HOBSON LEAVY is pleased to be partnering with the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand of New Zealand to find their new Chief Financial Officer.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand’s civil aviation safety and security regulator.
Our vision is for a safe and secure aviation system – so people are safe and feel safe when they fly.
We facilitate, influence and enable safety and security for the public and the people who work in it. This is critical to maintain New Zealand’s international connections and reputation for travel and trade and to support positive economic and social outcomes.
Our role includes regulating and working with the aviation sector through policy and rule setting, education and engagement, certification and licensing, monitoring and investigation and security delivery.
Dedicated to evolving as a modern, intelligence-led regulator, we’re going through a period focused on transforming, simplifying and standardising our key processes and functions and enablers. This includes a focus on strengthening collaboration internally, and with industry.
About the role
Reporting to the Director of Civil Aviation (Chief Executive), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides system leadership for CAA’s Strategic Finance and Investment Group. The role is accountable for the organisation’s financial health and strategic direction, delivering financial insights to the Executive Leadership Team and Board, lifting the financial capability of the organisation and ensuring alignment of investment with CAA’s long-term goals. Oversight of the revenue model, governance processes, and financial integrity are central to the role, supporting the delivery of strategic priorities and regulatory mandates.
The CFO leads finance, commercial, and workplace functions, positioning the group as a strategic partner and championing efficiency, value for money, and proactive financial stewardship across operations and decision making. The role drives optimisation of financial performance, risk management, and enhancement of commercial services, while maintaining robust financial controls and compliance.
The successful candidate brings excellent relationship management and people leadership skills together with significant CFO-level experience in large, complex environments, with a proven record in financial management, transformation, and developing high-performing teams. Expertise in public sector financial governance and political acumen is desirable alongside a proven ability to influence at the highest levels and navigate complex stakeholder environments with resilience and credibility. A qualified Chartered Accountant/Certified Chartered Accountant is mandatory.
Apply via Seek or for more information please contact Rosa Findlay at Hobson Leavy Executive Search: rosa.findlay@hobsonleavy.com.
Applications close at 5pm on the 23rd January 2026.
