An exciting opportunity to join NZ Customs as a Finance Business Partner is now available.
We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and strategically minded Finance Business Partner to join our high performing team of finance professionals. This role is a full-time permanent position based in our Wellington Customhouse.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi
Reporting to the Team Leader Finance Business Partnerships, the role of the Finance Business Partner is responsible for delivering trusted financial insight to Customs' leaders to support financial management and improve financial performance of Customs' portfolios. Delivering financial insight means proactive partnering with leaders, being the Face of Finance, applying financial skill and knowledge and leading financial planning and reporting processes.
To be successful as Finance Business Partner, the appointee requires the following knowledge, experience, skills, qualifications and/or personal attributes:
- Effective performance in a similar role, with demonstrated competence in finance business partnering in a medium to large sized organisation.
- Experience in implementing key financial processes including operating and capital budgeting, forecasting and business-focused management reporting that meets the strategy and objectives of the organisation.
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, particularly senior management and budget holders to deliver a service that meets customer need and whereby the right questions are being asked.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex and analytical data to wide ranging audiences at all levels.
- Interpret and organise data to form objective recommendations and insights that are forward looking and solve problems.
- An understanding of financial policies, processes, reporting standard and generally accepted accounting principles.
- Able to obtain and maintain an Organisational Security Clearance.
- Earns trust and is respectful, transparent, and truthful. Qualifications.
- A tertiary qualification (at least equivalent to Bachelors) in finance or a relevant discipline.
- A professional qualification of NZICA CA or equivalent (CIMA, CPA) or similar level of experience.
Working at Customs | Mahi ki te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa
We aim to create a great place to work, where our people have a sense of belonging and the capability and desire to meet our future challenges. We are an organisation that is clear about our mission, and this is underpinned by Te Pou Tokomanawa (the Foundations) and our Whanonga Pono (Values). Our work really matters to the safety and success of New Zealand.
We care about well-being, personal growth, and job satisfaction, which is supported through:
- offering on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to move across diverse roles.
- fostering inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups.
- supporting flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements.
- providing discounted health insurance, and free on-site gyms (in some locations).
- Three days of service holidays, in addition to four weeks of annual leave.
How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru
To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or NZ permanent resident. *
- This means:
- a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at time of application; OR
- a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at the time of application. You may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA. You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.
You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level. Due to the nature of Customs work, you must have a clear Police record. The successful applicant will also be required to pass a drug test.
To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter, via our online process. (Please note, we do not accept applications sent directly to an email address).
If you have any specific questions about the role, please contact Suzanne Leahy (Senior Recruitment Advisor) at Suzanne.Leahy@customs.govt.nz.
Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.
We will be shortlisting as applications are received, so encourage early application as this role may close earlier than the current closing date below.
Applications close at 11pm, Thursday 4 September 2025.
New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also offer flexible working arrangements.