Chief Financial Officer

FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION - TE RATOKA pŪTEA 

Founded in 1869, the University of Otago has a strong teaching and research tradition and well-established national and international linkages. It is also one of New Zealand's largest universities. 

We proudly support over 20,000 students and 4,000 full time equivalent staff based in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Invercargill. The University and its controlled entities have an annual operating budget of over $780 million.  Total value of assets controlled is close to $2.9 billion with equity of $2.6 billion. 

The University is committed to fulfilling our Te Tiriti obligations as articulated in the Māori Strategic Framework. Its main aims are to increase Māori student and staff participation and success, and to embed mātauranga Māori within the University’s core functions. All members of the Senior Leadership Team are key drivers of this mahi. 

The University is also proud of its cornerstone partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, mana whenua of the Otago region and realises the University’s Treaty obligations to Māori.

The role/Te mahi 

Opportunities like this don’t come up often. If you are a senior finance executive looking for your next chapter, this role is a perfect combination of challenge, influence and ‘public good’ factor. 

As Chief Financial Officer, you will lead the Financial Services team with a focus on the delivery of high-quality support and advice across the University. Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and working alongside an engaged and collegial Senior Leadership Team, you will be the key strategic financial advisor to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Council. 

Based in Dunedin, New Zealand this is an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding senior leader to provide direction and vision in the development and delivery of the University’s financial services. 

Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako 

To be successful in this role, you will hold the relevant professional qualifications and will be able to demonstrate real depth and breadth to your financial and strategic capability. 

We are looking for a leader with experience in:

• Leading the provision of a cohesive financial service in a large, complex organisation.
• Contributing to and implementing strategic plans aligned with high-level organisational goals.
• Successfully fronting change across teams, system implementations and cultural shifts.
• Influencing through building strong relationships across a wide range of internal stakeholders.
• Leading the integration of te ao Māori, te reo and tikanga within the wider University.
• Understanding of te Tiriti o Waitangi and the importance of partnership with mana whenua. 

It is important that the University environment suits who you are and how you operate.  We are looking for a highly articulate and collaborative person, willing to learn and adapt as required. High levels of energy and enthusiasm will be essential to keep our dedicated team performing at the highest standard. 

Further details/Pūroko 

This is a permanent, full-time position. Applications from candidates with Māori and Pasifika backgrounds are warmly encouraged. 

To discover more about the University of Otago and the role, explore the documents and links available on our vacancy page, or via this link. 

We offer 5 weeks’ annual leave, 6.75% superannuation scheme, competitive salary, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance. 

Application/Tono 

To submit your application please click the ‘Apply’ button.  

Applications quoting reference number 2202452 will close on Monday 6th February 2023.

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