Assistant Accountant
Tā tātou atarua – Our vision
Enabling what matters
He angitūtanga - The opportunity
Our Organisation Performance group encompasses both Business Transformation and Finance, working together to drive efficiency and accountability. The Finance Team ensures the integrity of the Council’s financial systems, acting as key financial stewards. Their role extends across the entire community, ensuring compliance, transparency, and responsible financial management.
The role of Assistant Accountant reports to the Senior Financial Accountant and is essential to also supporting our Senior Finance Business Partner, Financial Services Manager and Financial Services Team Leader in completing a variety of accounting and bookkeeping tasks. They'll need to go beyond the numbers and provide a proactive and positive contribution to the Group by using “best practice” principles. This opportunity will assist the successful candidate with a structured plan to develop and enhance their accounting skills in an on the job scenario within a large entity. It can also help support the successful candidate in obtaining a CA or AT qualification with Chartered Accountants Australia – New Zealand as the Council is an Approved Training Organisation with CAANZ.
He kōrero mōu - About you
You are a proactive critical thinker who thrives in an environment where you analyse and evaluate information in a logical way when solving complex problems. You also like to learn on a hands on basis, look to understand the bigger picture with how process/systems fit together and can develop and clearly communicate problems and solution options. It is essential you have some accounting fundamental knowledge especially around financial month end processes and reporting.
It would be advantageous if you have some understanding/experience of NZ taxation rules in Goods and Services Tax, Fringe Benefit Tax, Withholding tax and Schedular payments, and Payroll areas. Also a knowledge in Accounting Standards, financial reporting, and performance monitoring processes in local government. Furthermore, you may be working towards a Bachelor degree in Accounting or are working towards becoming a Chartered Accountant or a CPA.
Your appreciation for Tikanga Māori and Māori values informs your approach to Council functions, stakeholder engagement, and team collaboration. As a local government kaimahi, we can look to you to uphold our values of Mahi Tahi, #arohatōmahi, Manaakitanga, and Tiakitanga.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer
· Have a direct impact on the lives of our Horowhenua Community.
· Training and ongoing development
· Inclusive and supportive colleges and managers
· Exciting and varied place to work
· Free parking
· Wellbeing benefits
Tā tātou ahurea – Our culture
Horowhenua District Council takes pride in Mahi Tahi; being an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and empowers our kaimahi. Driven by Tiakitanga, collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to community, we both drive your career and enable what matters for kaimahi and community alike.
Tono mai ināianei - Apply now
This is a full-time, permanent position, and an exciting opportunity to further your career and have a clear succession path ahead. If you are interested in learning more about what the role involves check out the position description, if you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Steve Tanner 06 366 0999.
Recruitment for this role closes on Wednesday 10 December 2025 at which time all applications will be reviewed and we will contact you to advise you of your application progress. We anticipate conducting interviews with selected candidates during the application process up to the week ending Friday 19th December 2025.
He rau ringa e pakari ai ngā taura whiri i ō tātou kāinga noho me ō tātou hapori – mai i te pae maunga o Tararua ki te moana With many hands the threads which weave our neighbourhoods and communities together will be strengthened from the Tararua Ranges to the sea.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
