Senior Accountant (3-10 yrs)

Senior Accountant, New Zealand Operations

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Senior Accountant to join our team in India, providing accounting and financial services to our New Zealand-based clients and operations. This role will involve managing complex financial reporting, ensuring compliance with both US GAAP and New Zealand's financial regulations (including NZ IFRS), handling cross-border taxation, and collaborating with teams in New Zealand. The successful candidate will be expected to navigate both US GAAP and New Zealand accounting standards, offering critical insights and ensuring seamless financial operations across two jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Analysis:

- Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for New Zealand operations, ensuring compliance.

- Prepare accurate financial reports (Balance Sheet, P&L, Cash Flow) for stakeholders in New Zealand, focusing on providing insights into financial performance and variances.

- Conduct financial analysis, identifying trends, variances, and areas for cost control or profitability improvement. Example: Conducting variance analysis to explain fluctuations in revenue or expenses for New Zealand operations.

Cross-Border Taxation & Compliance:

- Oversee the Goods and Services Tax (GST) filings for New Zealand (including GST returns, adjustments, and audits).

- Manage New Zealand Income Tax obligations, including preparation and filing of Income Tax returns (IR4), FBT (Fringe Benefit Tax), and maintaining compliance with local tax laws.

- Advise on tax implications of cross-border transactions, ensuring efficient tax planning between New Zealand and the US. Example: Structuring transactions in a way that minimizes tax liabilities while adhering to local regulations.

General Ledger & Accounting Operations:

- Maintain and oversee the general ledger for both US and New Zealand entities, ensuring proper recording and reconciliation of all transactions (US GAAP and NZ IFRS treatment where applicable).

- Ensure that inter-company transactions between US and New Zealand are accurately recorded and reconciled in accordance with transfer pricing regulations.

Month-End/Year-End Closing:

- Supervise the month-end and year-end closing process, ensuring accurate reporting for both US and New Zealand operations. This includes journal entries, accruals, depreciation, and tax provisions.

- Coordinate with external auditors in New Zealand and US to facilitate timely and smooth audit processes.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

- Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and quarterly forecasts for the New Zealand entity, ensuring that financial projections align with both US and New Zealand standards and requirements.

- Perform variance analysis to track performance against budget and suggest corrective actions. Example: Identifying unexpected fluctuations in expenses and working with the management team to address them.

Internal Controls & Compliance:

- Develop and implement robust internal controls that align with New Zealand's Financial Reporting Act and US statutory regulations, ensuring both sets of standards are consistently followed.

- Assist in audits (internal and external) and ensure that all financial data is in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in both jurisdictions.

Process Improvement & Automation:

- Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes between US and New Zealand, including automation, better reporting, and enhanced data flow. Example: Streamlining GST return preparation or adopting more efficient ERP tools.

- Recommend best practices for tax and financial compliance, leveraging technology for improved efficiency.

Ad-Hoc Financial Support:

- Support the New Zealand finance team with any ad-hoc financial analysis or reporting requirements.

- Provide insights for decision-making, offering financial recommendations based on data-driven analysis.

Experience:

- 3-5 years of accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a senior or supervisory role.

- Strong understanding of US Accounting Standards (US GAAP) and New Zealand IFRS.

- Proficiency in GST compliance (New Zealand), Income Tax filing, and cross-border taxation.

- Experience with accounting software (e.g., NetSuite, Tally, SAP, Oracle, Xero).

Skills and Abilities:

- Knowledge of cross-border tax structures and transfer pricing.

- Ability to navigate both US and New Zealand compliance standards.

- Strong analytical skills and proficiency with financial reporting software and spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets).

- Strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with the New Zealand team and stakeholders.

- Attention to detail and high level of accuracy in financial data.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience in a multinational accounting environment, especially involving cross-border financial operations.

- Knowledge of New Zealand's Companies Act and Financial Markets Conduct Act.

- Experience with New Zealand-specific accounting platforms (e.g., Xero, MYOB).

Working Conditions:

- Full-time position, based in India (servicing New Zealand).

- Standard working hours: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM IST (with occasional flexibility depending on New Zealand's business hours).

- Occasional overtime may be required, especially during month-end, year-end, and tax filing periods.

Benefits:

- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

- Health insurance and other employee benefits.

- Opportunities for international exposure, working closely with New Zealand finance teams.

- Performance bonuses or incentives, based on company policy.