• Full Time
• Application Closes 20 Sep 2026
• Manawatu - Palmerston North
• Financial Specialist

The role 

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join our Finance team as one of two Finance Business Partners. Working alongside designated groups and their teams across the organisation, you will provide high-quality business partnering support and bring a clear financial perspective to operational and strategic decisions.

This is permanent, full-time position based in Palmerston North.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will act as a trusted strategic partner to leaders across the organisation, working closely with assigned business groups and contributing to key leadership discussions. You will provide insight into the financial and operational drivers of performance, translate complex information into clear, commercially focused advice, and proactively identify risks, opportunities and strategic options to support informed decision-making. 

Your advice will support strategic decision-making, future planning and the delivery of community outcomes within financial parameters, while keeping the organisation’s wider priorities in view.

About you 

The successful applicant will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in accounting or finance.
• Relevant experience as an accountant or management accountant, ideally including finance business partnering within a complex organisation.
• Chartered Accountant membership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, or an equivalent professional accounting body, is desirable.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, practical advice for non-financial audiences.
• The ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work within required timeframes.
• A results-focused and curious mindset, with the ability to explore the drivers behind performance and use those insights to identify risks, opportunities and practical solutions.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build trusted relationships, work effectively with people from a range of backgrounds, and constructively challenge assumptions when needed.

Why join us?

When you join us, you can look forward to a rewarding career full of opportunities to develop a positive and supportive work environment. We do this through: 

• Positive focus on employee health, wellness and wellbeing initiatives across the organisation including your birthday off, wellness day, life insurance for all permanent staff and 5 weeks leave after 2 years of service.
• Flexible family friendly work environment.
• Ongoing development and opportunities across the organisation to grow, specialise or diversify your skills.
• Working together for a better environment across our region.
• A supportive and social work environment across the organisation.

About us 

The Horizons region extends over 22,200km2 - from Ruapehu in the north and Horowhenua in the south, to Whanganui in the west and Tararua in the east. We work with and for our community in the use and protection of our environment, managing our precious resources of land, air and water, as well as public transport and a key role in emergency management. At Horizons Regional Council we work to make our region a healthy environment where people are thriving, including our staff.

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 20 September 2026. 

Horizons are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive workplace, so our people reflect the diversity of our region.