Senior Financial Accountant | Lead, Innovate, a role of responsibility

Location: Levin, Horowhenua
Work Flexibility: Hybrid - 2 days WFH once settled!

Are you a financial expert, with a passion for accounting standards, tax, and financial reporting? Ready to own the relationship with auditors and drive excellence in financial management? This is your chance to join the dynamic team at Horowhenua District Council and make a genuine impact on our hapori (community)!

Mō mātou – About Us

At Horowhenua District Council, we are all about enabling what matters - Tā tātou atarua. Our Organisation Performance group combines Business Transformation and Finance to maintain compliance, transparency, and accountability across all areas of the community.

We’re innovative, forward-thinking, and dedicated to maintaining or enabling an environment where our kaimahi (employees) thrive.

As a Senior Financial Accountant, you will:

• Take charge of key external financial reporting and manage the annual reporting process with autonomy and authority
• Own cashflow forecasts, treasury functions, tax returns, external audits, and Balance Sheet General Ledger oversight.
• Partner with the Executive Leadership team and our Senior Leadership Cohort to provide our elected members and our community with high-quality, data-driven financial advice.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with external auditors,banking and other key external and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, accounting standards, and Council policies while supporting our financial integrity and sustainability.

He Kōrero Mōu – About You

You’re a talented accounting professional with at least 4 years of senior financial accounting experience, PQE, ideally from a Big 4 background, where you’ve cut your teeth and found your groove, in audit, BAS or Tax specialisations. You’ve then either grown to Manager level, but know Partnership is not where your future lies, or you swiftly moved out of Big 4, and are working in a sizeable corporate enterprise.

You enjoy collaborating with others and have a knack for making complex financial processes and information seamless and easy to digest.

• Qualifications: Chartered Accountant (CAANZ membership) with a Bachelor of Accounting degree.
• Experience: Proven expertise in financial planning, analysis, treasury functions, and external reporting.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with tools like CIVICA, Authority, and Magic for budgeting and forecasting.
• Personal Traits: People-oriented, excellent communicator, and a proactive problem-solver with a deep appreciation for Tikanga Māori and Māori values.

Tā mātou ahurea – Our Culture

Horowhenua District Council takes pride in being an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and empowers our kaimahi (employees). Our organisation is founded on innovation and optimism, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where every individual is valued. We strive to offer our team opportunities for whanaketanga ngaio (professional growth and development), enabling outstanding careers that contribute to a brighter future for Horowhenua.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary for skills and experience for a role at this level ($120k - $140k + benefits and KS).
• Flexible working arrangements – 2 days WFH once settled.
• Wellness package for all kaimahi
• A supportive, inclusive culture that celebrates diversity.
• We care for our kaimahi like family, we are sociable, and we enjoy celebrating successes as a business.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership. We have a very supportive and forward-thinking leadership team, lead by a truly inspiring CEO.
• The chance to make a real difference in the Horowhenua community.

Tono mai ināianei – Apply Now!

If you're ready to take your career to the next level and be a driving force behind our financial integrity, lets talk.

Please note, you must have permanent working rights to apply for this role, unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor candidates into this role, from overseas.

For further information, our recruitment campaign is being managed by Stephanie at Paragon Recruitment. Please call Stephanie on 021 202 2809 for a confidential chat!