Job description:
Graduate Accountant
Position Purpose The purpose of this position is to contribute towards the financial
accounting systems and external reporting for Massey University
and its controlled entities (the Group) as a part of the Financial
Reporting team:
management reports each month.
ledgers.
elements of the annual financial statements.
financial information users.
Department: Financial Reporting, Finance and Procurement, University Services
Location: Palmerston North Campus
Reports to: Financial Reporting Manager
Responsible for: Nil
Delegations: Nil
Job Title: Accountant - Graduate
Key relationships: Internal
Finance team
Tech one users
Business administrators
Context: We are a world-leading university in many academic disciplines and fields
of research. Our point of difference is research that is connected to
Massey University community and industry. Our researchers are developing expertise and
skills to advance human knowledge and understanding. Working together
across disciplines and locations, we solve national and global problems
through fundamental, applied and interdisciplinary research, while
culturally and artistically enriching our world.
We are deeply committed to being a Tiriti-led university, demonstrating
authentic leadership in contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand as we
uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the founding document of our nation, and its
principles through our practice. We embrace this not just as an obligation
but as a real opportunity for the nation and its people.
Our educators are preparing a new generation of global leaders. Our
students are diverse and are attracted to Massey because they want to
achieve their personal goals or make their mark in the world. They
experience world-class learning that recognises their intellectual and
cultural strengths, expands their horizons and prepares them to
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contribute to a rapidly transforming world with skills, critical and creative
thinking and leadership.
We will be renowned for our passion and caring attitude. All Massey
campuses will be innovation ecosystems, acting as magnets for smart
enterprises. Wherever we are, we will operate in partnerships founded on
respect, trust and mutual benefit. Massey is not only defined by what we
do, but by how we do it.
About this department The Financial Reporting team are responsible for: the management and
operations of the Massey University Group’s General Ledger and its
subsidiary ledgers, including project and research accounts; taxation for
all entities within the Group; maintenance of the Fixed Asset Register;
preparation of external financial statements and other external financial
returns, liaison with external audit, and the provision of financial support
to the Groups subsidiaries and other controlled entities.
Massey core capabilities
At Massey we are Tiriti-led, upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles through our practice, We:
society
the people we serve.
engagement with external stakeholders, giving expression to Tikanga Mäori and protocols
that demonstrates that we respect and value Maori conventions in appropriate settings.
At Massey we work together with mutual respect and caring. We:
and wellbeing policies, procedures and programmes; display commitment by actively
supporting all safety and wellbeing initiatives: and by actively engaging in health and safety
improvement opportunities.
At Massey we are future-focused, results- oriented and strive for excellence. We:
students/ stakeholders are at the heart of everything we do.
to ongoing personal and professional development
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the communities we serve.
Accountabilities
Maintenance and • Assist with General Ledger (GL) month end processes within agreed
control of the timeframes
Group’s general and • Process system uploads and data entry. E.g. monthly batch posting,
subsidiary ledgers. and GL journals for independent approvals
basis
account
about GL and sub-ledgers
Preparation of • Assist in the preparation of year-end communications
external reports • Work on different sections of the annual financial statements as
required, including drafting of confirmation letters, and stocktake
procedures
schedules and working papers, and responding to basic transactional
audit queries
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications: A tertiary qualification in Accounting or Finance
Experience: • Some experience in financial accounting, including account
reconciliation is useful, but not necessary.
Professional • The intention to obtaining professional membership of a recognised
Membership: accounting body is desired. You will be fully supported to achieve this.
3 Capabilities: Behavioural
Accuracy and Attention to • Processes large amounts of detailed information with good
Detail accuracy.
Essential
checking outputs.
out error-free.
and oversights.
Communication • Written and oral communications that produces clear and
complete communication for stakeholders
Essential
• Analyses audiences to understand their composition and
perspectives.
provide clarity, including when escalation is required.
communication styles.
Continuous Transformation • Implements new systems, procedures and tools efficiently
when changes occur in the work environment.
Essential
• Adjusts current working processes or adopts new approaches
in response to changes in the business environment.
develop one's own knowledge, skills and abilities.
failures as well as successes.
issue with colleagues to gain new perspectives or more
effective solutions.
Interpersonal Relationships • Works with key stakeholders internally and externally. Applies
confidentiality when required.
Essential
• Adapts interaction style appropriate to different situations and
people.
Results Orientation • Maintains focus on critical work standards and expectations.
Essential
timeframes.
planned work and outcomes.
transfer and best practices.
Service Excellence • Provides direct service to internal or external stakeholders
Essential
excellent.
problems or escalate if required.
of urgency and positive action.
contributes to the department’s objectives.
4 Capabilities: Technical
Priority Setting • Performs at least 2-3 concurrent activities without reducing
productivity.
Essential
• Completes current work according to assigned priorities.
changes with management.
making progress on project work.
to organisational goals.
Problem Solving • Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify
problems.
Essential
• Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution
alternatives.
accuracy and relevance of information.
and obtain decision on resolution.
of each involved stakeholder.
Information Capture • Fulfils routine information capture needs in own area with
accuracy, efficiency and attention to detail.
Essential
• Follows defined procedures to document all routine
information.
practices.
need to be captured.
relevant information
Finance and Accounting • Uses finance and accounting systems, procedures and
practices.
Essential
• Resolves questions about finance and accounting policies
and practices.
Interprets profit and loss statements, balance sheets and
financial forecasts.
Customer Service • Ensures identification of customer needs and priorities.
Management • Able to advise of issue escalation process for unresolved
issues
Essential
concerns.
provide best ongoing service
Data Administration • Identifies and updates processes / systems with data required
for the department
Essential
• Assists in the design and construction of data resources
within the department.
systems.
department's data resources.
5 Document Management • Checks documents thoroughly according to standard
processes and procedures.
Essential
• Follows security and version management guidelines and
practices.
and information.
management.
practices.
Financial Analysis • Works with a specific financial analysis tool set.
Desirable
with proficiency.
stakeholders.
administration resource, providing information and advice.
Financial Reporting • Able to build reports providing a financial overview of the
applicable area.
Desirable
• Implements organisational methods and procedures for
financial report writing.
financial report writing.
General Computer Proficiency • Ability to learn and use core Massey University systems
PowerPoint
Essential
open, edit, save)
and controlled document administration.
Pre-employment checks
Pre-employment • Requirement to pass a Qualifications Validation Check.
checks:
Requirement Check performed by the Ministry of Justice.
(NAP) Credit History Check performed by Equifax.
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