Embedded Project Accountant – Capital Infrastructure

Watercare; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development opportunities

Life and income protection insurance

Generous parental leave

Employee discounts

Job summary

Watercare is seeking experienced Project Accountants to join the Finance team in central Auckland. You will embed with project teams, providing financial oversight, forecasting, and commercial insight to keep major infrastructure initiatives on track.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in project accounting, strong cost control, and excellent stakeholder management. On-site site walks and close collaboration with Project Managers are essential for success.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Around 5+ years' experience in project accounting, capital programme finance, or project financial management.
• Strong forecasting, budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting experience.
• Experience working in infrastructure, utilities, construction, or large capital delivery environments.
• Comfortable engaging with Project Managers, contractors and delivery teams both in the office and on site, building trusted relationships.

Responsibilities

• Own project financial performance, forecasting, and cost reporting across a portfolio of capital projects.
• Lead monthly forecasting cycles, including cashflow forecasting, estimate-at-completion reporting, and variance analysis.
• Provide meaningful financial insights on project risks, contingency usage, and emerging cost pressures.
• Support month-end processes, financial close activities, accruals, journals, and reporting packs.
• Ensure robust financial governance, audit readiness, change control, and compliance with investment management requirements.
• Support capitalisation processes and asset handover activities.

Skills

Forecasting

Budgeting

Cost control

Financial reporting

ERP platforms

Project controls

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Degree in Finance/Accounting/Quantity Surveying/Engineering

CA or CPA (preferred)

Tools

ERP platforms

Project controls systems

Job description

Watercare is seeking experienced Project Accountants to join the Finance team in central Auckland. You will embed with project teams, providing financial oversight, forecasting, and commercial insight to keep major infrastructure initiatives on track.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in project accounting, strong cost control, and excellent stakeholder management. On-site site walks and close collaboration with Project Managers are essential for success.