Senior Advisor, Financial Assurance

Fixed term 24 months or external secondment Wellington-based role Are you an internal auditor or funding expert looking for an exciting role in a fast-paced environment? Look no further - Apply now ! Come and join a great team - be part of an effective and efficient Financial Assurance function. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provides national leadership to New Zealand's distributed emergency management system. NEMA's primary focus is on the performance and capability of the emergency management system as a whole, across all hazards and all risks and the 4 Rs of risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery. NEMA values diversity and inclusion. We want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our communities. We value and respect the contributions of our people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives. We support flexible ways of working that bring out the best in you. We are committed to doing our part to deliver on the Crown's commitments to Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We strive to actively build te Ao Māori perspectives and capability into our day to day work, values and practices. The purpose of the Senior Advisor, Funding & Financial Assurance is to process and manage funding applications and claims submitted to NEMA by local authorities and other organisations in a timely manner in accordance with principles, standards, and guidelines. This will be achieved by:

• Managing the end-to-end assurance processes (review, approval, and reporting) related to local authorities and CDEM claims and other funds administered by NEMA.
• Mentoring and coaching new team members, as required (including managing the Financial Assurance unit in the absence of the Funding and Financial Assurance Manager).
• Identifying and communicating risks to NEMA and funded programmes.
• Communicating with NEMA management and local authorities about claims and funding.
• Engaging with local authorities on significant infrastructure rebuild programmes after emergency events to provide advice on NEMA funding and eligibility.

As NEMA is an operational agency, there may be a requirement to respond to emergency activations in the event of a national emergency. This may include potentially long hours and challenging working conditions, e.g., an emergency could occur at any time of the day or night and may require working shifts and/or weekends. NEMA provides thorough training prior to you being required to assist in a response. NEMA will do all in its power to support staff in meeting their work and family responsibilities during an emergency. The welfare and wellbeing of our staff is of utmost importance. In response, you will work in the Finance sub-function of Logistics. Due to the nature of our role in Emergency Management, NEMA has a very dynamic work environment, and as a small agency, staff are often required to pivot and change focus on their work at short notice. Attributes of adaptability, agility, resilience, and curiosity are all required on a daily basis, in and out of times of emergency response. Ko wai koe | About you We are looking for a candidate with the following attributes:

• Agility, curiosity, adaptability, and resilience.
• Attention to detail and an ability to deliver high-quality work outputs under pressure.
• Flexible approach/thinking, able to adapt in constantly changing circumstances.
• Ability to take initiative and work autonomously.
• Comfortable facilitating a collaborative work environment, with a constant eye on completing the objectives and goals of the business unit.
• The discretion and tact to handle confidential and private information.
• High level of judgement with the ability to make effective decisions in complex or conflict situations while maintaining independence.
• A Tertiary qualification in accounting, auditing, or financial management or related disciplines.
• Proven experience in assurance, auditing (internal or external), or funding management.
• Strong communication skills including the ability to write formal reports.
• Experience in persuading, influencing, building, and maintaining effective collaborative relationships.
• Sound knowledge of MS Applications (in particular, Word and Excel at intermediate level) and IT systems.
• Experience working in an operational environment and operational decision-making.

Ta matou e tuku | What we offer We pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and understand the importance of fostering a working environment where excellence is recognised and where staff are encouraged to develop their own talents and potential. We welcome diversity, in all its forms, and we believe it is a strength. NEMA values staff health, safety, and wellbeing, and a positive work-life balance is encouraged. The indicative salary range for this role is $107,101 - $119,700 including Kiwisaver employer contributions. Due to the security requirements of this role, applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident. Me pehea te tono | How to apply Please select 'Apply' to download a position description or apply. If you have any questions, contact Radha at radha.gounder@nema.govt.nz. We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties. Applications close 5pm Wednesday 15th January 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr