Senior Financial Accountant

As the Senior Financial Accountant, you’ll be a trusted technical expert responsible for leading high-quality financial reporting across Council and its related parties. You’ll work collaboratively with internal teams, Council Controlled Trading Organisations (CCTOs), auditors, and senior leadership to ensure compliance with accounting standards while continuously improving processes and outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate financial, regulatory, and statistical reporting in line with GAAP, the Local Government Act (LGA), and relevant accounting standards.
• Lead the consolidation of financial information for Council and related entities through to completion.
• Prepare, review, and analyse financial and management reports to support informed decision-making.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external audits, ensuring all documentation is complete and audit-ready.
• Provide timely, accurate financial data to internal stakeholders across the organisation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Partner with teams across Council to understand transactions and ensure accurate financial treatment.
• Maintain strong internal controls and support smooth, effective financial operations.
• Ensure Council financial policies are followed and complete quarterly financial reviews.
• Support the Team Leader – Accounting Services and the Chief Financial Officer in meeting financial control and governance standards.
• Manage the annual report process, ensuring financial statements and supporting documentation are robust and compliant.
• Stay up to date with changes in accounting standards and assess impacts on Council and the wider Group.
• Build strong relationships with Council Controlled Trading Organisations (CCTOs) and review their financial statements for compliance.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and training to the Accounting Services team on technical accounting matters and updates.

I ā koe - About You

You’re a confident, detail-focused professional who enjoys collaborating, improving systems, and delivering high-quality outcomes for the community.

You’ll bring:

• CA or CPA qualification (essential).
• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Commerce.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in New Zealand in a similar senior accounting role.
• Local Government experience (advantageous but not essential).
• Strong knowledge of IPSAS and current GAAP requirements (essential).
• A process- and systems-oriented mindset, with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
• Proven ability to identify issues early and take proactive action to minimise risk.
• Highly developed documentation, reporting, and workflow design skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and best practice.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• A genuine desire to achieve the best outcomes for our communities and the Far North.

Tā mātou āroha – What We Offer

Far North District Council are proud of our diverse workforce and are committed to maintaining an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.  We are a progressive and growing council filled with like-minded people who love what they do and are committed to providing superior services to residents and their community. 

For the right candidate, there is flexibility to work remotely, either fully or partially, depending on business needs and performance requirements.

You will be given all the tools of the trade to hit the ground running. 

• Learning & Development plan to ensure your ongoing growth and success within the organisation. 
• The salary for this position is Grade 17 within Council's salary structure (Band: $94,208 to $110,833 pro rata per annum) dependent on qualifications and experience, plus Kiwi Saver. 
• We operate a “Business First” approach with flexible/hybrid options.
• Free $100,000 life insurance scheme (conditions apply). 
• Free Will package, so that if the unexpected happens your family is supported.

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process that supports access needs to ensure every applicant can participate fully and confidently.  This is in line with our Accessibility Policy, supports the Te Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy, and upholds the values of mana tangata, manaakitanga, mahi tahi, whanaungatanga and āhurutanga. Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs when making your application.

Creating Great Places, Supporting our People

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