Private Business Accountant: Growth, AI Tools & Flexibility

PwC; Napier; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Retail discounts

Wellbeing allowance

Life and income protection

Sonder/EAP/Headspace

Paid sick leave

Group-rate health insurance

Flexible working

paid recognition days

Parental leave

Job summary

PwC New Zealand Napier is seeking an Associate in our Private Business team. You will work with privately owned businesses, handling accounting and tax obligations while growing your technical and advisory capabilities.

You’ll partner with business owners and finance teams, delivering high-quality tax returns, financial statements and practical guidance. This role offers growth, AI-enhanced workflows, and collaborative mentorship across PwC NZ and internationally.

Qualifications

• Commerce or Accounting degree with CAANZ or CPA qualification, or progress towards one.
• Solid experience in chartered accounting, professional services or similar environment.
• Experience preparing NZ tax returns and financial statements with independence.
• Good working knowledge of NZ tax and accounting requirements.
• Confidence using Xero and Excel; exposure to data analytics tools an advantage.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills with client contact.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality work on time.
• Willingness to learn and apply new technologies, including AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Preparing accounting and tax compliance work, including tax returns and financial statements.
• Taking ownership of client work and meeting deadlines with support from seniors.
• Directly engaging with clients to gather information, resolve queries and offer practical advice.
• Identifying issues, risks and opportunities and communicating with the client team.
• Building strong relationships with business owners and finance teams as a trusted contact.

Skills

Accounting

Tax compliance

Client communication

NZ tax knowledge

Data analytics awareness

Xero proficiency

Education

Commerce or Accounting degree

CAANZ/CPA qualification (in progress or completed)

Tools

Xero

Excel

Job description

PwC New Zealand Napier is seeking an Associate in our Private Business team. You will work with privately owned businesses, handling accounting and tax obligations while growing your technical and advisory capabilities.

You’ll partner with business owners and finance teams, delivering high-quality tax returns, financial statements and practical guidance. This role offers growth, AI-enhanced workflows, and collaborative mentorship across PwC NZ and internationally.