Business Accountant (Fixed Term)

Department of Conservation (DOC); Hamilton; On-site; NZD 96,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

A New Zealand government agency is seeking a Business Accountant in Hamilton to drive financial excellence in conservation projects. The ideal candidate will provide expert financial services, engage with stakeholders for analysis and advice, and contribute to the development of sustainable initiatives. This role offers a salary range of $96,185 - $128,912 pro-rata and supports flexible work arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Opportunity to contribute to sustainable growth

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and manage ambiguity.
• Experience in financial management accounting in large organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality financial advice to stakeholders.
• Lead business performance analysis and budgeting.
• Monitor compliance and develop improvement processes.

Skills

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Financial management accounting

Customer focus

Relationship building

Education

Tertiary qualification in accounting or business

NZICA CA qualification (desirable)

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel (advanced)

BEX analyser

Job description

Overview

Bring your accounting expertise to DOC and help drive financial excellence in conservation projects across the Hauraki Waikato Taranaki region, ensuring sustainable growth and success for generations to come.

Salary: $96,185 - $128,912 pro-rata

Contract: Fixed term: 12 months, Hamilton location

About the role

Join DOC to collaborate on impactful projects, from major capital investments to significant conservation initiatives, all while ensuring sound financial performance and sustainability.

As a Business Accountant at DOC, you will deliver expert financial services and guidance that support effective decision-making and the long-term success of DOC’s initiatives. You’ll engage with stakeholders including Regional Operations Director and Managers to provide financial analysis, advice, and forecasts. Your insights will help shape the future of DOC’s projects and partnerships.

Your mahi will also contribute to the success of key partnerships and projects in the region, such as multiple Treaty Settlements with Iwi, and the Waitomo Caves joint venture.

The position will:

• Provide proactive and high-quality advice to internal stakeholders, contributing to management discussions, and evaluating new business initiatives
• Take the lead in business performance analysis, business planning, budgeting, business cases and forecasting, ensuring all financial and non-financial performance is on track
• Monitor compliance with legislation and financial guidelines, developing systems and processes for continuous improvement
• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships internally and externally, driving a culture of teamwork and engagement
• Contribute to process improvements and insights

There will be some travel within the region required.

Role Description

Skills and experience

You have excellent communication skills and the maturity and confidence to interact with people from all walks of life. You will have good critical thinking skills, the ability to work independently and deal with ambiguity. You may face periods of high workload, so you will need to stay calm, focused and work well under pressure.

You will also have:

• A tertiary qualification in accounting or a business discipline (NZICA CA qualification desirable), or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated experience in financial management accounting in a medium or large organisation; government experience would be an advantage, with a strong understanding of GAAP
• Knowledge of complex financial management frameworks (capital planning, opex, third party revenue and projects) and relevant legislation
• Skilled in systems such as SAP, BEX analyser, and Microsoft Excel (advanced)
• Proven ability to build trust and credibility and maintain collaborative relationships
• A strong customer focus, skilled at identifying and responding to user needs
• Ability to review and analyse complex accounting data, and clearly communicate what matters for a range of stakeholders
• Full Drivers License

Desirable:

• Proficiency in advanced technical spreadsheet modelling
• Familiarity with Treaty Settlement implementation would be advantageous

About the team

The Finance Directorate ensures the viability of the Department through strategic financial management and by planning, measuring, and reporting its year-to-year business and financial interests.

You will be part of a team of Business Accountants dispersed throughout Aotearoa. This team is diverse, highly skilled, and highly regarded in the organisation, with established systems and processes which enable an effective, connected, supportive team environment.

What’s in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

We support flexible work arrangements for employees across a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $96,185 - $128,912 pro-rata with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Applications close

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

For further enquiries

If you have any questions, contact Euan Brownlie at [e-mail].