In short
The problem: Many New Zealand professionals still hold misconceptions about the finance industry (overlooking its breadth, flexibility, and growing career potential) despite strong demand and rising salaries for finance and accounting talent across the country.
The answer: A career in accounting and finance in New Zealand offers diverse, high-earning, and purpose-driven opportunities that go far beyond the traditional perception of “numbers work.”
The result: The Kiwi finance and accounting sector is offering some of the country’s most rewarding and future-focused career opportunities. Robert Half would love to help you find your next role to build your career in accounting and finance.
With more than 20 years of experience, Megan is a seasoned recruitment professional dedicated to facilitating exceptional talent acquisition within the finance and accounting sectors.
With a focus on permanent placements in the Auckland area, Megan specialises in mid to senior-level roles such as CFOs, Financial Controller, Commercial Finance Managers, Finance Manager, Finance Business Partners, Financial Accountant and Management Accountants. My recruitment scope extends across the spectrum, also encompassing roles from Accounts Payable/Receivable, Assistant Accountant, and Company Accountants.
As a qualified accountant herself, she possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of financial roles and the demands of the industry.
New Zealand’s high-paying job landscape is increasingly diversified. According to SEEK’s latest data, financial roles such as Financial Controller and Finance Manager are among the top earners.
Unlike in Australia, where medical professions dominate the top earners, in New Zealand solid financial leadership roles are showing strong earning potential in today’s Kiwi job market.
During my 21 years as a specialised finance and accounting recruiter, I’ve heard every misconception under the sun.
When I meet with emerging talent, whether recent graduates or those exploring a career change, I aim to challenge common perceptions about finance and accounting and highlight the breadth of opportunities it offers beyond the numbers.
“Those workers are only motivated by money.”
“Don’t I need an accounting and finance background?”
“The environment is too ‘high pressure’ for me.”
“I don’t have enough connections to work in finance and accounting.”
While I understand the perspective, it doesn’t always align with what I observed.
In this blog, I’ll explain why a career in accounting and finance could be your next big move. If you’re bored in your current job, burnt out, or simply curious, know that there’s a breadth of opportunities waiting.
Join me as I provide practical insight into how a finance and accounting career is possible for career changers, new graduates, early professionals, and even the financially curious.
Related: How to encourage innovation in the workplace
Finance and accounting careers today
I truly believe there’s never been a more exciting time to explore a career in accounting and finance.
As the global workplace continues to evolve, professionals have access to a wider range of career options spanning diverse and impactful industries and projects.
As someone who has had their finger on the pulse of the finance and accounting market for many years, I’ve had a front row seat to the industry’s evolution. Today’s opportunities go far beyond what many people would imagine when thinking about ‘finance jobs’ or ‘accounting jobs’.
In my early years, most people thought of the field as purely accounting, audit, or investment banking. While these traditional roles are still strong, the industry has expanded as we witness the rise of emerging fields that are completely reshaping the industry.
FinTech is changing how we transact and invest.
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is shaping how companies operate sustainably.
AI and automation are changing business processes and enhancing efficiencies.
Financial data analytics and compliance are more important than ever as companies strive to make smarter, more transparent decisions.
I know what you’re thinking – I could only access these career opportunities with a finance and accounting degree.
Think again.
What I find most exciting about this field is how broad and interdisciplinary it has become. It’s no longer a field reserved for people with formal finance qualifications or accounting and banking backgrounds.
Today, my clients aren’t just looking for technical skills. They’re looking for professionals who have:
Technological literacy: To navigate the worlds of AI, big data, and cyber-security.
Communication skills: To deliver actionable insights, build trust and shape strategies.
Creative thinking and problem-solving: To manage the complexities of modern business environments.
Environmental stewardship: To understand and implement sustainable practices.
I often meet with career changers, new graduates and early professionals considering a move into finance and accounting. As I explain to them, there’s never been a better time to take the leap.
What finance and accounting offer beyond a pay check
Working in this sector has taught me that a career in accounting and finance offers so much more than money.
Having placed countless professionals in the industry, I’ve seen the real rewards. The ones that can enrich your employee experience, expand your opportunities and empower you with life skills that will benefit you in finance and accounting and beyond.
A competitive salary is one thing, but in my conversations with finance and accounting professionals, four factors influence their decision to stay in the industry.
1. Growth potential
If you’re looking for clear advancement pathways, a career in accounting and finance is where you can find them.
Of all the industries I work across, the advancement pathways in accounting finance are perhaps the clearest. I believe the breadth of opportunities is truly unmatched.
As I tell my candidates, accounting and finance is a career that you can expect to grow into over the next 10-20 years (and beyond in many cases).
