Assistant Accountant

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The Ministry of Social Development is seeking a Wellington based permanent Accounting Assistant to keep WEKA FMIS transactions accurate, perform bank reconciliations, ensure daily direct credit files are processed on time, manage tax payments and support Financial Reporting Accountants for external reporting. Ideal candidates bring experience in financial processing in a large organisation, knowledge of internal controls and delegations, familiarity with the Public Finance Act Treasury guidelines and current Financial Reporting Standards, plus intermediate Excel and experience with large integrated financial systems; an Accounting Technician qualification or CA ANZ (or working toward it) is preferred. You’ll need strong attention to detail, numeracy and analytical and reconciliation skills, and a proactive, adaptable approach. Apply online with your CV and a tailored cover letter that clearly links your experience to the key responsibilities; highlight how you align with MSD values and Te Tiriti partnership; if you don’t meet every requirement, apply anyway. Internal MSD candidates please apply via myHR. Closing date 15 March 2026; salary range 61,466 to 73,903.

•    Wellington based
•    Permanent opportunity

If you have experience in financial processing and reporting, strong attention to detail, and enjoy working in a dynamic environment, we’d love to hear from you.

About us | Mō mātou:
 
The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
 
We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
 
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
 
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

About the role | Mō te tūnga:

As an Accounting Assistant, you’ll help keep our financial systems accurate and reliable. Your main focus will be monitoring and investigating transactions in the WEKA (FMIS) accounting system and preparing reconciliations, especially for bank accounts.

You’ll also make sure daily direct credit (DC) files are processed on time and take quick action if payments are delayed. Managing tax payments by their due dates is another key part of the role.
In addition, you’ll support our Financial Reporting Accountants to meet MSD’s financial accounting and external reporting requirements

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:

We’re looking for someone who has:
•    Experience and a solid understanding of financial processing and administration in a large organisation.
•    Knowledge of financial reporting policies and procedures, including internal controls, delegations, and awareness of the Public Finance Act, Treasury guidelines, and current Financial Reporting Standards.
•    Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with large integrated financial management systems.
•    An Accounting Technician (AT) qualification or higher from CA ANZ (or international equivalent), or working towards this.

You will also bring:
•    Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and well-developed numeracy skills.
•    Analytical and reconciliation skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
•    Effective communication and interpersonal skills to build confidence with colleagues and stakeholders.
•    A proactive, self-starting approach with sound judgement and a ‘can-do’ attitude.
•    Flexibility and good organisational skills to handle a range of tasks.
•    A commitment to diversity and contributing to an inclusive workplace.

If you think you’re a good fit for this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Skills and experience can be transferable, and we value a range of perspectives and backgrounds.

What we offer | Tā mātou e tuku ana:

It is important to us to: 
•    support your wellbeing and development
•    provide a flexible working environment where you can learn from a supportive and collegial team of experienced policy professionals
•    develop your career though the opportunities that come from a broad and varied work programme and our commitment to your ongoing professional development
•    collaborate and support each other and we make sure everyone has the chance to develop and to take on new challenges
•    value diversity of thinking and background – this informs the creation of responsive policy that reflects the communities we serve
 

MSD has several employee-led networks that build a sense of community for our people so that they can contribute, belong and thrive. Our employee-led networks include, but are not limited to:
•    National Office Māori Staff Network - Te Tini ō te Raurearea
•    Disablednetwork@MSD
•    Proud@MSD
•    Women’s Network
•    Pan Asian Network

MSD is a CareWise employer. We commit to showing manaaki to people in our MSD whānau with caring commitments.

Ready to bring your accounting skills and proactive approach to a role that supports accurate financial reporting and compliance? Submit your application today.

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:

Accounting Assistant Position Description

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $61,466 - $73,903

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono:

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.  

Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description. 

All applications must be made online.  If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected]

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work.  This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Closing date: Sunday 15th March, 2026. 

Joining us | Ko te hono mai:

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.  We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.