Accounts and Operations Assistant

About Us

Shaw Asphalters is an established, growth-focused asphalt paving and civil contracting business based in Hamilton. We are in growth mode, and building a systems focused, professional business.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced Accounts & Operations Assistant to own our entire back-office function. You'll handle incoming enquiry, all accounts administration, payroll, job costing, and operational workflows, providing support to our MD, Operations Manager, and HSQE team. This isn't just a back-office box: being a small business, you'll see the full picture of how the business works and have real influence on how we operate.

Currently our needs are part time, but over the next 6 months this likely could become a full time role.

What You'll Do

• Own Xero administration: AP/AR, bank reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations, month-end journals
• Full payroll responsibility: processing, PAYE, deductions, reporting, IRD compliance
• Set up and manage job costing codes; drive project profitability tracking
• Handle accounts administration, documentation, and compliance
• Answer inbound enquiries and triage; provide reception support as needed
• Support and implement process improvement projects
• Provide ad hoc administrative support to the MD (EA-style tasks)
• Support Operations Manager and HSQE with administrative coordination

Who We're Looking For

• Outstanding people skills: you communicate clearly, you're someone people enjoy working with, and you handle queries with patience and positivity
• 3+ years in an SME environment, ideally with exposure to multiple functions: finance, HR, sales support, operations
• Someone genuinely organised with strong problem solving abilities: systems come naturally to you, priorities are clear, and you thrive in variety
• Solid Xero experience
• Deep knowledge of NZ payroll, GST, and PAYE compliance
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 and able to work with new systems
• Detail-oriented with financial data, reliable and proactive
• Delivery/outcome focussed - conciously aware of creating value to the business

Nice to Have

• HR administration or people coordination experience
• Sales support or quote pipeline management background
• Trades or construction industry exposure
• Experience implementing process improvements

Why Shaw Asphalters

Competitive salary negotiable based on experience