Finance Associate (Christchurch)

University of Otago; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 76,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Otago in Ōtautahi/Christchurch seeks a Finance Associate to support sound financial decision-making across the University by providing expert financial advice, insightful analysis, and day-to-day financial support to executives and managers.

Working within the central Finance Advisory team, you will partner with stakeholders to understand needs, explain financial implications, and contribute to the success of health science portfolios at the Christchurch campus.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in finance advisory, management accounting, or similar financial role.
• Sound knowledge of financial management principles, accounting policies, controls, systems, and reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills; able to interpret complex financial information and provide meaningful insights.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and its application in financial modelling and analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a proactive, customer-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Support sound financial decision-making across the University by providing expert financial advice, insightful analysis, and day-to-day financial support to executives and managers.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and help them understand the financial implications of business decisions.
• Partner with managers to understand business needs, identify opportunities, and contribute to the overall success of the University.
• Provide practical advice and guidance to senior non-finance stakeholders, building trusted partnerships across teams and business areas.
• Support month-end accounting, financial reporting, analysis and commentary, forecasting and budgeting, and financial modelling.

Skills

Finance advisory

Management accounting

Financial analysis

Forecasting & budgeting

Financial modelling

Stakeholder communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Tertiary qualification in accounting/finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The University of OtagoTe Whare Wānanga o Otāgo The University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university and one of its finest. It is a leader across all fields of academic endeavour – the humanities, sciences, health sciences and...

The role | Te mahi

As a Finance Associate, you will play a key role in supporting sound financial decision-making across the University by providing expert financial advice, insightful analysis, and day-to-day financial support to executives and managers.

Working as part of our central Finance Advisory team of 50 professionals and reporting to the Finance Manager, you will act as a trusted financial partner, building strong relationships with stakeholders and helping them better understand the financial implications of business decisions.

We currently have an opportunity available to support a range of Health science portfolios at our Christchurch campus within Te Papa Hauora. In each area, you will serve as a key financial contact, partnering with managers to understand business needs, identify opportunities, and contribute to the overall success of the University.

We are seeking a confident and adaptable finance professional who enjoys building strong relationships and partnering with stakeholders to support informed decision-making. You will bring proven experience in month-end accounting, financial reporting, analysis and commentary, forecasting and budgeting, and financial modelling. Alongside your technical expertise, you will be skilled at interpreting financial information, providing practical advice and guidance to senior non-finance stakeholders, and building trusted partnerships across a diverse range of teams and business areas.

Other key skills required include:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in accounting, finance, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in a finance advisory, management accounting, or similar financial role.
• Sound knowledge of financial management principles, accounting policies, controls, systems, and reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills; able to interpret complex financial information and provide meaningful insights.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and its application in financial modelling and analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a proactive, customer-focused approach.

The Financial Services Division at the University of Otago oversees all financial operations, ensuring effective management and compliance across the institution. Our team plays a vital role in maintaining financial stability and efficiency through key areas, including Financial Accounting Services, Management Accounting Services, Procurement, and Financial Systems. By providing expert financial guidance and support, we help drive informed decision-making and operational excellence across the University.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position based in Ōtautahi, Christchurch.

The appointment range for this position is $75,631 to $80,503. Top of range $88,750 per annum.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence – please contact Minnie Zou, Finance Manager via the email address below.