Project Accounting Lead

He kōrero mō mātou | About Watercare
Ki te ora te wai, ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata
When the water is healthy, the land and the people are healthy
There's never been a better time to join Watercare. We're delivering a $15.2 billion, 10-year capital investment programme, the largest in our history, creating opportunities to work on transformative infrastructure, sustainability and digital projects that will shape Auckland's future. With more than $4 million invested every day, you'll be part of work that makes a lasting difference to our communities and environment.
He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About this role
Reporting to the Capital Performance & Reporting Manager, you'll lead the establishment and ongoing maturity of the Project Accounting function, ensuring robust financial management, forecasting, capitalisation, controls and assurance across Watercare's capital investment portfolio. You'll partner closely with programme and project managers, providing expert financial advice, constructive challenge and decision-ready insights that support successful project delivery.
This role will also play a key part in embedding new programme management tools, including Oracle Primavera Cloud and Aconex Cost, helping design the financial processes, controls and reporting frameworks that will support Watercare's future ways of working.
What you'll be doing
Establish and lead Watercare's new Project Accounting function
Coach, develop and inspire a team of Project Accountants
Provide senior financial leadership across major capital programmes
Drive best-practice forecasting, cost management and financial assurance
Challenge and validate project forecasts, risks, contingencies and funding requirements
Partner with programme leaders to support informed investment and delivery decisions
Support the implementation of new project controls and portfolio management systems
Ensure strong governance, financial controls and capital accounting compliance
Collaborate with the Capital Reporting team to deliver integrated portfolio performance reporting
Ngā pūkenga e rapu nei mātou | About you
You'll be an experienced finance leader who combines technical excellence with strong commercial judgement and the ability to influence at senior levels. You'll enjoy building capability, creating structure within complex environments and partnering with stakeholders to drive better business outcomes.
You'll bring:
A tertiary qualification in Finance, Accounting, Commerce or a related discipline
CA, CPA or equivalent professional qualification
Extensive experience in project accounting, infrastructure financeor programme controls
Proven success leading and developing high-performing finance teams
Strong expertise in forecasting, cost management, financial controls and capital accounting
Experience working across large, complex capital portfolios or programmes
The ability to provide objective challenge and trusted financial advice to senior stakeholders
Experience implementing or embedding project, portfolio or ERP systems
Experience within infrastructure, utilities, construction or other asset-intensive industries will be highly regarded.
Ngā hua mōu | What's in it for you
We offer a competitive salary and staff benefits package including:
• Training and development opportunities
• Life and income protection insurance plans
• Generous parental leave
• Employee discounts at a range of large retailers
Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply
Come and join our team! If you are looking for an exciting career opportunity with a fantastic team then please apply online today - careers.watercare.co.nz.