Assistant Accountant

Eastern Institute of Technology; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 68,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Institute of Technology in Hawke's Bay invites applications for a full-time Assistant Accountant. Based in Hawke’s Bay, the role supports month-end close, reconciliations, asset accounting, budgeting and reporting, under the Finance Manager.

The appointment salary ranges from NZ$68,000 to NZ$76,500, dependent on skills and experience, with a January 2027 start. You will liaise with stakeholders, contribute to process improvements, and help ensure accurate financial information and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or related discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in accounting or finance.
• Experience preparing reconciliations, journals and financial reports.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and financial controls.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience with financial systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, build positive relationships and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process month-end journals, accruals and prepayments.
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations and investigate variances.
• Maintain the fixed asset register and process asset transactions.
• Assist with year-end financial reporting and audit requirements.
• Support the preparation of management reports and financial analysis.
• Assist with annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Provide support across Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions.
• Ensure financial records are accurate and compliant with policies.
• Identify and implement process improvement opportunities within Finance.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and deliver high-quality customer service.

Job description

Mō Tēnei Tūranga Mahi | About the Role

We are seeking a full-time permanent Assistant Accountant based in Hawke's Bay, commencing employment in January 2027.

Join EIT's Finance team and play a key role in supporting the delivery of accurate, timely and compliant financial services across the organisation. This position works closely with stakeholders across the business to ensure sound financial management, support decision-making and contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes and systems.

The appointing salary for this role will be between $68,000 and $76,500, dependent on skills and experience.

The Assistant Accountant is based in our Finance Team and reports to the Finance Manager and will be responsible for:

• Preparing and processing month-end journals, accruals and prepayments.
• Completing balance sheet reconciliations and investigating variances.
• Maintaining the fixed asset register and processing asset transactions.
• Assisting with year-end financial reporting and audit requirements.
• Supporting the preparation of management reports and financial analysis.
• Assisting with annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Providing support across Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions.
• Ensuring financial records are accurate and comply with organisational policies.
• Identifying and implementing process improvement opportunities within the Finance team.
• Building effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and providing high-quality customer service.

He kōrero mōu | About You

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience in an accounting or finance environment.
• Experience preparing reconciliations, journals and financial reports.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and financial controls.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with financial systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively, build positive relationships and maintain confidentiality.

As an inclusive and supportive employer, we value diversity and want to encourage anyone interested to apply, regardless of whether you tick all the boxes or not. We know that people from underrepresented groups and women in particular don't apply for roles if they're not a 100% match, but we're not looking for perfection, we're looking for potential. We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your Cover Letter. For more information, please view the Position Description below.

Mō Mātou | About us

EIT is a vibrant and progressive tertiary institute with campuses in Tairāwhiti (Gisborne), Hawke’s Bay, and Auckland, and learning centres throughout the region. We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to delivering services that meet the needs of Māori learners and their whānau, as well as iwi aspirations.

Applicants should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa and will undergo pre-employment checks, including a New Zealand Police vet as this role is identified as a children’s worker.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and this may close early if a suitable candidate is identified.