Assistant Financial Accountant

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 79,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded life cover up to $300,000

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Savings schemes for Defence community

Mortgage broker services

Job summary

The New Zealand Government is seeking a Finance role within the NZDF, offering a development path toward Chartered Accountant qualifications. You will support treasury functions, financial statements, month-end close, and provide financial analysis within a collaborative Finance team in Wellington.

The role emphasizes autonomy, deadlines, and strong Excel skills, with benefits and clear progression. Applications close soon.

Qualifications

• This is a development opportunity to kick start your accounting and finance career.
• You will have a relevant tertiary qualification and be committed to working towards Chartered Accountant.
• Good interpersonal skills and relationship management, with demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior management.
• Good communication skills, orally and in writing.
• The ability to operate to deadlines and plan work ahead.
• Good quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
• Good research and financial problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• The ability to demonstrate initiative and good judgment while operating with a high level of autonomy.
• The ability to think critically about tasks, systems, and problems.
• A good level of computer literacy including intermediate-advanced expertise in MS Excel.

Responsibilities

• Support the management of the treasury function including cash management, foreign exchange, analysis, and reporting.
• Assist with the preparation of NZDF annual financial statements, month-end and year-end close processes and financial reporting.
• Provide financial analysis and advice to the NZDF Finance team and wider Finance team.
• Ensure NZDF's financial accounting systems, reporting activities and all financial documentation is appropriately accounted for to meet our legislative requirements.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Autonomy

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Committed to CA qualification

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

About the role

You will be a valued member of the Financial Accounting Team, supporting the Financial Accountants and Senior Financial Accountants in the provision of financial and technical advice, and financial reporting.

• Support the management of the treasury function including cash management, foreign exchange, analysis, and reporting.
• Assist with the preparation of NZDF annual financial statements, month-end and year-end close processes and financial reporting.
• Provide financial analysis and advice to the NZDF Finance team and wider Finance team.
• Ensure NZDF's financial accounting systems, reporting activities and all financial documentation is appropriately accounted for to meet our legislative requirements.

The salary for this role ranges from $78,838 - $87,477, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Skills and Experience

This is a development opportunity for you to kick start your accounting and finance career. You will have a relevant tertiary qualification and be committed to working towards qualification as a Chartered Accountant.

• Good interpersonal skills and relationship management, with demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior management.
• Good communication skills, orally and in writing.
• The ability to operate to deadlines and plan work ahead.
• Good quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
• Good research and financial problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• The ability to demonstrate initiative and good judgment while operating with a high level of autonomy.
• The ability to think critically about tasks, systems, and problems.
• A good level of computer literacy including intermediate-advanced expertise in MS Excel.

What's in it for you

Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Applications close on Wednesday 4 November 2026.

Low Level Security Clearance

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria.

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.