• Make a difference. Bring your love for people and numbers and help shape our future
• Permanent | Full-time

Whakatāne District Council is on the lookout for a skilled and relationship-focused Management Accountant to join our Business Partnering team. If you're looking for a role where you can combine your technical expertise with a passion for partnering with people, this is your opportunity to make a real impact in a dynamic, community-focused organisation.

Ko wai mātau | About us

At Whakatāne District Council we love what we do because we do it for others, and that feels good. We work hard and we know it's important to stop and play too. We're on a learning journey because we know we can always do better, and we know we're better together. Will you come on that journey with us? You'll get access to a range of staff benefits and you'll never be more than half an hour away from rivers, lakes, forests, beaches, and great walks - most are just on your doorstep. We love this place, and you will too.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

In this role, you'll be much more than just the numbers person. As a trusted financial advisor, you'll support activity managers and business units to make informed, strategic decisions. Your financial modelling, analysis, and advice will help shape council services and investments, ensuring we deliver value for our community today and in the future. You'll also play a key role in major planning documents and reporting, and support continuous improvement across our financial systems and processes.

You'll be responsible for:

• Supporting the development of long-term plans, annual budgets, asset management plans, and financial policies.
• Partnering with managers to build and manage budgets, providing insights and reporting.
• Preparing business cases and financial models, including cost-benefit and scenario analysis.
• Developing and maintaining loan schedules, reserve accounts, and reporting on capital work in progress.
• Supporting monthly reporting, audit preparation, and annual reporting processes.
• Providing training and support to managers on finance processes and systems.
• Delivering high-quality, timely advice to support decision-making across Council.

Ko wai koe | About you

You're a confident communicator who understands how to use financial information to tell a story and support decision-making. You're equally comfortable working independently or collaboratively and thrive on helping others understand and manage their budgets.

You will bring:

• A relevant degree in accounting, and ideally CA or CPA qualified (or working towards).
• Experience applying advanced financial knowledge in a business environment.
• Previous experience with financial planning, analysis, and reporting—ideally in local government or a similar sector.
• Strong modelling and analytical skills, with the ability to deliver clear, practical financial advice.
• Experience preparing business plans and supporting senior leaders through financial decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative and approachable style.
• Strong time management, attention to detail, and the ability to juggle competing priorities.

Ngā whaipainga | Our values

• We're always learning and improving - Toitū te Taumata
• We're passionate and proud - Toitū te Mauri Ora
• We work as one team - Toitū te Mahi Tahi
• We put people at the heart of everything we do - Toitū te Tangata
• We care about our environment - Toitū te Taiao

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

If you're looking for a rewarding role where your work makes a real difference to the place you live, apply today and help guide Whakatāne District Council's financial future.

We are keen to recruit for this role ASAP, so get your application in quick.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Kelly Farr, Manager Financial Planning and Reporting on 07 306 0500.