Whether you start in accounting, financial analysis, or operations, there’s room to grow into senior leadership, specialise in a niche area, or pivot into related industries.
I’ve successfully placed a wide range of professionals and have seen their careers flourish in just a few years through skill-building, continuous learning, and mentorship.
2. Flexibility
Are you looking for a better work-life balance? (Many of the professionals I place are).
In 2025, 62% of workers say their employer has increased flexible work hours compared to the previous year. *
This speaks to the degree of flexibility and adaptability that a career in accounting and finance can offer.
Modern businesses are aware that to win the war on talent, they need to offer more than a ‘9-5 office set-up’.
Today, I work with many organisations that not only offer remote and project-based work, but also encourage overseas experiences, recognising the value of globally transferable skills in an increasingly connected market.
This allows me to place professionals in roles that align with their lifestyle values. Finance and accounting is one industry that promotes career progression while aligning with individual preferences - whether it’s working flexible hours, hybrid working, or building a global career.
Related: 7 good questions to ask during an interview
3. Purpose
You’d be surprised how many people think of finance and accounting as a ‘cold-hearted’ industry.
If you think these workers are in the game just to make a profit, think again.
For many, it’s the best place to make a difference.
Opportunities in ESG, impact investing, and financial education allow you to contribute to sustainability, community wellbeing, and social change, while also applying financial acumen to support operational decision-making and drive meaningful outcomes across the business.
It provides a genuine sense of purpose for many of the professionals I meet, keeping them engaged, motivated and satisfied.
4. Skills
The rewards of a career in accounting and finance aren’t just found in your bank account.
In my conversations with finance and accounting professionals, many highlight the important life skills that their career has afforded them.
From personal finance to investing, strategic thinking to problem solving, you can’t put a price on the skills you will carry for life (in and outside the office).
Related: How to write a CV in NZ
How people get into finance and accounting
I’ve seen it all when it comes to people entering the finance and accounting industry.
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no standardised pathway for a career in accounting and finance.
Here are some of the ways I have seen people enter the industry:
Traditional routes – For example, finance and accounting degrees, internships, and grad programs. These avenues offer structured training, hands-on experience, and a direct line into accounting, financial analysis, or banking roles. This is the most popular way.
Career changes and lateral moves – Believe it or not, not all finance and accounting professionals started in finance and accounting. I’ve placed plenty of career-changing candidates who started in industries like marketing, engineering and operations. This is often a huge selling point for employers as they can bring fresh perspectives and highly coveted transferable skills. Skills like communication, data analysis, and problem-solving can be just as valuable (often more valuable) than traditional technical skills.
Key skills – Finance and accounting is not just an industry for ‘numbers people’. Having skills in communication, data analysis, and operations can often translate well to finance and accounting roles. Many of the candidates I’ve placed have got over the line because of these skills, and they’ve provided a strong foundation for their industry success.
Alternative paths – Looking to enhance your skills without a traditional degree? Today, there is more choice than ever before. Bootcamps in financial modelling or data analytics, along with certifications like the CA, CFA or CPA can open doors and give you credibility in the market.
Related: Career change cover letter
Where can a career in accounting and finance take you?
I can’t understate the breadth of opportunities that a career in accounting and finance can offer.
The roles within this industry are vast, and I truly believe there is something to suit everyone regardless of their qualifications, values, or life stage.
Unsure where you might fit?
I’ve broken the key areas down for you so you can identify a path that aligns with your personal goals.
Accounting
Accounting is the process of recording, analysing, and reporting a business’s financial transactions to provide clear insights into its performance and position. It is both a vital compliance function and a strategic tool for guiding smarter business decisions.
Accounting roles include:
Accounts Assistant
Assistant Accountant
Accountant
Company Accountant
Group Accountant
Accounts Payable Officer
Accounts Payable Manager
Accounts Receivable Officer
Accounts Receivable Manager
Financial Accountant
Senior Financial Accountant
Corporate Accountant
Cost Accountant
Management Accountant
Senior Management Accountant
Financial/business analysis
This is the growth area of the business. Financial and business analysis involves evaluating data, trends, and performance metrics to help organisations make informed strategic and operational decisions. This field is essential for turning raw numbers into actionable insights that drive growth, efficiency, and long-term success.
Financial/business analysis roles include:
Finance Business Partner
Senior Finance Business Partner
Financial Planning and Analysis Manager
Commercial Analyst
Commercial Manager
Financial management
Financial management is a critical discipline that balances day-to-day financial operations with long-term strategic decision-making. It encompasses the planning, organising, and controlling of an organisation’s financial resources to achieve its goals and maximise value.
