Associate - Private Business

PwC; Napier; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Retail discounts

Wellbeing allowance

Life and income protection

Sonder/EAP/Headspace

Paid sick leave

Group-rate health insurance

Flexible working

paid recognition days

Parental leave

Job summary

PwC New Zealand Napier is seeking an Associate in our Private Business team. You will work with privately owned businesses, handling accounting and tax obligations while growing your technical and advisory capabilities.

You’ll partner with business owners and finance teams, delivering high-quality tax returns, financial statements and practical guidance. This role offers growth, AI-enhanced workflows, and collaborative mentorship across PwC NZ and internationally.

Qualifications

• Commerce or Accounting degree with CAANZ or CPA qualification, or progress towards one.
• Solid experience in chartered accounting, professional services or similar environment.
• Experience preparing NZ tax returns and financial statements with independence.
• Good working knowledge of NZ tax and accounting requirements.
• Confidence using Xero and Excel; exposure to data analytics tools an advantage.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills with client contact.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality work on time.
• Willingness to learn and apply new technologies, including AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Preparing accounting and tax compliance work, including tax returns and financial statements.
• Taking ownership of client work and meeting deadlines with support from seniors.
• Directly engaging with clients to gather information, resolve queries and offer practical advice.
• Identifying issues, risks and opportunities and communicating with the client team.
• Building strong relationships with business owners and finance teams as a trusted contact.

Skills

Accounting

Tax compliance

Client communication

NZ tax knowledge

Data analytics awareness

Xero proficiency

Education

Commerce or Accounting degree

CAANZ/CPA qualification (in progress or completed)

Tools

Xero

Excel

Job description

Management Level

Associate

Job Description & Summary

Kia ora,

At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems.

With PwC, you'll be part of a team where you can continue developing your technical and commercial skills, take on meaningful client work and build strong relationships with the businesses we support.

Ngā kōrero mō tēnei tūranga / About the role

Our Private Business team works closely with privately owned organisations, helping them meet their accounting and tax obligations, navigate change and make well-informed business decisions.

You’ll work across a diverse portfolio of local businesses, with the opportunity to take increasing ownership of client work. You’ll bring solid accounting and tax experience while continuing to develop your technical, commercial and advisory skills.

You’ll join a supportive and collaborative team based in Napier. Our team is continually looking for better ways to work, including embedding the practical use of new technology and generative AI into our day-to-day work.

You’ll work directly with business owners and finance teams, alongside experienced colleagues and specialists from across PwC in New Zealand and internationally. This is a varied role with increasing responsibility, suited to someone ready to build on the experience they already have.

Your day-to-day could include:

• Preparing accounting and tax compliance work, including tax returns and annual financial statements.
• Taking ownership of assigned client work and managing deadlines, with support from senior team members where needed.
• Working directly with clients to gather information, resolve queries and provide practical accounting and tax advice.
• Identifying issues, risks and planning opportunities and discussing these with the wider client team.
• Building strong relationships with business owners and finance teams and becoming a trusted point of contact.
• Working with colleagues and specialists across PwC on broader client matters and advisory opportunities.

Ngā pūkenga ka kawea mai e koe, ka whakawhanakehia rānei i tēnei tūranga / Skills you will bring or develop in this role

• We're looking for someone who brings:
• A Commerce or Accounting degree, with a CAANZ or CPA qualification, or good progress towards one.
• Solid relevant experience in a chartered accounting, professional services or similar accounting environment.
• Practical experience preparing New Zealand tax returns and financial statements, with the ability to complete core compliance work with a good degree of independence.
• A good working knowledge of New Zealand tax and accounting requirements, with an interest in continuing to build your technical capability.
• Confidence using Xero and Excel. Exposure to data analytics tools and tax effect accounting would be an advantage, but these skills can be developed in the role.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, good attention to detail and confidence working directly with clients and other team members.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and take responsibility for delivering quality work on time.
• A curious and practical mindset, with the confidence to think critically, have a go and seek coaching or support when needed.

Ngā āhuatanga hirahira o te mahi ki PwC / Highlights of working at PwC NZ

• Growth - Global network; leadership development; AI tools and training; formal learning pathways.
• Rewards - Discretionary bonus opportunities; generous referral bonuses; retail discounts and deals.
• Wellbeing - $250 annual wellbeing allowance; life and income protection; Sonder/EAP/Headspace; 15 days' paid sick leave; group-rate health insurance where eligibility requirements apply.
• Reputation - PwC works with organisations across Aotearoa to help solve important business and community challenges. You'll have access to the experience and resources of our wider national and global network.
• Flexibility - Flexible working and a supportive coaching culture.
• Time off - Two paid recognition days each year during our annual summer shutdown period; option to purchase up to two additional weeks of annual leave.
• Whānau & community - Paid parental leave for all parents with flexible options and financial planning support; inclusive networks; paid volunteering leave.

To learn more about building your career at PwC New Zealand, visit our careers site .

Grow here. Go further.

Ngā whakautu ki ō pātai / Your questions answered

Motuhake / Independence: Maintaining independence is fundamental to demonstrating that PwC has not been influenced by any relationships or situations that undermine our objectivity. This role requires an independence review process.

Tono tika