Financial Accountant

About the Role

Join the Invercargill City Council as a Financial Accountant and contribute to a future-focused team aligned with values of positivity, respect, responsibility, and commitment beyond expectations. This permanent full-time position is based onsite in Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand, offering an opportunity to be a key member of the Financial Services Department.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of the consolidated Annual Report, ensuring adherence to best practice accounting standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors to facilitate an effective and efficient audit process.
• Prepare tax returns, including GST, FBT, petroleum, and income tax.
• Conduct preparation or review of essential control reconciliations.
• Prepare consolidated group financial statements for the Council group applying public benefit entity accounting and reporting standards.
• Drive ongoing improvements in processes and procedures to enhance efficiency within the financial functions.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in accounting or an equivalent tertiary qualification.
• Hold a Chartered Accountant designation from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
• Bring at least five years of post-graduate experience in financial and/or management accounting within complex and sizable organisations.
• Exhibit a proactive and positive hands-on approach with the ability to manage work pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Attention to detail and strong communication skills that enable collaboration with diverse teams.
• Capability to interpret and explain financial data clearly to non-accountants.
• Proficiency with integrated accounting software, advanced spreadsheet skills, and experience in Excel modeling are advantageous.

Location and Lifestyle

Based in Waihōpai Invercargill, New Zealand's southernmost city, you will enjoy a community rich in green spaces like Queens Park, extended daylight hours in summer, and a spirited cultural scene featuring arts, entertainment, restaurants, and natural attractions such as Ōreti Beach and the Waihōpai River. The city's structured layout enables a convenient short commute.

Additional Details

Applicants must legally be entitled to live and work in New Zealand. Preference will be given to candidates residing locally. Applications close on 4 November 2026 but are reviewed upon receipt, so early application is encouraged.