Financial Accountant

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

Showcase your expertise within the Finance team

Make an impact in a dynamic and diverse environment

Permanent, full-time position

Kōtahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi | there is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people.

Ngā kawenga | About the role

The Financial Accountant is responsible for providing timely and professional accounting services by; providing assurance that the Department is complying with accounting standards and taxation requirements, completing monthly, annual and other financial reporting, being the subject matter expert on all financial policies, performing robust reconciliations and analysis for all general ledger accounts and actively supporting the annual report and year end audit process. One of the focus areas of this role is to lead progressive business improvements that will enhance financial management practices and the internal control environment.

Some of the role accountabilities of the Financial Accountant include:

Monitor the accounting treatment of posted transactions, ensuring compliance with the Department's policies and procedures;

Assist in the preparation and review of financial statements for external financial accountability publications including the Annual Report;

Prepare and reconcile balance sheet accounts and GST, WHT and FBT payment schedules;

Assist in providing guidance on taxation issues that meet standards for GST, PAYE, FBT and withholding tax;

Review and prepare answers for Audit, Treasury and Select Committee and financial reports and transactions;

Work collaboratively and lead the design, development and maintenance of the Departments financial reporting systems, reports and ledgers;

Maintain a compliance management program, including regular reporting to the Finance Manager Corporate Finance;

Assist with the resolution of outstanding recommendations in Audit New Zealand's Management Letters in line with the Department response;

Oversight of key Balance Sheet provisions and ensure compliance with accounting standards; Monitoring balances to understand the risks/impacts on financial results;

Establish and maintain appropriate internal and external working relationships with all stakeholders and provides proactive, timely and accurate advice.

Maintain a compliance management program, including regular reporting to the Finance Manager Corporate Finance;

To be successful in the Financial Accountant position you will have demonstrated experience of public sector financial practices and the Public Finance Act. You will have experience with NZ taxation, good analytical skills and the ability to analyse problems and formulate well-reasoned solutions. You will have thorough knowledge and demonstrable competence in financial accounting practices and procedures including an extensive knowledge and understanding of PBE IPSAS/NZ GAAP. You will enjoy mentoring and training junior members of the team and enjoy developing effective stakeholder relationships. Working knowledge of SAP (S4HANA) accounting processes will be a distinct advantage.

The ideal candidate will have a CA qualification (or working towards achieving it) or a tertiary qualification (e.g., Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in accounting, preferably with three to five years experience with a government organisation or Crown entity. Candidates without a tertiary qualification and from the private sector but with relevant experience required for the role may also apply.

CA membership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand or the equivalent is preferred. Applicants with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in accounting, with three to five years' experience, ideally a government organisation or Crown entity may also apply.

If you're interested in becoming a Financial Accountant, we are open to discussing flexible working options with you. This can take many forms such as, remote working, flexible start and finish times. Please feel free to talk to us at the about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what's possible for the role .

The midpoint of this salary band is $103,678 and the full range (85% - 120%) is $88,127 - $124,414. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whānau, and that of the communities we serve across the motu.

As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whānau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hōkai Rangi .

We're also bringing in new ways of working to help us deliver Hōkai Rangi, with a range of new roles being formed as part of The Pathway Forward Te Ara Whakamua.

It is an exciting time to join us, and we continue to seek out talented individuals who are committed to an inclusive, vibrant workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals, and that of the collective talent in our whānau.

If you share the same passion for our work but feel this opportunity may not be the perfect fit for you, we encourage you to click here . We look forward to discovering more about you and exploring potential opportunities that align with your interests and skills.

To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience. Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples which reflect and demonstrate our organisation values.

Applications close Thursday the 16th of May 2024.

All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered.

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