Principal Financial Accountant

About the role

The Principal Financial Accountant will lead the full accounting cycle, Treasury reporting and statutory deliverables for Oranga Tamariki. Based in the Wellington National Office, this senior position provides authoritative technical advice and shapes financial decision‑making across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of external financial reports, including Annual Reports, fiscal forecasts and Treasury submissions.
• Oversee end‑to‑end accounting processes to ensure accuracy, compliance and timely delivery.
• Provide expert technical accounting guidance to internal stakeholders.
• Support Treasury budgeting activities such as Estimates, Supplementary Estimates and Baseline Updates.
• Develop and maintain robust financial control frameworks, tools and processes.
• Manage external audit engagements and resolve audit queries efficiently.
• Deliver clear financial analysis to inform organisational decisions.
• Build strong relationships with Treasury, auditors and internal teams.
• Coach and mentor Finance team members to enhance capability.

Required profile

• Relevant tertiary qualification and Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) or equivalent accreditation.
• Extensive experience managing full financial accounting, external reporting and audit processes.
• Hands‑on experience with CFIS in a government environment.
• Deep understanding of public sector financial management and government accounting mechanics.

Required skills

• CFIS (government financial information system)