Job
Description
Job title
Assistant Accountant CNZ/CBE
Reports to
Finance Manager
Purpose
The Assistant Accountant CNZ/CBE supports Coastguard New
Zealand’s finance function by delivering accurate, timely and reliable
financial reporting, statutory returns and financial services to internal
stakeholders. The role helps ensure financial systems, controls and processes
operate effectively and consistently across CNZ and CBE entities, enabling
informed decision‑making and supporting Coastguard’s mission to save lives at
sea.
Specificduties and responsibilities
Financial Reporting and Month‑End Support
§ Manage
monthly and year‑end journal processing to ensure property, plant and equipment
and other financial transactions are accurately recorded for CNZ and CBE, with
excellence demonstrated through correct treatment and alignment with audit
requirements.
§ Support
the month‑end close process by working closely with the CNZ Accountant, with
excellence reflected in timely completion, accuracy and minimal post‑close
adjustments.
§ Prepare
balance sheet account reconciliations and investigate discrepancies promptly,
with excellence demonstrated through accurate supporting documentation and
timely resolution, and readiness for Finance Manager review.
§ Prepare
and provide monthly Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and other required reports
to internal stakeholders, with excellence shown through accuracy, consistency
and timeliness of reporting.
§ Prepare
monthly journals to support accurate financial reporting, with excellence
demonstrated through correct classification, clear narratives and timely
submission for review and approval.
Statutory Compliance
§ Prepare
and file GST and other required tax returns accurately and on time for both CNZ
and CBE, with excellence demonstrated through compliance with legislative
requirements and minimal rework.
§ Support
the completion of non‑statutory statistical returns, ensuring excellence
through accurate data submission and adherence to deadlines.
§ Ensure
financial operations align with Coastguard’s obligations as a registered
charity and with relevant legislation, with excellence reflected in consistent
compliance and sound record‑keeping.
Internal Controls
§ Check
and verify coding for operational and capital expenditure transactions for CNZ
and CBE, with excellence demonstrated through correct classification and
approval alignment.
§ Support
the maintenance of internal control systems to safeguard Coastguard’s assets,
with excellence shown through adherence to control requirements and proactive
identification of issues.
§ Assist
with fixed asset management processes, ensuring excellence through accurate
record maintenance and timely updates.
Corporate Document Support
§ Provide
financial information and models to support strategic plans, annual reports and
funding proposals, with excellence demonstrated through accuracy, clarity and
alignment with supporting financial data.
§ Support
and provide back‑up to the Finance Manager and Accountant roles when required,
with excellence reflected in reliability, responsiveness and continuity of
service.
Technical Advice and Continuous Improvement
§ Provide
accurate financial advice across the organisation within role scope, with
excellence demonstrated through sound judgement and consistent application of
accounting standards.
§ Maintain
up‑to‑date knowledge of accounting standards, not‑for‑profit requirements and
relevant legislation, with excellence reflected in compliant and informed
financial support.
§ Identify
opportunities to improve finance systems and process efficiency, with
excellence shown through constructive suggestions and practical improvements.
Receivables, Banking
and Card Administration
§ Manage
accounts receivable processes for CNZ and CBE, with excellence demonstrated
through timely invoicing, accurate allocations and proactive follow‑up of
outstanding balances.
§ Support
the administration and monitoring of term deposits, with excellence reflected
in accurate record‑keeping, timely reporting and adherence to approved
instructions.
§ Administer
organisational credit card processes, with excellence demonstrated through
accurate reconciliations, timely review of transactions and compliance with
policy requirements.
§ Prepare
bank and related reconciliations, including operational bank accounts, term
deposits and credit card balances, ensuring timely completion, investigation of
variances and clear supporting documentation.
Bank and Transaction Reconciliation- Remove-
will sit with the assistant accountants- from Orlenas JD
§ Accurately
record, reconcile and follow up all bank transactions and discrepancies, with
excellence demonstrated through timely identification, investigation and
resolution of variances.
§ Ensure
all reconciling items are actioned promptly, with excellence reflected in clean
bank reconciliations and minimal outstanding items.
Key Relationships
Internal:
Finance Manager, GM Finance & Funding, CNZ Accountant, wider finance team,
People & Culture team, Senior Leadership Team, Board members and internal
stakeholders.
External:
Auditors, regulatory agencies, and external service providers as required.
Skills, Experience and Knowledge
§ Demonstrated
experience supporting financial reporting, month‑end processes and
reconciliations.
§ Working
knowledge of New Zealand accounting standards, GST and not‑for‑profit financial
requirements.
§ Experience
preparing statutory and non‑statutory financial returns.
§ Strong
attention to detail and discipline in managing financial data, journals and
reconciliations.
§ Experience
using financial systems and spreadsheets to support reporting and analysis.
§ Ability
to manage competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy and control.
§ Clear
written and verbal communication skills to support effective engagement with
internal stakeholders.
§ Ability
to work collaboratively and build positive, professional working relationships.
General Responsibilities
§ Provide
operational cover for key finance activities during periods of leave or absence
within the finance team, including support for payroll and accounts processes
as required, ensuring continuity of service and adherence to controls.
§ Act
in good faith and in the best interests of Coastguard New Zealand at all times,
demonstrating integrity, professionalism and sound judgement.
§ Comply
with all organisational policies, procedures, legislative obligations and
health and safety requirements.
§ Maintain
working knowledge of payroll processes and provide trained backup support as
required to ensure continuity during periods of leave or absence.
§ Maintain
accountability for the quality, accuracy and timeliness of financial work
delivered.
§ Work
collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders, contributing positively to
team culture and organisational effectiveness.
§ Use
finance systems and workflow tools such as ApprovalMax effectively to support
efficient processing, strong controls and workload management.
§ Take
ownership of assigned tasks, following them through to completion and
escalating risks or issues appropriately.
§ Apply
a constructive and solution‑focused approach to resolving operational,
reporting or system issues.
§ Support
continuous improvement through openness to change, learning and refinement of
financial processes.
§ Undertake
other reasonable duties consistent with the role as required.
