We are seeking an experienced finance professional for a unique opportunity to support the establishment of our in-house Water Services Business Unit.

Invercargill City Council invites you to become a driving force in our future-focused team. With a vibrant atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to our values - positivity, respect, responsibility, and above and beyond - we're passionate about creating a team full of outstanding individuals who are as passionate about shaping the future as we are.

Our Financial Planning Team is seeking a Business Partner - Water Services on a fixed-term basis to assist in directly supporting the financial implementation of Invercargill City Council's Water Service Delivery Plan. This role is an excellent opportunity to contribute to establishing a team that will perform a crucial function within Council.

Key responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to:

• Establish a financial model for Council's Water Services Annual Report as required by the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025, ensuring compliance with relevant disclosure regulations.
• Develop and maintain a financial model to allocate corporate overhead costs across operational departments, ensuring that all water-related overhead costs are appropriately ring-fenced.
• Assist in determining organisational guidelines for planning and budgeting.
• Provide technical and strategic advice and guidance to operational areas on appropriate budgets to support plans and strategies
• Act as a trusted financial advisor by providing financial insights and support for assigned business areas to both Group Managers and Cost Centre Managers.
• Provide monthly reporting to support core financial and non-financial performance discussions. This includes variance analysis, key performance ratios and metrics and reviewing commentary supplied by managers to ensure accuracy and relevance.

What you will bring:

• A Bachelor of Commerce (or equivalent) majoring in accounting
• Post graduate Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Chartered Accountant designation (or equivalent)
• A minimum of five years post graduate accounting experience within large and complex organisations
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and determine the business implications
• Experience of driving planning and performance management in a complex organisation

What we offer:

• Flexible working environment
• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• KiwiSaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments e.g. doctor, bank, dentist

This is a two-year fixed-term, full-time position working 40 hours per week, primarily 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and amazing kai/kai moana. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There are outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach and the Waihōpai River which are hard to beat. Plus, we have lively restaurants, and a thriving entertainment and arts scene which make Invercargill a vibrant place to live. Our grid layout features wide streets that ensure a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home?

To learn more, view the full position description or contact Invercargill City Council on (03) 211 1777. Please note: applications submitted via SEEK will not be received. Apply online on Jobs - Invercargill City Council.

Applications close 1 February 2026. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to candidates currently residing in New Zealand.