Senior Accountant

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to join our Finance team on a permanent basis. This is a high-impact role, where you partner closely with leaders across the organisation providing trusted financial advice and assurance to support strategic decision-making and strong financial management across CAA.

You’ll work closely with the cost centre managers across CAA, contributing to financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and investment analysis in a complex and purpose-driven public sector environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality financial advice and thought leadership to support organisational strategy and priorities
• Lead and support financial planning, budgeting and reforecasting
• Assess investment decisions, financial risks and opportunities
• Deliver accurate and insightful monthly financial reporting, variance analysis, and forward-looking insights
• Support pricing, funding and Cabinet-related financial processes
• Ensure financial information complies with legislative requirements and best practice
• Contribute to key accountability documents, including the Annual Report, Statement of Intent, and Statement of Performance Expectations
• Liaise with external stakeholders such as the Treasury, the Ministry of Transport and the external audit team
• Drive continuous improvement in financial capability, systems, and processes

The salary band for this role is $115,536 to $141,751 Starting salaries are based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.

For more information on the role please view the position description

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for a confident, credible finance professional who enjoys working at both strategic and detailed levels.

This role will suit someone who can bring:

• CA ANZ-recognised Chartered Accountant qualification
• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Commerce, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Extensive experience in finance roles, including substantial experience in financial accounting within a service-based organisation
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and experience with public sector or complex environments
• Proven analytical, planning, and problem-solving capability
• Excellent stakeholder relationship skills and the ability to influence and advise senior leaders
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial systems
• A continuous improvement mindset and adaptability to change

About us

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand’s aviation safety and security regulator. We play a critical role in protecting the travelling public, supporting the aviation sector, and strengthening New Zealand’s international reputation.

Our vision is simple and powerful: A safe and secure aviation system – so people are safe, and feel safe when they fly.

Our values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration guide everything we do. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Why Join Us?

• 5 weeks annual leave, with an additional 2 days after five years of continuous service
• Sick leave entitlements from day 1 and Ten days Domestic leave annually
• Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%
• Vision assistance
• Flu Vaccinations
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Ready to Apply?

If you’re a senior finance professional looking to make a difference in a values-driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the skills required for this role.

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Please let us know if there is any support we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.

If you have any questions about the role or application process, contact Shannon.ransley@caa.govt.nz

Applications close: 13 May 2026

Please be aware that we may start shortlisting as applications come in. We encourage early applications, as the advertisement may close sooner than stated.