Accountant

Vetlife; Timaru; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vetlife is a large veterinary practice with 29 clinics in the South Island. Timaru administration hosts a financially focused role, reporting to the Finance Manager and supporting the wider team.

You will lead month end close, produce management reports, and partner with AR/AP to ensure robust financial controls and data quality. This role suits a commercially minded accountant with strong Excel and ERP experience, committed to continuous improvement and collaborative work.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in accounting or equivalent, preferably CA/CPA or working towards it.
• Proven experience in a Financial Accountant role or similar.
• Strong analytical and financial reporting skills with the ability to interpret and communicate financial information to non‑financial stakeholders.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience working with ERP systems.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Continuous improvement mindset and a passion for enhancing systems and processes.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across the business.

Responsibilities

• Leading the month end close process to deliver accurate, timely financial information.
• Preparing monthly management reports and analysis for operational leaders and senior finance.
• Partnering with AR/AP teams to ensure month end processes, reconciliations and controls are completed.
• Identifying opportunities to improve financial processes, systems and reporting across the business.
• Maintaining fixed asset registers and monitoring capital expenditure.
• Preparing balance sheet reconciliations and supporting general ledger integrity.
• Assisting with budgeting, forecasting, and year‑end audit requirements.
• Providing support across the finance function to foster a high‑performing team environment.

Skills

Advanced Excel

ERP systems

Financial reporting

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Continuous improvement

Collaboration

Education

Accounting qualification

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Vetlife is a large veterinary practice with 29 clinics throughout the South Island. Vetlife offers a full range of veterinary services to our surrounding communities for both production and companion animals.

We have the opportunity for a commercially minded, hands‑on accountant with good communication skills to join us in our Timaru administration office.

About the role

Working as part of the finance team and reporting to the Finance Manager, you will play a key role in delivering accurate financial reporting, supporting the finance team, and driving continuous improvement across the finance function.

Key responsibilities

• Leading the month end close process to ensure accurate, timely and meaningful financial information is delivered to stakeholders.
• Preparing monthly management reports and analysis for operational leaders, the Finance Manager and Group Finance team.
• Partnering with accounts receivable and accounts payable teams to ensure month end processes, reconciliations and financial controls are completed effectively and on schedule.
• Identifying opportunities to improve financial processes, systems and reporting, and leading initiatives that improve efficiency and data quality across the business.
• Maintaining fixed asset registers and monitoring capital expenditure.
• Preparing balance sheet reconciliations and supporting the integrity of the general ledger.
• Assisting the accounting and reporting requirements for smaller entities within the group.
• Assisting with budgeting, forecasting, year‑end audit requirements and other finance projects.
• Providing support across the finance function as required, helping ensure a collaborative and high‑performing team environment.

About you

A tertiary qualification in accounting and preferably CA, CPA or equivalent professional membership (or be working towards it).

Proven experience in a Financial Accountant role or similar.

Strong analytical and financial reporting skills with the ability to interpret and communicate financial information to non‑financial stakeholders.

Advanced Excel skills and experience working with ERP systems.

Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

A continuous improvement mindset and a passion for enhancing systems and processes.

Excellent communication and relationship building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across the business.