Financial Accountant

About Fonterra and the Role

Join Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, a global dairy co-operative owned by New Zealand dairy farmers, where diversity and inclusion are embraced and everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves. Whether early in your career or seeking growth, this opportunity allows you to contribute meaningfully and grow professionally while shaping a better future together.

Role Overview

Serving as a Group Accountant within Group Financial Control, you will collaborate closely with the Head of Group Financial Control to produce Fonterra's Annual and Half Year Group Financial Statements. These critical reports are relied upon by farming families, investors, and market participants worldwide. This high-profile role demands expertise in financial reporting and IFRS, contributing directly to how Fonterra communicates its financial position externally.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead coordination and delivery of half-year and year-end financial statements for both the Fonterra Co-operative Group and the Fonterra Shareholders' Fund, working across diverse teams and external providers.
• Oversee audit opinion management, representation letters, and the process for subsequent events, ensuring alignment among audit, legal, governance, and finance teams.
• Prepare preliminary materials for key Audit, Finance, Risk and Compliance (AFRC), board, and NZX documentation, supporting group materiality assessments.
• Promote and embed best practices in financial reporting while driving continual improvements throughout the finance function.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, IFRS-savvy, and thrives under strict deadlines with a commitment to quality. You will excel in coordinating complex processes involving multiple stakeholders and display a keen interest in accuracy and thoroughness.

• Holds a recognized tertiary qualification and Chartered Accountant membership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (or equivalent).
• Brings at least five years of experience in financial accounting, external reporting, audit, and consolidation accounting.
• Comfortable managing fast-paced projects involving large teams where deadlines and quality standards are critical.
• Possesses strong communication skills and proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience in dairy, FMCG, or manufacturing industries is advantageous but not mandatory.

Fonterra’s Commitment and Benefits

• Competitive and fair remuneration.
• Comprehensive health and well-being programs, including medical and mental health support.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Support for maintaining work-life balance with flexible or hybrid working options where feasible.
• Programs recognizing employee contributions.
• Encouragement and support for community engagement and cultural connections.

Inclusion and Application Encouragement

Fonterra values diversity and inclusion as foundational principles driving innovation and better decision-making. Applications from all backgrounds—across ethnicity, gender, identity, age, ability, neurodiversity, culture, and religion—are warmly welcomed. Candidates lacking some listed qualifications are still encouraged to apply, reflecting a strong focus on potential and growth. Accessibility accommodations are available during all recruitment stages to enable fair and equal participation.