Title:  Senior Management Accountant - South Island

Senior Management Accountant – South Island

Position Description

• Contribute insightful financial and commercial advice  
• Based Christchurch - Middleton

He kōrero mō mātou | About us:

At KiwiRail, we connect New Zealanders sustainably, powering economic growth and ensuring vital freight and passenger services run smoothly. Our mission, "Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand," highlights our dedication to sustainability and community well-being. 

Our people make KiwiRail exceptional. By fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace, we empower everyone to contribute their best. If you’re passionate about innovation and safety, we’d love to welcome you aboard. 

He whakamārama mo te tūranga mahi | About the role:

Our Senior Management Accountant - South Island (SMASI), services as a strategic business partner, providing financial oversight and commercial insight specifically for KiwiRail's below-rail infrastructure network in the South Island, as well as the Engineering national function.

Your primary role will be the provision of financial information for performance management, business planning, decision support and analysis to optimise KiwiRail’s business and strategic objectives. With an in-depth knowledge of the business unit activities, combined with a thorough understanding of the operational and financial targets, you will be positioned to provide insightful financial and commercial advice to support business unit management and decision making.

This role supports the Commercial Finance Manager - Infrastructure (CFMI) and collaborates with Infrastructure's South Island and Engineering teams to drive operational efficiency, as well as delivering well planned and appropriately prioritised maintenance, capital renewals and investment.  This includes embedding mature, robust asset management processes for both new and existing infrastructure assets.

The SMASI's responsibilities include managing CAPEX and OPEX spend within agreed funding RNIP envelopes by optimising budget and forecast accuracy and aligning financial outcomes with KiwiRail's operational and strategic infrastructure goals.  This role is pivotal in achieving KiwiRail's mission for "boringly reliable" and efficient rail services.

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What (skills) you will bring:

Knowledge and experience

• You bring at least six years of post-qualification experience in finance or commercial management within infrastructure or asset-heavy industries
• You demonstrate experience in high-level financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting for large-scale capital projects
• You possess a working knowledge of ERP systems, particularly SAP or Maximo, and are adept at leveraging these for financial and asset management
• You have a track record of strategic financial partnership including influencing decisions
• You can use computer tools for information management
• You know how KiwiRail interacts with other agencies and the Government

Ways of working / Work-related qualities

• You communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, fostering a culture of transparency and trust.
• You exhibit strong decision-making abilities, showing agility and strategic insight in a complex project environment
• You demonstrate resilience and adaptability, working effectively under pressure and navigating organisational change
• You prioritise customer needs, aligning financial strategies to deliver high-value outcomes for KiwiRail
• You champion diversity, inclusion, and collaborative practices, contributing positively to KiwiRail’s work culture

Qualifications

• You hold a degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.  A relevant professional certification (e.g., CPA, CA) is preferred

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary plus 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution
• Extensive support and development
• Access to discounted travel, health insurance & holiday houses across NZ as part of the Staff Welfare Trust 
• A strong Zero Harm policy to keep you safe

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?

Rā aukati | Applications close: 15 June 2025