Business Accountant (Fixed Term)

Bring your accounting expertise to DOC and help drive financial excellence in conservation projects across the South Island West Coast region, ensuring sustainable growth and success for generations to come$96,185 - $128,912 pro-rataFixed term/secondment: 12 months, Hokitika location - will consider other locations within the South IslandOur vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TūroaThe Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata. Mō te tūranga | About the roleJoin DOC to collaborate on impactful projects, from major capital investments to significant conservation initiatives, all while ensuring sound financial performance and sustainability.As a Business Accountant at DOC, you will be responsible for delivering expert financial services and guidance that support effective decision-making and the long-term success of DOC’s initiatives. You’ll be engaging with a variety of stakeholders, including Regional Operations Director and Managers, to provide invaluable financial analysis, advice, and forecasts. Your insights will play a key role in shaping the future of DOC’s projects and partnerships.Your mahi will also contribute to the success of key partnerships and projects in the region, such as multiple Treaty Settlements with Iwi, and the Waitomo Caves joint venture.The position will:Provide proactive and high-quality advice to internal stakeholders, contributing to management discussions, and evaluating new business initiativesTake the lead in business performance analysis, business planning, budgeting, business cases and forecasting, ensuring all financial and non-financial performance is on trackMonitor compliance with legislation and financial guidelines, developing systems and processes for continuous improvementBuild and maintain strong, productive relationships internally and externally, driving a culture of teamwork and engagementContribute to process improvements and insightsThere will be some travel within the region required.Click here for the Role DescriptionNgā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experienceYou have excellent communication skills and the maturity and confidence to interact with people from all walks of life. You will have good critical thinking skills, the ability to work independently and deal with ambiguity.There can be times when the workload will be high so you will need to be able to remain calm and focused and work well under pressure. You will also have:A tertiary qualification in accounting or a business discipline (NZICA CA qualification desirable), or equivalent experienceDemonstrated experience in financial management accounting in a medium or large organisation, government experience would be an advantage, with a strong understanding of GAAPKnowledge of complex financial management frameworks (capital planning, opex, third party revenue and projects) and relevant legislationSkilled in systems such as SAP, BEX analyser, and Microsoft Excel (advanced)Proven ability to build trust and credibility and maintain collaborative relationshipsA strong customer focus, skilled at identifying and responding to user needsAbility to review and analyse complex accounting data, and clearly communicate what matters for a range of stakeholdersFull Drivers LicenseDesirable:Proficiency in advanced technical spreadsheet modellingFamiliarity with Treaty Settlement implementation would be advantageousMō te tīma | About the teamThe Finance Directorate ensures the viability of the Department through strategic financial management and by planning, measuring, and reporting its year-to-year business and financial interests.You will be one of a team of Business Accountants dispersed throughout Aotearoa. This team is diverse, highly skilled, and highly regarded in the organisation, with established systems and processes which enable an effective, connected supportive team environment.He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.Tonoa inaiānei | Apply nowApply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.The salary range for this position is $96,185 - $128,912 pro-rata with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 3 December 2025Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Euan Brownlie, ebrownlie@doc.govt.nz