Team Leader Finance

Horizons; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional council in Palmerston North is seeking a proactive Team Leader – Finance to manage a dedicated team handling accounts payable, receivable, and financial operations. The ideal candidate will have public sector experience, strong leadership skills, and a relevant qualification in accounting or finance. This role offers opportunities for professional development and promotes a healthy work environment.

Benefits

5 weeks leave after 2 years of service

Birthday off

Wellness day

Life insurance for permanent staff

Flexible family-friendly work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial accounting, preferably in a public sector environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Solid understanding of financial systems and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of finance officers and accountants.
• Oversee accounts payable and receivable operations.
• Manage the rating function and ensure compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Financial accounting

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in accounting or finance

Job description

Financial Managers, Branch or Department

The role

Are you an experienced finance professional with a passion for leadership and public service? We're looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Team Leader – Finance to join our Finance team.

In this key position, you’ll lead a small, dedicated team responsible for managing accounts receivable, accounts payable, and the rates processing function, as well as providing support to our overall accounting operations. You will ensure smooth financial processes, maintain strong internal controls, and work closely with other departments to deliver accurate and timely financial services.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and mentoring a team of finance officers and accountants
• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of accounts payable and receivable
• Managing the rating function and ensuring compliance with legislative requirements
• Supporting financial reporting, audits, and reconciliations
• Identifying opportunities for process improvements and system enhancements.

About you

We’re looking for an experienced financial professional who has:

• Proven experience in financial accounting, preferably in a public sector environment
• Strong leadership and team management skills with a focus on coaching and development
• A solid understanding of financial systems, internal controls, and statutory compliance
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
• A relevant tertiary qualification in accounting or finance.

You’ll be proactive, organised, and eager to contribute to the efficient functioning of our finance team while ensuring the highest standards of service for the wider organisation.

When you join us, you can look forward to a rewarding career full of opportunities to develop a positive and supportive work environment. We do this through:

• Positive focus on employee health, wellness and wellbeing initiatives across the organisation including your birthday off, wellness day, life insurance for all permanent staff and 5 weeks leave after 2 years of service.
• Flexible family friendly work environment.
• Ongoing development and opportunities across the organisation to grow, specialise or diversify your skills.
• Working together for a better environment across our region.
• A supportive and social work environment across the organisation.

About us

The Horizons region extends over 22,200km2 – from Ruapehu in the north and Horowhenua in the south, to Whanganui in the west and Tararua in the east. We work with and for our community in the use and protection of our environment, managing our precious resources of land, air and water; as well as public transport and a key role in emergency management. At Horizons Regional Council we work to make our region a healthy environment where people are thriving, including our staff.

Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 21 October 2025.

Horizons are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive workplace so our people reflect the diversity of our region.