Financial Accountant Team Leader

Why join us? | He aha ngā hua o tō piri mai?

• Make a Difference: Contribute to the development of Palmerston North City while enjoying a fulfilling career that positively impacts our community
• 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 and hybrid working.

About the role | Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga

We’re have an opportunity for an experienced and motivated finance professional to join Palmerston North City Council as our Financial Accountant Team Leader.

This is a pivotal leadership role within our Corporate Services Group. You’ll be responsible for overseeing Council’s financial reporting, internal controls, and external audit processes ensuring that our financial performance is clear, accurate, and aligned with strategic objectives.

You’ll lead a small team of Financial Accountants, provide high-level technical guidance, and collaborate across the organisation to continuously improve financial processes, systems, and reporting quality.

Reporting to the Finance Manager, this role combines leadership, strategic oversight, and technical accounting expertise.

This is a full-time role, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Your focus in this role will include:

• Leading Council’s financial reporting processes, including coordination of the Annual Report and audit engagement.
• Managing the monthly and quarterly performance reporting cycle for senior leaders and Elected Members.
• Ensuring Council’s financial systems and internal controls are robust, efficient, and compliant.
• Providing technical accounting guidance and interpretation of financial standards.
• Coaching and developing the Financial Accountant team, setting clear direction and expectations.

About you | Ngā kōrero mōu

You are a senior finance professional with strong technical knowledge and leadership experience. You thrive in environments where quality, integrity, and continuous improvement are valued.

An understanding of the political and legislative context of local government would be an advantage.

What you will bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree in accountancy (essential).
• Full membership of CAANZ (or equivalent).
• Proven experience in financial reporting and accounting leadership, preferably within local government or a large, complex organisation.
• Confidence managing audit processes and interpreting accounting standards.
• A high degree of analytical, conceptual, and innovative thinking.
• Strong financial systems experience and a focus on process improvement.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to convey complex financial insights clearly.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and coach a team toward high performance.

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 $114,382 and $134,567, plus a 3% 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, Sunday 4 January 2026. Please note due to a Christmas shutdown period applications will not be reviewed until the end of the advertising period.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all those suitably qualified for this position.

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