Senior Financial Accountant

Senior Financial Accountant job description

The Senior Financial Accountant is responsible for leading financial reporting, ensuring compliance with NZ IFRS, and managing tax obligations in line with IRD requirements. This role plays a key part in month-end close, statutory reporting, and providing financial insights to senior stakeholders across New Zealand.

Senior Financial Accountant duties and responsibilities of the job

Key responsibilities of a Senior Financial Accountant include:

Preparing accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with NZ IFRS

Leading the month-end close process, including journal preparation, balance sheet reconciliations, and variance analysis

Ensuring timely and compliant filing of GST, PAYE, FBT, and provisional tax returns with the IRD

Supporting annual audit processes and preparing workpapers for external auditors

Maintaining fixed asset registers and managing depreciation schedules

Assisting with budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling

Developing and maintaining financial controls and accounting policies

Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to support financial transparency

Providing guidance to junior finance team members and supporting technical accounting queries

Utilising systems such as SAP, Xero, or MYOB to ensure accurate and efficient reporting

Senior Financial Accountant job qualifications and requirements

A CA ANZ or CPA Australia qualification is required. Candidates should have at least 5 years’ experience in financial accounting, including experience in statutory reporting and tax compliance.

Requirements include:

Proven expertise in NZ IFRS reporting and IRD tax compliance

Strong proficiency with financial systems such as SAP, Xero, or MYOB

Demonstrated experience supporting external audit and ensuring regulatory compliance

Advanced Excel skills for financial analysis, modelling, and reporting

Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities

Effective communication skills for engaging with stakeholders across New Zealand

Experience in budgeting and forecasting processes

Involvement in process improvement or systems implementation

Team leadership or mentoring junior finance staff

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Salary for Senior Financial Accountant

120000 - 140000

25th Percentile

120000

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th Percentile

130000

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th Percentile

140000

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills and may have specialised qualifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or KiwiSaver.

Projected salaries for related positions

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25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

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Senior Management Accountant

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