Assistant Accountant

We’re seeking a detail oriented and motivated Assistant Accountant to join our finance team. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your accounting career in a supportive environment where accuracy and collaboration matters.

About the role | Kōrero mō te tūranga

This role contributes to ensuring that the quality and integrity of financial information reported on by the Financial Accounting team is of an excellent standard. The position is accountable for maintaining accurate and timely reporting to the Treasury, assisting with managing month-end departmental / Crown transactions, and the integrity of the general ledgers.

In this role, you’ll assist with day-to-day financial operations, including reconciliations, accounts processing, and reporting. You’ll work closely with the rest of the Finance team to ensure compliance and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

The salary band for this role is $79,233 - $101,813 with appointment expected to be below the mid-point.

About You | Ko wai koe

Required

• Experience working with a large FMIS, particularly general ledger and the preparation of monthly accounts
• Good knowledge of the Microsoft Suite of products, including Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Knowledge of New Zealand Accounting Standard (NZIFRS) and the Public Finance Act
• Demonstrates an appropriate level of attention to detail and seeks clarification from those more experienced when needed.
• An accounting degree and working toward a CAANZ (or CPA) qualification with a minimum of two years financial accounting experience.

Working at Customs | Mahi ki te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa

We aim to create a great place to work, where our people have a sense of belonging and the capability and desire to meet our future challenges. We are an organisation that is clear about our mission, and this is underpinned by Te Pou Tokomanawa (the Foundations) and our Whanonga Pono (Values). Our work really matters to the safety and success of New Zealand.

We care about well-being, personal growth, and job satisfaction, which is supported through :

• offering on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to move across diverse roles.
• fostering inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups.
• supporting flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements.
• providing discounted health insurance, and free on-site gyms (in some locations).
• Three days of service holidays, in addition to four weeks of annual leave.

Working for New Zealand Customs…

To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand permanent resident

• and be able to obtain and maintain an Organisational Security clearance.
• ) A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last ten years, (including five years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application;

OR

A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last five years, (including ten years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application who has travelled out of New Zealand for short periods of time i.e.

Because of the nature of Customs’ work you must have a clear Police record. Organisational security clearances are mandatory and are conducted by Customs. You will also be required to pass a drug test.

How To Apply…

To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter, via our online process. (Please note, we do not accept applications sent directly to an email address).

If you have any specific questions about the role, please contact Alice Yan (Team Leader Corporate Accounting) at or (Senior Recruitment Advisor) for any recruitment related queries.

Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.

Deadline for applications is 11pm, 30 November 2025.

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. It provides equal employment opportunities and welcomes applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. Customs | Te Mana Ārai supports flexible working arrangements and welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your flexible working requirements.

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