Senior Financial Accountant

Ministry of Justice - New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 98,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

A government ministry in Wellington is seeking a Senior Financial Accountant on a 1-year fixed-term contract. This role involves leading financial statement preparation, managing audits, and providing financial accounting advice. Candidates should have public sector experience and a Full CA qualification. The position offers competitive salary and flexible work hours.

Benefits

Flexible work hours

Professional development portal

Inclusive networks

Qualifications

• Experience within the public sector and ability to influence stakeholders.
• Solid knowledge of CFISnet reporting requirements and public sector accounting standards.
• Ability to maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience in analysing technical accounting issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of financial statements and manage the external audit process.
• Oversee financial reporting and reconciliation processes.
• Provide technical financial accounting and appropriation advice.
• Mentor and coach the finance team.

Skills

Public sector experience

Financial statements preparation

Stakeholder influence

Attention to detail

Technical advice provision

Written and oral communication skills

Māori capability

Education

Full CA or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Senior Financial Accountant – 1-year fixed term or intergovernmental agencies secondment

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Financial Accountant to join our high performing team on a 1-year fixed-term contract. This position also presents an excellent opportunity for finance professionals from intergovernmental agencies to apply your experience in a new context through a secondment arrangement.

Your Responsibilities

• Leading the preparation of financial statements for the annual report and managing the external audit process
• Oversight of the monthly, annual and other financial reporting, both internal and external
• Oversight of the reconciliation process and results
• Providing technical financial accounting and appropriation advice across finance and the business
• Mentoring and coaching the team to develop talent and build the capability to deliver outcomes

This is an exciting time to join the team as several significant projects are planned or underway.

Ō Pūkenga/Skills And Experience

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have outlined and believe you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you!

To Be Successful In The Role, You Will Have

• Demonstrated experience within the public sector environment with the ability to influence key stakeholders
• Experience preparing financial statements and solid knowledge of CFISnet reporting requirements and public sector accounting standards
• A team player, ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and effective networks across and within organisations
• Ability to provide technical advice in relation to accounting requirements to various stakeholders
• Experience in analysing technical accounting issues and assist business decisions with financial impact
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy, along with excellent written and oral communication skills
• A passion for improving business processes while maintaining a strong internal control environment
• A commitment to building Māori capability - both personally and within the team
• Full CA (or equivalent) required

Mō Mātou/About Us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The Financial Accounting function is one of four teams within the Financial Control Team, which also includes Transactional Services, FMIS, and Banking. We are a team of seven that works together to achieve our deadlines and goals.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What\'s great about working here

We are a close-knit team that support each other and celebrate our successes together. We regularly organise social events to foster strong connections and have a good time together.

Benefits

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• Flexible work hours where possible
• An online professional development portal
• Access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $98,208 and $135,539 based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/Apply

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on Sunday, 12 October 2025; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and may invite successful candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact [e-mail]

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