Senior Business Partner (Finance)

Our vision is a healthy environment and a resilient and prosperous community.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Business Partner to lead and strengthen our finance business partnering, management accounting, and rates functions. This is a permanent, full-time position based in Napier.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this leadership role provides trusted financial advice, oversight and support across the organisation, helping to ensure sound financial management and informed decision-making at all levels. Working closely with Group Managers, budget holders and senior leaders, you will deliver high-quality financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and analysis that supports organisational performance and long-term sustainability. Responsible for leading a team of finance professionals, you will build capability, drive continuous improvement, and foster a proactive, customer-focused finance service that is trusted across the organisation.

You will be an influential leader who enjoys partnering with stakeholders, leading high-performing teams, and providing expert advice that supports organisational objectives. You will bring strong technical accounting capability, experience operating in complex environments, and the confidence to lead discussions with senior leaders, auditors and elected members, translating complex financial information into practical, meaningful insights. With a collaborative and solutions-focused approach, you will be comfortable balancing strategic priorities with operational delivery while driving continuous improvement across finance functions.

You will also have:

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• Relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent tertiary qualification in Accounting.
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• Chartered Accountant qualification is preferred.
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• At least 7 years’ senior accounting experience.
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• Strong experience in business partnering, management accounting and financial reporting.
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• Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and variance analysis.
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• Proven leadership and people management capability.
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The salary range for this role is between $122,485 to $144,100 and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We recognise that collaborative and innovative organisations depend on having a workforce made up from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. We’re all about excellence, and we encourage open communication – if you need any specific support, just let us know! Our main goal is to empower each person to share their unique talents to contribute to the outcomes for our community. This commitment ensures that our workplace is a dynamic and progressive space where everyone can flourish.

Other benefits of working for our team include:

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• Flexible working options to support work/life balance
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• 5 weeks annual leave after 3 years
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• 4% superannuation after 3 years
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• Life insurance and income protection
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• Subsidised eye tests and lenses, flu vaccinations, and other well-being initiatives
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• Strong commitment to developing and upskilling people within a supportive working environment
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HBRC is responsible for Civil Defence emergencies and as such, all staff may be called upon to support the response.

Applicants must have existing rights to work in New Zealand.

At Hawke’s Bay Regional Council our purpose is to work with our community to protect and manage the region’s precious taonga of rivers, lakes, soils, air, coast and biodiversity for health, wellbeing and connectivity. Our organisation is diverse and our work is varied. Our structure comprises of six key business units; Corporate Services, Integrated Catchment Management, Asset Management, Māori Partnerships, Policy & Regulation, and the Executive Advisory Group which also consists of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

Kia koi, kia toitū hoki te whakamahinga o te whenua|Climate-smart and sustainable land use.