Accounts Payable Lead — Flexible Govt Finance

Western Bay of Plenty District Council; Greerton; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks annual leave (pro‑rata)

Subsidised medical insurance

Flexible work arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Wellbeing resources and workplace支持

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking an Assistant Accountant to lead the day-to-day Accounts Payable and support core financial accounting activities. You will oversee AP operations, coach a small team, and champion the AP system while maintaining master data.

The role also involves balance sheet reconciliations, journal processing, and month- and year-end activities, with involvement in statutory returns and financial reporting. NZ residency/work eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in Accounts Payable operations and financial accounting tasks; local government experience is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of financial systems, data integrity, and general ledger processes.
• High attention to detail and accuracy with data; strong analytical skills.
• Confident communication and relationship-building; able to resolve queries and support staff.
• Proficiency in Excel and comfort with ERP systems.
• Knowledge of GST, FBT and other statutory requirements.
• Ability to prioritise, organise workload and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day Accounts Payable and support core financial accounting activities across the organisation.
• Oversee AP operations and coach a two-person AP team; act as AP system champion and maintain master data.
• Support balance sheet reconciliations, journal processing, month‑end and year‑end activities, statutory returns, and financial reporting.
• Help maintain data integrity across systems; support audit and treasury tasks.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and controls and implement changes.

Skills

Accounts Payable

Financial accounting

Data integrity

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication

ERP systems

Education

Business or Accounting diploma/degree

CA progression desirable

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking an Assistant Accountant to lead the day-to-day Accounts Payable and support core financial accounting activities. You will oversee AP operations, coach a small team, and champion the AP system while maintaining master data.

The role also involves balance sheet reconciliations, journal processing, and month- and year-end activities, with involvement in statutory returns and financial reporting. NZ residency/work eligibility is required.