Finance Business Partner

New Zealand Government; Whanganui; Hybrid; NZD 84,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five university holidays

Southern Cross Healthcare

Campus gym discounts

Staff purchasing privileges

On-campus crèche/day care facilities

Professional development and training

Job summary

Massey University is seeking two finance professionals to join the Finance Business Partnering team at the Manawatū campus in Palmerston North. These full-time, 12-month fixed-term roles start January or February 2027 and offer the option to work from home two days per week.

Responsibilities include budgeting and forecasting, management reporting, variance analysis, and financial modelling. You will explain financial concepts to non-finance audiences and advise on resource allocation with

Qualifications

• Three years' experience in management accounting or finance partnering.
• Ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills interpreting large datasets.
• Experience preparing clear financial reports for managers.
• Ability to explain financial concepts to non-finance audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Prepare management reports and variance analysis.
• Monitor financial and non-financial performance indicators.
• Undertake financial modelling and analysis.
• Explain financial information to academic leaders and advise on resource allocation.

Skills

Management accounting

Finance partnering

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Data interpretation

Financial reporting

Finance communication

Education

Accounting qualification or degree

Professional body membership

Job description

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.

• 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