Top Finance Careers in New Zealand (2025): Roles, Salaries & Where to Apply

Introduction

The finance job market in New Zealand for 2025 is thriving, offering opportunities across banking, fintech, government, and private sectors. With real GDP growth projected at 1.4% in 2025 and 2.7% in 2026, according to New Zealand Shores’ 2025 Job Market Outlook, the economy is fueling demand for skilled finance professionals. The business services sector, including finance, is expected to grow by 2.5% annually, adding around 7,600 jobs each year, as per the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment’s 2026 outlook. Hybrid and remote work trends, supported by New Zealand’s high-speed fibre network, make finance roles flexible and appealing.

This guide is tailored for New Zealand residents seeking finance careers, with insights for international applicants. From top roles and salaries to application tips and visa advice, we’ll help you navigate the market. Need a standout CV? Try our free CV builder and check our Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025 for expert advice.

Why Choose a Career in Finance in NZ?

Finance careers in New Zealand offer high earning potential, with salaries ranging from $55,000 for entry-level roles to over $180,000 for senior positions, according to SEEK job listings. Opportunities abound in major cities like Auckland and Wellington, as well as in remote roles, catering to diverse lifestyles. The demand for professionals with digital and analytical skills, particularly in fintech, is growing, as highlighted by Nucamp’s 2025 tech job guide, which notes a 24% surge in data science roles within finance. New Zealand’s education system, with programs like Massey University’s finance degrees, provides clear pathways from study to corporate roles, per Bachelorsportal’s 2025 guide. For more on related careers, explore our articles on Banking Jobs and Accounting Jobs.

Top Finance Careers in New Zealand (2025)

Below are the top finance careers for 2025, with detailed job descriptions, salary ranges, and demand insights based on current market data. These roles span banking, fintech, government, and corporate sectors, offering diverse opportunities for New Zealanders and visa-eligible international applicants:

• Financial Analyst: Evaluates investment opportunities, conducts financial modeling, and prepares reports for strategic decisions, earning $70,000–$120,000. High demand in corporate firms and government agencies, requiring skills in Excel and Power BI (SEEK).
• Accountant (CA or CPA): Manages financial records, ensures tax compliance, and advises on budgeting, earning $55,000–$110,000. On the skill shortage list, with roles in public practice, corporate, or SMEs, often using Xero (Immigration NZ).
• Investment Analyst / Wealth Manager: Advises clients on portfolios, manages KiwiSaver funds, and analyzes market trends, earning $80,000–$150,000+. Growing at banks like ANZ and investment firms, with strong demand in Auckland (SEEK).
• Credit Analyst: Assesses creditworthiness for loans, mitigates lending risks, and uses data analytics, with salaries of $60,000–$95,000. Banks and credit unions are hiring actively, especially for digital banking roles (SEEK).
• Finance Manager / Corporate Controller: Oversees budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, earning $100,000–$180,000, with senior roles up to $300,000 in large firms. Leadership skills are key in mid to large organizations (SEEK).
• Risk & Compliance Specialist: Ensures adherence to financial regulations, manages risks, and conducts audits, earning $85,000–$140,000. High demand in banking and insurance due to tightened regulations (SEEK).
• Payroll Officer / Finance Admin: Processes payroll, manages accounts, and supports financial operations, earning $55,000–$75,000. Entry-level friendly, ideal for recent graduates using MYOB or Xero (SEEK).
• FinTech Roles (e.g., Financial Data Scientist, Blockchain Auditor): Innovates with AI, data analytics, or blockchain for financial solutions, earning up to $160,000. Growing in startups and tech-forward firms, requiring Python or SQL skills (New Zealand Shores).

Many of these roles, like Accountant and Financial Analyst, are on Immigration New Zealand’s Green List, making them accessible for skilled international applicants seeking work visas. Career progression is promising, with opportunities to move into senior roles or specialize in niches like sustainable finance. Networking through organizations like INFINZ can open doors to exclusive opportunities. For a deeper dive into analyst roles, see our Analyst Jobs guide, or explore Accounting Jobs for more on accountancy. Tailor your CV for these roles using our free CV builder.

What Qualifications & Skills Do You Need?

Most finance roles require a Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or commerce. Certifications like CA, CPA, or CFA are essential for roles like Accountant or Investment Analyst. Key skills include analytical thinking, proficiency in Excel, Power BI, SQL, and accounting software like Xero or MYOB. Communication skills are vital for client-facing or leadership roles. Digital skills, especially in AI and data science, are increasingly important for fintech roles, as noted in Newsroom’s 2025 job market analysis. Highlight these skills in your CV with our free CV builder and see our Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025 for tips.

Where to Find Finance Jobs in NZ

Explore these platforms for finance job opportunities:

• Job Boards: Seek.co.nz, Trade Me Jobs, LinkedIn Jobs, with thousands of listings.
• Company Career Pages: ANZ, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank, Deloitte, PwC, Xero offer direct applications. Check our ANZ Careers and Westpac Careers guides.
• Recruitment Agencies: Robert Walters, Hays, Hudson provide personalized job matching (Hays).
• Graduate & Internship Programs: FMA, Treasury NZ, and Big 4 firms like Deloitte offer entry-level opportunities (Indeed).

Track applications and tailor your CV for each role using our free CV builder. For broader job search strategies, see our Ultimate 2025 Job Guide.

Tips to Land a Finance Job in NZ

Stand out in the competitive finance job market with these strategies tailored for New Zealand’s finance sector:

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight financial metrics (e.g., budgeting achievements), tools like Xero or MYOB, and NZ-specific skills like GST compliance, as advised in Reddit discussions.
• Network: Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters and attend events like CA ANZ workshops, CFA NZ seminars, or INFINZ mentoring sessions for young professionals.
• Gain Experience: Internships or contract roles at firms like PwC or Kiwibank build industry experience, especially for graduates, as noted in Reddit.
• Certifications: Pursue CA, CPA, or CFA to boost credibility for senior roles like Finance Manager or Investment Analyst.
• Build a Digital Presence: Showcase projects or certifications on LinkedIn or a personal portfolio to demonstrate skills like Power BI or SQL, appealing to fintech recruiters.

Prepare for interviews with our Job Interview Preparation Guide for New Zealand 2025 and build a winning CV with our free CV builder. For more on accounting roles, see our Accounting Jobs guide.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s finance sector in 2025 offers diverse opportunities, from entry-level Payroll Officer roles to high-earning Finance Manager positions. With salaries up to $180,000 and flexible work options, it’s an ideal career path for those with analytical and digital skills. Whether you’re a local or an international applicant, leverage job boards, networks, and certifications to secure your role. Start today with our free CV builder and explore our Ultimate 2025 Job Guide for more career strategies.

Interested in high-paying careers? Check our Top High-Paying Jobs guide for roles exceeding $100K.