Financial Accountant

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 122,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded life cover up to $300,000

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Mortgage broker services

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force is seeking a Chartered Accountant to join the Financial Accounting Team in Wellington. The role will provide technical accounting advice, prepare financial statements and support ongoing professional development within the team.

You will lead month-end/ year-end closes, ensure compliance with NZ Public Sector standards, and assist with the external audit process while keeping abreast of legislative changes impacting financial management.

Qualifications

• Qualified CA with practical experience in finance and accounting, ideally in a large complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of internal/external standards, policies and NZ Public Sector financial management.
• Experience with treasury, cash management and FX reporting is preferred.
• Ability to plan to deadlines and work autonomously with good judgment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare month-end and year-end closes and financial reporting.
• Provide technical accounting advice and support junior team members.
• Assist with external audit process and maintain records for Audit NZ.
• Monitor legislative updates and promote best practices across the team.

Skills

Chartered Accountant

Financial accounting

Treasury experience

ERP experience

Stakeholder communication

Education

Chartered Accountant qualification

Tools

ERP package

Business Intelligence System

Job description

Mo te tunga | About the roleOur Financial Accountants are an integral member of the Financial Accounting Team, providing valued support to the Manager Financial Accounting, and Senior Financial Accountants. Our Financial Accounting Team is responsible for providing the financial processes and policies to ensure NZDF meets its Crown and Departmental modelling, budgeting and reporting obligations.You will provide technical accounting advice, prepare financial statements and support the development of less experienced members of the team. You will be central to ensuring the NZDF meets all its legislative financial requirements.You will be required to:Prepare month-end and year-end close processes and financial reporting.Facilitate the preparation and delivery of high quality technical update working papers, ministerial briefings, and CFO briefings.Support the management of the external audit process with Audit New Zealand.Keep up to date on changes to legislation and policy and promulgate this across the team.Identify opportunities for improvement and lead business improvement projects.Start 2027 with a fresh challenge and join our team from mid-January and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity with lots of professional development opportunities.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and ExperienceWe need your technical financial accounting skills and practical experience. Bring your new ideas and initiative to contribute to our high performing team.You must be a fully qualified Chartered Accountant with practical experience in finance, accounting, or a similar role, ideally in a large complex organisation.You will have:Excellent working knowledge of relevant internal and external standards, principles, policies, statutes, regulations and NZ Public Sector financial management practices.Experience within a treasury function, including practical knowledge of cash management and foreign exchange analysis and reporting.Ability to operate to deadlines, and plan work ahead.Excellent research and financial problem-solving and decision-making skills.Proven ability to demonstrate initiative and good judgment while operating with a high level of autonomy.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, experience preparing written documents to a high standard.Experience mentoring and developing less experienced colleagues.Experience with a major ERP package and Business Intelligence System.The salary range for this role is $122,341 through to $142,551, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution.Nou te rourou | What's in it for youSafeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.Me pehea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApplications close on Monday 23 November 2026.Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.Please Note:All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description.Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.NZDF Employees/Members - please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.NZDF Contractors - please apply via the Defence Careers website.NZDF Reserves - please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.Please Note:To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:Higher Level Security ClearanceYou must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.