NZDF's ability to deliver air capability for New Zealand. You'll lead budgeting, forecasting and planning activities, provide robust financial analysis, and influence key business decisions through strong stakeholder partnerships.

In this position, you will:

• Provide strategic financial advice and business partnering support to Air Capability leaders.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning activities.
• Deliver insightful financial analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Identify and manage financial risks and opportunities.
• Support major capability investments and long-term asset planning.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across finance processes and reporting.
• Coach and mentor finance team members, contributing to a high-performing finance function.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're looking for a finance professional who combines strong technical expertise with exceptional stakeholder engagement and strategic thinking skills. You will be comfortable operating in complex environments, influencing decision-making and translating financial information into meaningful business insights.

You will bring:

• Significant management accounting or finance business partnering experience
• Demonstrated experience providing strategic financial advice
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis capability
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Proven ability to identify risks and influence decision-making
• Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives
• Chartered Accountant qualification, or equivalent international standard
• Minimum five years' relevant experience in finance roles

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Monday 19 October 2026.

Use the links on this page where you’ll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.