Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Learning with purpose, creating our futures

Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) & Unitec Institute of Technology – Auckland

Shape the financial future of a newly unified tertiary education powerhouse.

This is a rare and influential opportunity for an experienced, forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with strong strategic and commercial acumen to help shape the future of a newly merged entity at a time of significant change.

As MIT and Unitec come together to form a unified, dual-sector institution spanning vocational and higher education, we are seeking a strategic, values-driven CFO to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a unique opportunity for a transformational leader and skilled change agent, to help lead and support our transition to a unified organisation with a shared vision for the future.

A special opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will provide enterprise-wide financial leadership, ensuring long-term sustainability, strong financial performance, and robust governance and risk management across a newly formed organisation.

As a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive, Council, and senior stakeholders, you will play a critical role in shaping organisational strategy, influencing major investment decisions, and driving large-scale financial transformation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

Set and deliver long-term financial strategy

Lead forecasting, modelling, and investment advice

Modernise finance systems and data insights

Support transformation, partnerships, and capital programmes

Financial Governance & Compliance

Ensure regulatory compliance and funding alignment

Oversee reporting, audits, and controls

Advise Council and key committees

Enterprise Financial Management

Lead financial integration and performance reporting

Oversee budgeting, cost control, and treasury

Funding, Revenue & Commercial Strategy

Grow and diversify revenue streams

Optimise funding and oversee major investments

Leadership & Influence

Provide organisation-wide strategic financial transformation and integration leadership

Build a high-performing finance team

Drive financial capability and stakeholder engagement

About You

You are a commercially astute, strategic CFO who thrives in complex, evolving environments.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

CFO or senior finance leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder environments

Proven financial transformation, integration, or large-scale change leadership

Expertise in strategy, governance, risk, and enterprise performance

Chartered Accountant (CAANZ or equivalent) with a relevant degree

Strong people leadership (leading 20–30+ staff) and executive/board influence

 Highly Desirable

Public sector, tertiary, or government funding experience

Knowledge of New Zealand tertiary system and dual-sector models

Experience in commercial ventures, capital projects, or infrastructure investment

Why join MIT & Unitec?

This is not a traditional CFO role. It is a pivotal enterprise leadership position at the centre of a three-to-four-year transformation and integration journey, with the opportunity to shape a unified organisation and deliver meaningful impact for learners, communities, and industry across New Zealand.

Apply Now

Join a purpose-driven organisation committed to learning with purpose and creating futures. If you are seeking a unique opportunity to shape a newly integrated, future-focused education organisation at a pivotal moment of transformation, where you will be motivated by purpose, complexity, and the opportunity to lead through transformational change, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply online and submit your CV and cover letter outlining your:

Experience in CFO or senior financial leadership roles

Track record leading transformation or integration programmes

Approach to driving financial sustainability and strategic outcomes

Eligibility & Confidentiality

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. All applications and enquiries will be treated in strict confidence.

Applications close: Monday, 15 June 2026.

Contact: For enquiries, please contact Alison Redfern-Daly, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, People and Culture, at alison.redfern-daly@manukau.ac.nz.

Job Details

Reference #29719Posted:28 May 2026Closes:15 Jun 2026 17:00Location(s)Tāmaki MakaurauExpertiseAccounting/Financial Services, Executive ManagementJob level(s)ExecutiveWork type(s)Full-time permanentMore details (document)CFO PD_ May 2026.pdfAdditional documentStrategic direction 2025-2026