Purchasing Support Administrator

University of Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Parental leave benefits

Superannuation contribution

Flexible working arrangements

Staff discounts

Job summary

University of Canterbury is seeking an organised administrator to join Financial Services, focusing on purchasing and expense management. You will help staff navigate purchasing systems, support P-Card and expense processes, and contribute to data quality, reporting and process improvements.

This role supports the transition to Workday and requires meticulous attention to detail. Based in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, you will collaborate across Procurement and Finance and other UC departments,

Qualifications

• Experience in purchasing, finance, accounts payable or procure-to-pay in an administrative environment (4–5 years ideal).
• Experience administering financial/purchasing/expense systems with knowledge of purchasing processes and controls.
• Strong digital capability with Excel/Word and ability to prepare reports and analyse operational information.

Responsibilities

• Administer purchasing systems and support P-Card/expense processes.
• Help staff navigate systems and ensure purchasing activities meet UC policies.
• Contribute to reporting, data quality and process improvements; support Workday transition.

Skills

Purchasing & accounts payable

Finance administration

Data reporting & analysis

Customer service & stakeholder support

Issue resolution & process improvement

Supplier administration

Prioritisation & multitasking

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

Are you a detail-oriented administrator who enjoys working with financial systems, solving problems and making processes run smoothly? Join UC’s Financial Services team and play a key role in keeping purchasing and expense management operations accurate, efficient and well supported across the University.

From administering purchasing systems to supporting P-Card and expense processes, your work will help staff navigate systems confidently and ensure purchasing activities meet UC’s policies and requirements. Bring your analytical mindset to reporting, data quality and process improvement, while contributing to the transition to Workday and the ongoing enhancement of purchasing systems and services.

You are an organised and solutions-focused professional who combines strong administrative skills with a commitment to accuracy, responsive service and continuous improvement. You will bring:

• Proven experience in purchasing, finance, accounts payable, procure-to-pay or a similar administrative environment. Ideally with 4-5 years in a similar role.
• Experience administering financial, purchasing, expense management or enterprise systems, with a sound understanding of purchasing processes and controls.
• Strong digital capability, including Microsoft Excel, Word and other business applications, alongside experience preparing reports and analysing operational information.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage high volumes of information, identify discrepancies and maintain accurate records.
• Strong communication and customer service skills, with the confidence to support users, explain processes and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• The ability to prioritise competing demands, resolve issues and contribute to process improvements while maintaining service standards. Experience in supplier administration, financial records, or staff training is an advantage.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Working within Financial Services, you will collaborate closely with colleagues across Procurement and Finance, as well as Digital Services and departments throughout UC. Through responsive support and practical guidance, you will help staff use purchasing systems effectively and maintain reliable supplier and expense processes — building strong working relationships while contributing to a more efficient, consistent purchasing service.

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• UC Parental Leave (up to 9 weeks paid for eligible staff) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangements
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

The closing date for this position is: 10 November 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role. [Choose continuing roles]

Please note, this is an onsite position.