Position : Senior Bookkeeper

Salary : $1,500 - $2,200 NZD a month

Working Hours & Conditions : NZ Hours and Holidays

Work Arrangement : Full Time - Independent Contractor

ABOUT THE COMPANY: 

Client is a modern New Zealand accounting firm providing bookkeeping, accounting, taxation, payroll, and business advisory services to a diverse range of businesses across New Zealand. The firm prides itself on delivering proactive advice, exceptional client service, and practical financial solutions that enable clients to focus on growing their businesses.

As the firm continues to grow, client is seeking an experienced Senior Bookkeeper to support one of its largest and most valued clients while working closely with the accounting team to deliver accurate, timely, and high-quality financial services.

OVERVIEW:

We are looking for a highly experienced Senior Bookkeeper with strong New Zealand accounting knowledge to become an integral member of our team. 

This role will primarily support one of the client’s largest clients, taking ownership of the day-to-day bookkeeping and financial administration. The successful candidate will complete the majority of the bookkeeping work, with the client's assigned Junior Accountant reviewing the completed work as part of their development towards becoming a fully qualified accountant.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced bookkeeper who enjoys working independently, takes pride in producing accurate work, and understands New Zealand accounting practices and compliance requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Bookkeeping & Financial Administration (Primary Focus)

• Manage end-to-end bookkeeping for a large New Zealand client

• Maintain accurate financial records using Xero

• Process accounts payable and accounts receivable

• Complete bank, credit card, and balance sheet reconciliations

• Process journals and maintain the general ledger

• Ensure financial transactions are accurately coded and recorded

• Maintain clean and accurate financial records for review

Month-End & Financial Reporting

• Complete month-end bookkeeping procedures

• Prepare management reports and financial summaries

• Reconcile balance sheet accounts

• Identify discrepancies and resolve accounting issues

• Assist with the preparation of financial statements

• Ensure reporting deadlines are consistently achieved

GST & New Zealand Compliance

• Prepare and reconcile GST returns

• Ensure bookkeeping complies with New Zealand accounting standards

• Maintain supporting documentation for compliance purposes

• Assist with Inland Revenue (IRD) reporting requirements where appropriate

• Support year-end accounting processes

Client Support

• Liaise professionally with clients regarding bookkeeping queries

• Request and organise financial documentation

• Respond to day-to-day financial enquiries

• Build trusted working relationships through accurate and timely service

• Escalate technical accounting matters to senior accountants where required

Quality Assurance

• Prepare complete and accurate bookkeeping files ready for review

• Work collaboratively with the Junior Accountant supporting the client

• Maintain consistent bookkeeping standards and documentation

• Identify opportunities to improve bookkeeping processes and efficiencies

• Contribute to continuous improvement across the practice

Tools & Systems

• Xero (essential)

• Xero Practice Manager (highly desirable)

• Microsoft Excel

• Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace

• Cloud-based document management systems

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years' bookkeeping experience supporting New Zealand businesses

• Strong working knowledge of New Zealand GST requirements

• Advanced experience using Xero

• Experience preparing management reports and month-end reconciliations

• Excellent understanding of New Zealand bookkeeping and accounting principles

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

• Strong organisational and time management skills

• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills

• Ability to work independently while maintaining high-quality standards

Desirable

• Previous experience working within a New Zealand accounting practice

• Experience supporting multiple clients simultaneously

• Experience using Xero Practice Manager

• Understanding of payroll administration

• Accounting or bookkeeping qualifications