Principal Advisor, Financial Reporting at Controller and Auditor - General, Flexible Location

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

The Controller and Auditor-General aims to improve trust and confidence in public services by giving New Zealanders an independent view of government spending and performance. As the statutory auditor of all public organisations, from councils to schools, the Auditor-General's work plays a major part in ensuring that our public sector remains one of the most trusted in the world.

We are looking for an experienced Principal Advisor, Financial Reporting to provide authoritative leadership on financial reporting matters and support high-quality audit and external reporting.

Reporting to the Director Reporting, this principal-level role provides strategic and technical leadership on financial reporting and related external reporting matters. You will help shape the Auditor-General's position on proposed changes to financial reporting standards, provide trusted advice to senior leaders and auditors, and contribute to consistent, high-quality audit outcomes across the audit system.

Working closely with the Audit Technical Support team, you will ensure auditors are supported with timely, consistent, and practical financial reporting guidance, tools and training.

In this role, you will:

• Research and represent the Auditor-General's position on proposed financial reporting changes, including submissions and participation in working groups.
• Develop and maintain financial reporting policies, guidance, tools, and model statements.
• Provide advice to the Auditor-General, senior leaders, and auditors on complex financial reporting issues and risks.
• Support auditors in applying financial reporting laws, regulations, and standards in public sector audits.
• Contribute specialist expertise to professional consultation forums and committees.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of training on financial and external reporting matters.
• Build strong, trusted relationships across the Audit System group, audit firms, and key stakeholders.

To succeed in this role, you'll have:

• Significant senior-level experience in financial reporting, preferably in a public sector or external audit context.
• Deep knowledge of financial reporting standards, laws, and regulations, and their practical application.
• Strong understanding of public sector accounting, audit and assurance principles.
• Proven ability to provide credible, influential advice at a senior level.
• Excellent analytical, judgment, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently, with discretion, and professionalism in a complex environment.
• Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) or equivalent professional membership.

A relevant tertiary qualification with a strong grounding in accounting, auditing, and financial reporting is preferred.

We offer our staff:

• Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive hybrid working arrangements (flexible hours/days).
• Health and well-being benefits.
• A unique operating environment with Parliament.

Read more – including about staff networks, annual leave, and family benefits – on our website:

oag.parliament.nz/about-us/careers/benefits-for-employees

What we stand for

People matter | Our independence is critical | We act with integrity and courage | We're here to make a difference

We have a diverse and inclusive team that helps us to understand the issues facing the public sector and how these affect the lives of New Zealanders. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.

If you have any questions about the role, please email at recruitment@oag.parliament.nz.

To find out more about us, visit our website: oag.parliament.nz

You must apply online through jobs.govt.nz (you'll find the application form and position description there, too).

This position may be based at any of our office locations nationwide: Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Christchurch, or Dunedin.

We value originality and effort. Although AI can be helpful in some circumstances, we require you to submit a cover letter and CV that reflects your own voice and experiences.

Application close Friday, 24 April 2026.

If you experience issues logging into jobs.govt.nz, please email jobsiteadministrator@dia.govt.nz for support.