Finance Business Partner

Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa; Palmerston North; Hybrid; NZD 84,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Massey University is seeking two Finance Business Partners to provide trusted financial advice to multiple academic departments from its Manawatū campus in Palmerston North. These fixed-term, full-time roles (12 months) start early next year and offer a hybrid work arrangement with two days remote per week.

You will support budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, variance analysis, and financial modelling while collaborating with college leaders to drive prudent resource allocation and

Qualifications

• At least three years' relevant experience in management accounting or finance business partnering.
• Ability to build effective relationships and work with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience interpreting large, complex datasets.
• Experience preparing clear financial reports and translating analysis into practical advice for managers.
• The ability to explain financial concepts clearly to non-finance audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support budgeting and forecasting, prepare management reports and variance analysis.
• Monitor financial and non-financial performance indicators.
• Undertake financial modelling and analysis.
• Work with academic leaders and managers to explain financial information and advise on resource allocation.

Skills

Finance Business Partner

Management Accountant

Financial Analyst

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial Modelling

Variance Analysis

Management Reporting

Business Partnering

Commercial Finance

Higher Education

Stakeholder Management

Data Analysis

Financial Planning

Performance Reporting

Palmerston North

Fixed Term

Education

Tertiary qualification

Professional accounting body membership

Job description

Fixed-term 12 months, full-time 37.50 hours per week

Are you a finance professional who enjoys turning financial information into practical insights and helping managers make informed decisions?

We have an opportunity for two finance professionals to join our Finance Business Partnering team and further develop their career in a large, dynamic organisation. Reporting to the Colleges Finance Partnering Manager, you will provide trusted, insightful and comprehensive financial advice and support to multiple academic departments. These full-time, 12-month fixed-term positions cover parental leave and are expected to start in January or February 2027. Both are based at our Manawatū campus in Palmerston North, with the option to work from home two days per week

You will support budgeting and forecasting, prepare management reports and variance analysis, monitor financial and non-financial performance indicators, and undertake financial modelling and analysis. Working closely with academic leaders and managers, you will explain financial information clearly, constructively challenge assumptions, and provide practical advice to support resource allocation and operational priorities.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• At least three years' relevant experience in management accounting or finance business partnering, preferably within a large or complex organisation.
• The ability to build effective relationships and work with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience interpreting large, complex datasets.
• Experience preparing clear financial reports and translating analysis into practical advice for managers.
• The ability to explain financial concepts clearly to non-finance audiences.

A relevant tertiary qualification, membership of a professional accounting body, or both would be advantageous.

Why Massey?

Massey University is a world-leading university known for research connected to industry and community, innovative teaching, and preparing the next generation of leaders. We are committed to being a Tiriti-led university and creating an environment where our people can thrive. Working together across disciplines and locations, we solve national and global problems through fundamental, applied, and interdisciplinary research, while culturally and artistically enriching our world.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: NZD $83,818 - $117,788 per annum (2026), depending on qualifications and experience.

In addition to a competitive salary, Massey also offers:

• Up to 6.75% employer contribution to the UniSaver Superannuation Scheme
• Five university holidays per year in addition to your annual leave
• Subsidised Southern Cross Healthcare plan for you and your family
• Special staff rates available for campus gym memberships
• Staff purchasing privileges and discounts at many commercial and retail businesses across NZ.
• Access to wonderful on-Campus crèche/day care facilities for dependents of staff on our Manawatū campus
• Comprehensive professional development and training programmes

Applications must be made online prior to the closing date of Sunday 15 November 2026, 11.00pm.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Finance Business Partner
• Management Accountant
• Financial Analyst
• Budgeting
• Forecasting
• Financial Modelling
• Variance Analysis
• Management Reporting
• Business Partnering
• Commercial Finance
• Higher Education
• Stakeholder Management
• Data Analysis
• Financial Planning
• Performance Reporting
• Palmerston North
• Fixed Term.