Accounting Manager

Discover a career with purpose at Waitaki District Council

Waitaki District Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our 25,000 residents and creating a thriving, sustainable community. With a committed team of professionals, we provide essential services 24/7, ensuring the wellbeing of our district. We manage infrastructure, environmental conservation, community development, and regulatory services, responding to thousands of community interactions each year while proactively addressing local needs and challenges.

We’re committed to specific goals and targets that emphasise our collaborative approach with iwi, local communities, other government sectors, and business partners. Together, living our organisational attitudes and behaviours, we will build a thriving one-team culture, enabling delivery of excellence in service for Waitaki.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

As Accounting Manager, you will play a pivotal leadership role within our Support Services Directorate, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.

You will lead Council’s accounting function, providing trusted financial advice, accurate reporting and strong internal controls that empower the organisation to make sound financial decisions. You’ll oversee various accounting operations, ensure compliance with statutory obligations and deliver timely, high-quality financial insights that support Council’s strategic and operational goals.

You Will Also:

• Lead, mentor and develop a skilled accounting team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and learning
• Manage the preparation of core financial reports, statements and statutory returns to meet legislative and audit requirements
• Oversee Council’s treasury functions, bank reconciliations and investment activities to optimise cashflow and financing efficiency
• Drive the development of Council’s budgets and financial performance monitoring, proactively identifying risks and opportunities
• Implement robust financial policies, systems and controls to strengthen organisational performance and accountability
• Partner with the CFO and wider leadership team to align financial strategies with the Long-Term Plan and Financial Strategy
• Collaborate with Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs) to ensure effective financial reporting and information sharing

This is a role for a technically skilled and people-centred leader who enjoys working in a collaborative, community-focused organisation.

He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring

You are a capable and motivated finance professional who thrives on leading teams, building trust and delivering excellence in financial management. You bring both strategic insight and operational rigour, with the ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable information.

You Will Bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in accounting, finance or commerce
• CA membership with Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (minimum classification)
• At least five years’ management accounting experience, ideally within the public sector or local government
• Strong understanding of the Local Government Act, Rating Act, and financial reporting frameworks
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams to deliver high performance and continuous improvement
• Expertise in accounting systems, financial modelling and analysis tools
• Strong communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior leaders, auditors and external stakeholders
• A full New Zealand driver licence

If you are ready to take the next step in your finance leadership career and want to play a key role in supporting sound financial stewardship for our community, we’d love to hear from you.

Mo tātou | About us

Waitaki District Council (WDC) is a dynamic and progressive local government organisation dedicated to serving the residents and communities of the Waitaki District. Our aim is to foster a thriving, innovative and sustainable community through effective governance, quality service delivery and a commitment to continuous improvement.

As a proud 2025 HRD Employer of Choice Excellence Awardee, we are recognised nationally for creating a workplace where our people feel supported, valued and empowered to make a difference. We are building a culture of collaboration, wellbeing and growth, where our people can do their best work for our district and for each other.

• At WDC, we provide a wide range of essential services that contribute to the wellbeing and development of our communities, including:
• Infrastructure and Environment: Managing and maintaining roads, water supply, waste management and recreational facilities to meet the needs of our growing district.
• Community and Economic Development: Supporting local businesses, tourism and community initiatives to promote economic growth and enhance quality of life.
• Regulatory Services: Ensuring compliance with building, environmental and public health standards to create a safe and healthy environment for all.
• Customer and Community Engagement: Actively engaging with our community to understand their needs and deliver exceptional customer service across all channels.

We are committed to innovation, collaboration and service excellence, striving to be a leading council that makes Waitaki a great place to live, work and visit.

WDC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Research shows that women and people from minority groups may hesitate to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. If you are excited about this role and believe you can contribute to our work, we encourage you to apply.

Me pēhea te tono | How to Apply

If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored Cover Letter and CV. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which may include references, credit check, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.

All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email.

All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The salary for this position will commence between $108,802 and $128,002 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.

Applications close Sunday 02 November 2025.

For any queries related to this position, please contact Rachael on rwhiteman@waitaki.govt.nz