Business Accountant (Fixed Term)

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

Job summary

A government conservation agency in Taupo is looking for a Business Accountant to ensure financial excellence in conservation projects. The successful candidate will support decision-making with financial analysis and advice, engage with internal teams, and contribute to major conservation initiatives across the Central North Island. This role offers a salary range of $96,185 - $128,912 pro-rata and requires a tertiary qualification in accounting or a business discipline.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in financial management accounting.
• Understanding of GAAP and complex financial frameworks.
• Ability to review and analyze complex accounting data.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive financial advice to internal stakeholders.
• Lead analysis, planning, and forecasting for business performance.
• Monitor compliance with financial guidelines and improve processes.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Critical thinking

Financial management accounting

Building trust and credibility

Customer focus

Education

Tertiary qualification in accounting or business

Tools

SAP

BEX analyser

Microsoft Excel (advanced)

Job description

Overview

Bring your accounting expertise to DOC and help drive financial excellence in conservation projects across Central North Island, ensuring sustainable growth and success for generations to come. This is a fixed term role: 12 months, Taupo location. Salary range: $96,185 - $128,912 pro-rata.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Mō te tūranga | 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 the Regional Operations Director and Managers to provide financial analysis, advice, and forecasts. You’ll support a team of DOC staff based in Whanganui, Pipiriki, Raetihi, Ohakune, Whakapapa, Turangi and Taupo. Your insights will shape the future of DOC’s projects and partnerships. You’ll contribute to key partnerships and projects in the region, such as the Taupo Trout Fishery, the Whakapapa Redevelopment, two of DOC’s Great Walks (Tongariro Northern Circuit and Whanganui Journey) as well as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and the implementation of treaty settlements. The position will involve some travel within the region.

The role will:

• Provide proactive and high-quality advice to internal stakeholders, contributing to management discussions, and evaluating new business initiatives
• Lead business performance analysis, planning, budgeting, business cases and forecasting, ensuring 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.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | 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 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 NZ Drivers License

Desirable:

• Familiarity with Treaty Settlement implementation would be advantageous

Mō te tīma | 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 kamahi in 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. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and cannot provide feedback to those not shortlisted. If you require 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 based on relevant skills and experience. Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory, including holding a valid work visa covering the entire period of employment. We are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close 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.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Euan Brownlie, [e-mail]