Finance Business Partner

Position Overview

Napier City Council is seeking an experienced Finance Business Partner to join the Business Performance & Data team. This role plays a critical part in supporting the council by providing financial insight, strategic planning support, and practical advice that informs sound financial decisions impacting projects, services, and investments within the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with senior leaders across council departments, offering proactive financial advice, analysis, and support related to budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, and financial planning.
• Lead budgeting cycles, variance analysis, and regular financial performance reviews for assigned business areas.
• Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations that aid decision-making.
• Support scenario planning initiatives, analyze investment opportunities, and assess financial risks and benefits.
• Contribute to the council’s Annual Plan and Long-Term Plan by providing critical financial input.
• Monitor project funding allocations, budget phasing, and financial outcomes of council operations.
• Support capital asset management processes such as valuations, capitalization, classification, and depreciation.
• Identify and recommend enhancements to financial reporting systems, processes, and capabilities across the organization.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a seasoned finance professional who thrives on partnering within the business. They understand that effective financial business partnering goes beyond simply producing figures; it involves educating and empowering stakeholders with understandable financial information.

They are adept at building trusted relationships with individuals having varying financial literacy levels, are naturally inquisitive, and confidently provide constructive challenges and recommendations when required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Accounting or related financial discipline.
• Approximately 7 to 8 years’ experience in senior accounting or financial business partnering roles.
• