Senior Accountant Lighthouse Accounting

Lighthousefinancial; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lighthousefinancial is seeking a Senior Accountant in Auckland, New Zealand. The successful candidate will lead the accounting team, mentor junior staff, and ensure top-tier client work.

Strong technical tax and accounting knowledge, plus excellent communication, are essential. Responsibilities include reviewing work, engaging with clients, and driving process improvements to enhance efficiency and profitability for a diverse client base.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in public practice or a similar accounting environment.
• Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, CA/CPA preferred
• Proven ability to review and mentor junior staff effectively.
• Strong knowledge of taxation, accounting standards and compliance.
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support accounting team; provide coaching to staff; promote professional development.
• Engage with clients to understand needs, manage expectations, and deliver a seamless experience.
• Prepare and review tax returns, financial statements, and related documentation.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and regulations; maintain accuracy and timeliness.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and drive efficiency and profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring junior staff

Communication

Client relationship management

Time management

Education

CA/CPA qualification

Accounting/Finance degree

Tools

Xero

MYOB

Job description

Are you ready to take your accounting career to new heights? We are seeking a motivated and detail-orientated Senior Accountant to join our team.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Accountant to join our team. This role involves taking a leadership position within the accounting team, supporting junior staff, and ensuring that all client work is completed to the highest professional standard. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and a passion for improving client outcomes and business processes.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Support:

• Assist Managers in providing day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to team members.
• Review work prepared by junior staff, assist with technical queries, and deliver coaching and feedback to promote professional development.
• Contribute to maintaining a positive and supportive team culture while driving team performance.

Client Engagement:

• Liaise directly with clients to understand their needs, manage expectations, and deliver a seamless client experience.
• Provide value-added insights and proactive financial advice to strengthen client relationships.

Technical & Compliance Work:

• Prepare and review tax returns, financial statements, and other tax-related documentation for clients to a high standard.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations while maintaining accuracy and timeliness in all deliverables.

Business Development and Process Improvement:

• Identify and follow up on new business opportunities across the accounting practice and assist in client conversion.
• Undertake special projects aimed at enhancing efficiency, service quality, and profitability.
• Suggest and implement workflow improvements and contribute to the development of best practices across the firm.

Strategic Contribution:

• Stay up to date with accounting innovations, tax updates, and regulatory changes.
• Collaborate with Directors, Managers, and colleagues to ensure business objectives and performance goals are achieved.

Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in public practice or a similar accounting environment.
• Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CA/CPA qualification or working towards completion preferred)
• Proven ability to review and mentor junior staff effectively.
• Strong technical knowledge of taxation, accounting standards, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and client relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with accounting software such as Xero or MYOB.

What We Offer

• A collaborative and supportive environment where your contribution is valued.
• Exposure to a broad range of clients and complex accounting matters.
• Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Competitive remuneration aligned with experience and qualifications.
• A culture that values innovation, accountability, and client success.