Accountant

Why join us? | He aha ngā hua o tō piri mai?

• Make a Difference: Help ensure Council’s financial reporting supports sound decisions and positive outcomes for Palmerston North.
• Professional Growth: Elevate your career through a range of Learning and Development opportunities at Palmerston North City Council.
• Benefits: We do more than just pay you a salary too. We have awesome benefits to support you including 5 weeks annual leave.

About the role | Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga

As our Accountant, you’ll help deliver accurate and timely reporting on Council’s financial performance against its Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan. Working within the Finance team, you’ll provide reliable financial information and help the wider organisation understand the implications of its performance.

This is a full-time role, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday.

Your focus in this role will include:

• Assisting with monthly and annual financial reporting, ensuring information is accurate and delivered on time.
• Completing balance sheet reconciliations and investigating discrepancies within Council’s ERP system.
• Supporting period-end processes, including journals, accruals and adjustments.
• Contributing to Council’s annual audit process with Audit New Zealand.
• Assisting with fixed asset accounting in accordance with New Zealand generally accepted accounting practice and applicable accounting standards.
• Supporting tax return preparation and compliance activities.

About you | Ngā kōrero mōu

You’ll be an analytical and detail-focused finance professional who communicates clearly and builds productive relationships. You’ll be comfortable working independently to deadlines while contributing positively to a high-performing team.

What you will bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in accountancy or finance.
• At least three years’ experience working in a medium to large finance team.
• Strong financial analysis, investigation and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders constructively.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills and confidence using a range of financial systems and software.
• Initiative, sound judgement and the ability to manage changing priorities.
• A commitment to accuracy, continuous improvement and effective teamwork.
• Full Chartered Accountant membership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand would be an advantage.
• Experience in management accounting, systems accounting or local government would also be beneficial.

About us | Ngā kōrero mō mātou

Palmerston North (or as we like to call it, Palmy) is a growing, innovative and exciting city. With small city benefits and big city ambition, Palmy has secured its place on the map as a creative and exciting city, with leading innovation and developments! We’re proud to be a city that includes, supports, connects and uses the talents of the whole community in our pursuit to provide a connected and safe community. We’re also a future-focused city who cares about enhancing our natural and built environment. Our future looks bright, it looks vibrant and progressive.

What we offer | Te āhua o ā mātou mahi

• Competitive salary between $86,862 and $102,190, plus a 3.5% Kiwisaver employer contribution (where eligible)
• 5 weeks annual leave and a community service day
• Long service leave after qualifying periods
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Supportive work environment that values work-life balance
• Annual flu vaccinations and subsidised health and eye checks
• Onsite café, staff gym and wellness space
• Study leave, professional memberships, and fees support
• The opportunity to make a real difference in the future of a vibrant, growing city

Applications close: 11.00 pm, Sunday 20 September 2026.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all those suitably qualified for this position.

Job Profile

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