Tāmaki Paenga Hira: Tui tui hono tangata, whenua me te moana.
Auckland War Memorial Museum: Connecting through sharing stories of people, lands and seas
Auckland Museum is a much-loved culture and heritage organisation at the heart of Auckland's identity, committed to outstanding management of its world-class collections, developing and sharing engaging content through its galleries, exhibition, events, educational programmes and the permanent and volunteer staff who tell the Museum's stories. We are Auckland's home of commemoration as well as the country’s oldest research institution and a major tourist destination.
Job Description
Mō te tūranga | About the role
Fixed-term Parental Leave cover | Full-Time
Our Head of Finance will be taking parental leave, and we're seeking an experienced finance leader to run operational finance through to September 2027. You'll own the day-to-day function and its team and work closely with our Director Enterprise, Finance, Property & Development, who leads financial strategy, governance and executive engagement across the Museum.
Reporting to the Director Enterprise, Finance, Property & Development, you will lead an established finance team of 6 professionals and play a pivotal role in maintaining financial performance, supporting governance reporting and partnering with leaders across a complex and dynamic organisation.
The Museum is at the start of an ambitious capital transformation programme that will shape it for generations. You'll play a key role in establishing the financial management foundations that support its success, including forecasting, controls, reporting and business partnering with teams responsible for delivery.
What the role is about
Owning the numbers - You understand what sits behind every figure and ensure reporting and decision-making are built on robust analysis and trusted information.
Running the function - You'll lead and develop the Finance team, resolve technical issues and ensure the function delivers high-quality service across the Museum
Leading the business financially - You'll provide insight, challenge assumptions and help managers make informed decisions that support organisational outcomes.
Planning ahead and adapting - You'll keep Finance focused on what's ahead, while remaining agile enough to respond to changing organisational priorities.
Your remit will cover monthly reporting and forecasting, budgeting, treasury management, year-end financial statements and audit, financial controls, insurance, finance systems and commercial support to leaders across the Museum.
What’s in it for you
Real leadership responsibility – lead operational finance for one of Aotearoa's most recognised institutions with ownership of the function and day-to-day decision-making.
A formative role in a major capital programme – help establish the financial management framework for a transformation programme from the outset.
Governance exposure – prepare reporting and papers for the Executive Team, Trust Board and Audit & Risk Committee and gain insight into strategic decision-making.
Unusual breadth – work across public funding, commercial operations, philanthropy, grant funding and investment funds in a single organisation.
Direct access to the CFO – work closely with a senior leader whose portfolio spans finance, property, commercial activity and fundraising.
Purpose-driven work – help safeguard the financial sustainability of an institution that protects and shares the stories, collections and taonga of Auckland and Aotearoa
Desired Skills and Experience
Ō pūmanawa | What you will bring
Qualifications and Experience
Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) or equivalent professional qualification
Experience leading, or acting as second-in-charge of, a finance function within a complex organisation
Strong technical expertise in financial reporting, audit and financial controls
Proven experience coaching and developing high-performing teams
Commercial curiosity and the ability to translate financial information into meaningful insights for non-financial stakeholder
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
Flexible work options to enhance your work and home life
An award-winning wellbeing programme
An active social club which is part of the fabric of Museum life
Discounted onsite parking
Accredited by Rainbow tick
Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.
Tono mai i tēnei rā! | Apply today!
Closing Date: Friday 23 October 2026. We may commence interviews prior to the closing date of the advert.
You must be eligible to work in New Zealand to apply for this position. Please view the position description here or select the apply button to view if on the seek platform.
Auckland Museum offers a rich and fulfilling work life where we embrace diversity and nurture our bicultural capability as demonstrated in our Teu le Va and He Korahi Maori strategies. We also offer a range of great benefits such as flexible work and leave and an award-winning wellbeing programme.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced finance professional looking to make an impact in a varied and meaningful role while being part of an iconic New Zealand organisation committed to telling our national and Auckland stories and reflecting our unique place in the South Pacific.
He Oranga Tangata ka ao
Enriching lives. Inspiring discoveries