Financial management roles include:
Finance Manager
Financial Controller
Head of Finance
CFO / Finance Director (SME)
CFO / Finance Director (Large / MN)
Credit management
Credit management is the process of assessing, monitoring, and collecting customer credit to minimise risk and maintain healthy cash flow. It is considered to be a vital function that protects an organisation’s financial stability while supporting positive client relationships.
Credit management roles include:
Credit Controller
Credit Manager
Internal audit
Internal audit is the independent evaluation of an organisation’s processes, controls, and risk management to ensure compliance and improve efficiency. This crucial business function is highly proactive – it seeks to safeguard assets while identifying opportunities for stronger governance and performance.
Internal audit roles include:
Internal Auditor
Payroll
Payroll is the administration of employee compensation, including wages, salaries, bonuses, deductions, and compliance with tax and employment regulations. This critical function ensures employees are paid accurately and on time while meeting all legal and reporting obligations.
Payroll roles include:
Payroll Clerk / Officer
Payroll Manager
Tax
Tax is the management of an organisation’s obligations to local, state, and federal tax authorities, including planning, compliance, and reporting. While it is a regulatory requirement, it also serves as a strategic function that can optimise financial outcomes and support business growth.
Tax roles include:
Tax Accountant
Senior Tax Accountant
Tax Manager
Contract, permanent, and interim work
As a recruiter in the finance and accounting space, no two days are alike.
It’s a flexible industry, no matter if you’re looking for a permanent position, a contract role or interim work, know that finance and accounting accommodates a range of working arrangements.
Permanent roles
Perfect for those seeking stability and growth.
These roles are best suited to professionals wanting long-term career development, clear progression pathways, and the chance to build deep relationships within a business.
Benefits include paid leave, training programs, community and camaraderie within a team.
Contract roles
Ideal for those prioritising variety and skill-building.
These roles are best suited to professionals who thrive in new environments - tackling different challenges and gaining exposure to multiple industries or projects.
The advantages of contract work include growing your network, diversifying your experience, and commanding higher hourly rates for your expertise where appropriate.
Interim roles
Focus is on delivering high-impact results in a short period.
Best suited to experienced leaders.
Must be able to step into senior positions at short notice—often during times of change, transformation, or crisis.
The purpose of interim roles is to deliver quick results and stabilise operations.
I’m often asked why finance and accounting allows for these different types of work.
The truth is, every business needs a finance function. By design, it’s very cyclical—think end-of-financial-year, tax, and audits. These factors create consistent demand for flexible work arrangements, often more so if a company is scaling up, navigating a merger, or trying to cover a position.
As I tell the candidates I work with, there’s always room for skilled finance and accounting professionals in different capacities.
If you’re a financially curious professional, consider this your sign to consider a career in finance and accounting. It’s time to swap your misconceptions for ambitions and explore the opportunities that await in this dynamic, flexible, and rewarding industry.
Contact Robert Half today to find your next finance and accounting role.
*The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in November 2024 by an independent research company among 500 full-time office workers in finance, accounting, and IT and technology. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs as well as large private, publicly-listed and public sector organisations across New Zealand. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management, and trends in the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are finance jobs in demand in New Zealand?
The truth is, every business needs a finance function. By design, it’s very cyclical—think end-of-financial-year, tax, and audits. These factors create consistent demand for flexible work arrangements, often more so if a company is scaling up, navigating a merger, or trying to cover a position.
2. What is the highest-paid job in finance?
According to the 2025 Robert Half Salary Guide, the highest paid job in finance is CFO / Finance Director (Large / MN).
Income by percentile is below:
25th percentile - $300,000
50th percentile - $400,000
75th percentile - $500,000
3. What degree is best for a career in finance?
A bachelor's degree in finance, commerce or business is a popular choice for individuals seeking a career in accounting and finance.
That said, it’s important to acknowledge that different degrees are useful for different specialities.
While traditional routes like finance degrees, internships, and grad programs are beneficial, there are other ways to get your foot in the door.
Many backgrounds bring value, and a less traditional path (i.e., career change or lateral move) can help you stand out as someone with a unique perspective.
4. How can I start a finance career in New Zealand with no experience?
Experience isn’t everything, but proactivity counts. Make an effort to:
Gain relevant education or certifications.
Apply for entry-level roles or internships.
Build your professional network.
Develop key skills.
Craft an impactful resume and cover letter.
Consider temporary or contract roles.
5. What key skills are essential for finance professionals in New Zealand?
Financial credentials that validate your expertise.
Clear communication and negotiation skills.
Financial reporting skills.
Analytical ability and data-driven decision making.
Knowledge of digital tools and FinTech platforms.
Market awareness and strategic financial insight.
Relationship-building and collaboration skills.
