Senior Accountant (Dunedin based)

Polson Higgs; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Polson Higgs in Dunedin is seeking a Senior Accountant with 5+ years of NZ accounting experience to join our supportive, dynamic team. You’ll deliver compliance and advisory services for a varied client base including partnerships, trusts, companies, and SMEs.

You will mentor junior staff, lead advisory assignments such as budgeting and cash flow forecasting, and build strong client relationships while upholding our values of integrity, care and excellence.

Qualifications

• CA qualified with at least 5 years of NZ accounting experience.
• Experience with farming and Agribusiness clients is advantageous.
• Proficient in Xero, Xero Practice Manager and MS Office.
• Strong communication, analytical mindset and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare timely, accurate accounting, tax, and management information for a range of clients.
• Guide and mentor junior professionals, reviewing work and supporting their development.
• Lead advisory assignments, including budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and management accounting.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, providing sound business and technical advice.
• Participate in internal and external training, and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Ensure quality, timeliness, and presentation of all work, actively managing workflow and deadlines.

Skills

Xero

Xero Practice Manager

MS Office

Communication

Analytical mindset

Teamwork

Business advisory

Education

CA qualified

Job description

At Polson Higgs, we’re looking for a Senior Accountant with 5+ years’ experience to join our supportive, dynamic team. You’ll collaborate across a broad and interesting client base—partnerships, trusts, companies, and SMEs—delivering compliance and advisory services that make a real difference.

Being at Polson Higgs is not just about “doing the job”. We value our people, their development and importantly the connections we have as a team.

Why Dunedin?

Living and working in Dunedin offers advantages that are increasingly hard to find elsewhere:

• Commute times are in minutes, not hours — more time for family, sport, and rest
• More affordable housing, making home ownership or upgrading realistic
• Excellent schools and a stable, family‑friendly community
• Immediate access to coast, hills, trails, and green spaces — easy to enjoy day to day, not just on weekends

This is a city where professional careers and personal lives can genuinely coexist.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

• Prepare timely, accurate accounting, tax, and management information for a range of clients
• Guide and mentor junior professionals, reviewing work and supporting their development
• Lead advisory assignments, including budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and management accounting
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, providing sound business and technical advice
• Participate in internal and external training, and contribute to continuous improvement
• Ensure quality, timeliness, and presentation of all work, actively managing workflow and deadlines

Desired Skills and Experience

What you’ll bring:

• CA qualified, with at least 5 years’ relevant accounting experience within a New Zealand company
• Experience with farming and related Agribusiness clients would be an advantage
• Competency with Xero, Xero Practice Manager, Microsoft Office, and an openness to learn new systems
• Provide advice that draws on business and commercial experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Analytical mindset and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A positive, professional attitude and the ability to be a role model to others
• Commitment to our values: Integrity, Care, Excellence

Why Polson Higgs?

• Ongoing professional development and tailored mentoring
• Opportunities for career progression, including management responsibilities
• Flexible hours and time-off-in-lieu to suit your lifestyle
• A vibrant, caring culture with regular social activities and community involvement
• Supportive environment where your wellbeing matters

Applications close on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the role may close early if a suitable candidate is found.