Reconciliations Analyst

About the Role

At Heartland Bank, reconciliations go beyond basic number balancing; they are vital controls that reduce financial risk, ensure data accuracy, and contribute to superior customer outcomes. The Reconciliations Analyst position involves overseeing daily reconciliations of both inward and outward settlements alongside important control accounts throughout the bank.

This role requires investigation and resolution of discrepancies, escalation of outstanding issues, and accurate recording of financial transactions to aid both internal and external reporting. The analyst will help maintain the integrity and completeness of Heartland's financial data and drive ongoing enhancements of reconciliation processes by leveraging technology and managing risks prudently.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute daily reconciliations involving critical control accounts and settlement operations.
• Process and allocate transactions effectively from UPI queues.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve discrepancies and variances found during reconciliations.
• Timely escalate issues and potential risks.
• Compile monthly reconciliations aligned with Heartland’s established Reconciliation Policy.
• Document reconciliations thoroughly with supporting evidence.
• Track and clear outstanding reconciling entries within agreed deadlines.
• Contribute to projects improving reconciliation workflows.
• Collaborate with finance, operations, retail, collections, asset management, and technology departments.
• Adhere to Heartland’s values, compliance standards, and customer-first principles throughout all tasks.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is inquisitive with a passion for dissecting complex problems. You possess exceptional attention to detail, advanced analytical skills, and comfort handling large datasets while identifying discrepancies others might overlook.

You perform effectively in fast-moving environments, quickly adapt to new systems, and enjoy working collaboratively to meet team objectives. Commitment to precision, responsibility, and delivering high-quality results is essential.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of three years experience in reconciling information in high-volume, complex environments.
• Strong grasp of accounting and banking fundamentals.
• Proven experience reconciling complicated accounts and large datasets.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Proficiency in advanced Excel functions including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Experience with tools like Power Query, Power Pivot, or Power BI for reporting and data analytics.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple demands and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Banking or financial services sector experience is preferred.
• Accounting credentials or progress toward professional accounting qualification is advantageous.
• Familiarity with Workday ERP system is a plus.

About Heartland Bank

Heartland is a financial services group listed on NZX and ASX, with growth ambitions throughout New Zealand and Australia. Our clientele includes business owners, farmers, retirees, and everyday New Zealanders who rely on our respected lending and savings products. We continue to innovate banking digitally for the future.

Joining Heartland means becoming part of a cooperative environment where your expertise is respected, your ideas are welcomed, and your career has room for advancement.

Employee Benefits

• Exclusive employee banking privileges
• Comprehensive insurance packages
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Active social and sports clubs
• Weekly Friday evening pizza and drinks gatherings
• Employee-driven network groups to foster connections

Diversity and Inclusion

At Heartland, we prioritize diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing. We are proud to be a Living Wage Employer, Hearing Accredited Workplace, and Rainbow Tick certified. We celebrate diverse perspectives and commit to building an inclusive workspace where all employees thrive.

Additional Information

Applicants must have legal authorization to work in New Zealand and be passionate about maintaining data integrity and solving tough reconciliation challenges in a progressive financial institution.