Financial Accountant

Waikato; Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 88,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waikato is seeking a Financial Accountant to provide financial reporting, accounting and taxation services to support informed decision-making. You will play a key role in monthly closes, statutory reporting and audits while driving improvements in financial systems and processes.

You will bring strong accounting expertise, practical advisory skills and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders in a complex environment. A CAANZ pathway or equivalent is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent.
• Experience in technical financial accounting, reporting and audits.
• Experience with PBE and NZ financial reporting standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive financial reporting, management, accounting and taxation services.
• Lead monthly close, annual financial reporting, audit and compliance processes.
• Perform balance-sheet reconciliations and taxation duties.
• Contribute to improvements across financial systems and processes, including ERP optimisation and automation.

Skills

Financial accounting

Financial reporting

Audit processes

Taxation

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

CAANZ eligibility

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Use your financial expertise to shape reporting, strengthen decision-making and drive smarter finance systems at the University of Waikato.

• Make an impact through financial insight and advice
• Shape smarter financial systems, processes and reporting
• Join a collaborative team driving continuous improvement

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

Bring your financial accounting expertise to a role where your analysis, advice and insight will directly support decision-making across the University.

As Financial Accountant, you will provide a comprehensive range of financial reporting, financial management, accounting and taxation services across the University. Working closely with colleagues and stakeholders, you will help ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial information while supporting strong financial controls and compliance.

You will play a key role in the monthly financial close, annual financial reporting, audit and compliance processes, balance-sheet reconciliations, taxation, treasury and statutory reporting. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to improvements across financial systems and processes, including ERP optimisation, automation and the responsible use of AI. This is an opportunity to combine strong technical accounting capability with commercial thinking, problem-solving and relationship management in a complex, multi-entity environment.

Salary will be in the range of $87,624 to $100,214 per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus. For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Karen Harper, Financial Controller, at [e-mail]. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You will be an experienced financial accounting professional who enjoys working with people, solving problems and turning complex financial information into clear, practical advice.

You will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification and at least three years' financial and commercial accounting experience.
• Experience in technical financial accounting, financial reporting and audit processes.
• Experience with Public Benefit Entity (PBE) reporting and New Zealand financial reporting standards.
• Working knowledge of New Zealand's indirect tax regime.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a pragmatic approach to finding solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex information clearly.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and strict deadlines.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and building effective relationships.
• Familiarity with modern finance systems and an interest in using technology to improve financial processes and outputs.
• A relevant tertiary degree and be studying towards, or eligible to study towards, CAANZ CA membership or an equivalent professional accounting qualification.

We are looking for someone who is accurate, proactive and self-motivated, with personal integrity, credibility and a collaborative approach. You will be comfortable taking responsibility, contributing ideas and maintaining high standards in a fast-moving environment.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The Finance team is part of the Corporate Services Group within the portfolio of the Chief Operating Officer. The team provides financial services, reporting and analytics across the University, supporting insightful performance reporting, business intelligence and analytics.

The team also manages financial systems, financial data, policies and procedures, helping ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial information and supporting better decision-making across the University.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko Te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on September 27, 2026

Requisition number: 1003867