Assistant Accountant

• Full Time
• Application Closes 04 May 2026
• Canterbury - Christchurch City
• Accountant and Auditor

Te whai wāhitanga | The opportunity

We are seeking an Assistant Accountant to join our Finance Team in Christchurch.

This role plays a key part in delivering accurate, timely payroll and financial services that support financial governance and decision making across the organisation. You’ll work across payroll administration, transactional accounting, reporting and compliance, supporting both day to day operations and key organisational deliverables.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional who enjoys variety, values accuracy and integrity, and wants to contribute to a purpose driven organisation with a global footprint.

Mō te mahi | About the role – What you’ll be doing

In this role, you will:

• Coordinate and support payroll processing, working closely with the People Team and Datacom to ensure accuracy and compliance

• Deliver high quality transactional accounting, including bank processing, reconciliations, accounts receivable and credit card reconciliations

• Support monthly and year end reporting, balance sheet reconciliations and audit processes

• Assist with statutory, tax and compliance reporting, including GST and other public sector disclosures

• Support the use and continuous improvement of financial systems, including Business Central

• Provide professional, responsive finance support across the organisation

This role offers exposure across the full finance function and the chance to build strong relationships across Antarctica New Zealand.

Mōu | About you – What you’ll bring

You’ll bring a blend of technical capability, attention to detail and a collaborative mindset. You will ideally have:

• A tertiary accounting qualification (or equivalent experience)

• At least three years’ experience in a similar accounting or finance role

• Strong knowledge of payroll processing and New Zealand payroll legislation

• Sound understanding of accounting principles and reconciliation processes

• Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with financial systems (Business Central desirable)

• A proactive, solutions focused approach and strong communication skills

• A high level of integrity and respect for confidentiality

Most importantly, you’ll be motivated by contributing to an organisation with a meaningful mission.

He aha ai mātou | Why join us?

You will be part of an organisation working in one of the world’s most unique and globally significant environments. Supporting our vision to ensure Antarctica, and the Southern Ocean are valued, protected and understood — now and for generations to come.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe workplace.

Tono mai ināianei | Apply now

If you’re looking for a finance role with purpose, variety and impact, we’d love to hear from you.

For further details and to view the full role description, please click Apply.

Applications close Monday 4 May 12.00pm we will be reviewing applications as they are submitted and will progress suitable candidates as they apply. Therefore, we may close the position earlier so don’t delay.

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and will be required to undergo pre employment checks.