Business Accounting Manager at Department of Conservation, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Key role within the Financial Leadership team of Te Papa Atawhai.
• Complex and meaningful work
• Permanent, full-time role based in Wellington with flexible ways of working.

Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata

If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive

Te Papa Atawhai, Department of Conservation (DOC) serves to protect and sustain nature across Aotearoa. As an honourable Treaty partner, we are working to ensure our kaupapa, Papatūānuku thrives, leaves a footprint that strengthens the future for our mokopuna, whānau, hapū and iwi. We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We do this by:

• Protecting land, species, ecosystems, and cultural heritage for conservation purposes
• Managing threats and adverse impacts
• Being a voice for conservation
• Connecting people to nature

He angitūtanga: About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Business Accounting Manager will be based in Wellington and part of the Finance Leadership Team. You will manage, lead and mentor a team of Business Accountants dispersed throughout the country, who provide robust and efficient financial reporting, and business analysis and advice to the operational teams.   As your team is dispersed throughout the motu, you will be comfortable travelling to connect with your team. 

This is a hands-on position where your key role is to ensure financial information is accurate, presented in a timely manner and that strong controls are maintained to ensure financial integrity.  

As the Business Accounting Manager, you will support Te Papa Atawhai's Regional Operations Leadership team with financial reporting and business analysis. You will meet regularly with the DDG for Regional Operations to discuss the group's, financial position, risks, and opportunities. You will be the key link to the work that is being undertaken by your team across the regions.  With your technical competence and confidence, you can provide advice and assistance to your team on all aspects of financial management and accounting practices.  Te Papa Atawhai offers a variety of work not often found in other public service organisations, with commercial third-party revenue, a large capital investment programme, and a continuous variety of new projects and initiatives undertaken.  

At the start of the financial year our FMIS underwent a major upgrade which over time will significantly improve businesses processes, financial information, and the way the Business Accounting team operates. This is a unique opportunity for the Business Accounting Manager to lead the team to support the business to embed the changes, improve financial management and realise the benefits of the new system. 

He kōrero mōu: What we are looking for

You will bring strong capability in leading, motivating, and coaching team members to achieve their full potential, coupled with good interpersonal skills and confidence in building and continuously fostering relationships, both internally and externally. You can confidently prioritise, plan, organise and allocate resources across work streams and communicate this to your team.  Experience managing a dispersed team would be of an advantage.  

You will have strong analytical and effective problem-solving skills, coupled with your proven ability to recognise areas for improvement.   

To be successful in this position you will also have the following skills and experience:

• A professional accounting qualification – Chartered Accountant or similar with three years or more post qualified experience.
• Experience in public sector financial management would be an advantage.
• Able to competently use the SAP financial management information system (or similar ERP system)
• Competent with the Microsoft Office suite of applications, including Microsoft Excel to an advanced level
• Has knowledge and experience of financial management systems and processes including:
  • a thorough knowledge and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP)
  • management reporting & budgeting
  • identification of business risks, issues, and opportunities
  • asset management theory and practice
  • the government financial management framework and applicable legislation

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What's in it for you?

Te Papa Atawhai is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, creating an inclusive workplace culture, supporting the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and lifting our cultural capability. We encourage our people to bring their authentic self and unique perspectives to work, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to well-being and professional development includes:

• Flexible working options where applicable
• Te Pukenga Atawhai – Cultural Capability Development Programme
• Active employee networks including Te Kāwai Aho Tapu - Māori Kaimahi Network, Rainbow Network

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience, and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. 

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment. 

Rā katinga | Applications close at 5 pm on Sunday 2 April 2023

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Thomas Gay, Team Lead Recruitment at 027 231 8203 or tgay@doc.govt.nz up until Friday 24 March then Debbie Fahey, Senior Recruitment Advisor at dfahey@doc.govt.nz or 027 286 2746

Taupānga| Job Reference: DOC/1703388