Accountant

Palmerston North City Council; Manawatū-Whanganui; On-site; NZD 87,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Long service leave

Paid parental leave

Onsite café and gym

Study leave and memberships

Job summary

Palmerston North City Council is seeking an Accountant to deliver accurate monthly and annual financial reporting, support the annual audit and provide clear financial insights for decision making. You will work in the Finance team, ensuring compliance with NZ accounting standards and the Long-Term Plan.

The role is full-time (40 hours weekly) in Palmy, with exposure to balance sheet reconciliations, tax return support, and asset accounting.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in accountancy or finance.
• At least three years’ experience working in a medium to large finance team.
• Strong financial analysis, investigation and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders constructively.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills and confidence using a range of financial systems and software.
• Initiative, sound judgment and the ability to manage changing priorities.
• A commitment to accuracy, continuous improvement and effective teamwork.
• Full Chartered Accountant membership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand would be an advantage.
• Experience in management accounting, systems accounting or local government would also be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with monthly and annual financial reporting, ensuring information is accurate and delivered on time.
• Completing balance sheet reconciliations and investigating discrepancies within Council’s ERP system.
• Supporting period-end processes, including journals, accruals and adjustments.
• Contributing to Council’s annual audit process with Audit New Zealand.
• Assisting with fixed asset accounting in accordance with New Zealand generally accepted accounting practice and applicable accounting standards.
• Supporting tax return preparation and compliance activities.

Skills

Financial analysis

Communication

Advanced MS Office

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accountancy or finance

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Palmerston North City Council – Manawatu County

• Make a Difference: Help ensure Council’s financial reporting supports sound decisions and positive outcomes for Palmerston North.
• Professional Growth: Elevate your career through a range of Learning and Development opportunities at Palmerston North City Council.
• Benefits: We do more than just pay you a salary too. We have awesome benefits to support you including 5 weeks annual leave.

As our Accountant, you’ll help deliver accurate and timely reporting on Council’s financial performance against its Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan. Working within the Finance team, you’ll provide reliable financial information and help the wider organisation understand the implications of its performance.

This is a full-time role, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday.

Your focus in this role will include:

• Assisting with monthly and annual financial reporting, ensuring information is accurate and delivered on time.
• Completing balance sheet reconciliations and investigating discrepancies within Council’s ERP system.
• Supporting period-end processes, including journals, accruals and adjustments.
• Contributing to Council’s annual audit process with Audit New Zealand.
• Assisting with fixed asset accounting in accordance with New Zealand generally accepted accounting practice and applicable accounting standards.
• Supporting tax return preparation and compliance activities.

You’ll be an analytical and detail-focused finance professional who communicates clearly and builds productive relationships. You’ll be comfortable working independently to deadlines while contributing positively to a high-performing team.

What you will bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in accountancy or finance.
• At least three years’ experience working in a medium to large finance team.
• Strong financial analysis, investigation and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders constructively.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills and confidence using a range of financial systems and software.
• Initiative, sound judgement and the ability to manage changing priorities.
• A commitment to accuracy, continuous improvement and effective teamwork.
• Full Chartered Accountant membership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand would be an advantage.
• Experience in management accounting, systems accounting or local government would also be beneficial.

Palmerston North (or as we like to call it, Palmy) is a growing, innovative and exciting city. With small city benefits and big city ambition, Palmy has secured its place on the map as a creative and exciting city, with leading innovation and developments! We’re proud to be a city that includes, supports, connects and uses the talents of the whole community in our pursuit to provide a connected and safe community. We’re also a future-focused city who cares about enhancing our natural and built environment. Our future looks bright, it looks vibrant and progressive.

• Competitive salary between $86,862 and $102,190, plus a 3.5% Kiwisaver employer contribution (where eligible)
• 5 weeks annual leave and a community service day
• Long service leave after qualifying periods
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Supportive work environment that values work-life balance
• Annual flu vaccinations and subsidised health and eye checks
• Onsite café, staff gym and wellness space
• Study leave, professional memberships, and fees support
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the future of a vibrant, growing city

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all those suitably qualified for this position.

Job Profile