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

We're looking for an experienced and detail-focused Accountant to join our Finance team and play an important role in delivering accurate, reliable financial reporting for Palmerston North City Council.

This is a varied, hands-on accounting role where you'll apply your technical expertise across financial reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, period-end processes and audit preparation. You'll also have opportunities to contribute to improvements in our financial systems and processes, helping ensure the organisation has reliable financial information to support sound decision-making.

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, Wednesday 28 October 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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