Job Description
Beyond Recruitment is proud to be partnering exclusively with Kaikōura District Council to appoint a Finance Business Partner who will play a key role in supporting strategic decision-making, long-term planning, major infrastructure investment, and the financial sustainability of a very special part of Aotearoa.
Set between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Kaikōura offers an enviable lifestyle where your commute can include ocean views, wildlife encounters, and one of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes. This opportunity is about more than location, it's a chance to have genuine visibility, influence, and impact within an organisation helping to shape the future of an entire community.
The Opportunity
This is a true business partnering role. You will work closely with managers and senior leaders across Council, helping them understand performance, evaluate opportunities, make informed investment decisions and balance operational priorities with long-term financial sustainability.
You'll be involved in:
Partnering with leaders to support planning, budgeting and decision-making
Providing financial modelling, forecasting and performance insights
Supporting Long Term Plan, Annual Plan and Annual Report processes
Capital expenditure and operating budget management
Management reporting, insights and performance analysis
Supporting business cases and investment decision-making
Managing audit processes and stakeholder relationships
Leading and developing an Assistant Accountant
Identifying opportunities to improve systems, reporting and ways of working
This is the type of role where you'll be equally comfortable discussing strategy with senior leaders, reviewing financial results, building financial models and helping shape decisions that directly impact the community.
What We're Looking For
We're interested in commercially minded finance professionals who enjoy building relationships and influencing outcomes, not just producing reports.
You'll likely bring:
CA qualification or equivalent professional accounting background
Strong management accounting and business partnering experience
Financial modelling, budgeting and forecasting capability
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
Experience translating financial information into clear, practical advice
Strong technical accounting knowledge and reporting capability
A proactive mindset and a passion for continuous improvement
The confidence to ask questions, challenge assumptions and influence decision-making constructively
Experience within local government, infrastructure, public sector or large, complex organisations will be highly regarded,but is certainly not essential.
Why Kaikōura District Council?
This is an organisation where your contribution is visible.
You'll work closely with senior leaders, gain exposure to significant strategic projects, and have the opportunity to influence decisions that directly impact the future of the district and its communities.
You'll enjoy:
Genuine business partnering exposure
Broad and varied responsibilities
Direct access to senior decision-makers
Leadership opportunities
A supportive and collaborative culture
The chance to make a meaningful community impact
An outstanding lifestyle location that offers a balance few places can match
Whether you're already based in the South Island, looking for a lifestyle change, or seeking a role where you can see the real-world impact of your work, we would love to have a chat with you.
For a confidential discussion or to express your interest, please apply online or contact the Beyond Recruitment Finance team at peter.sewell@beyond.co.nz.
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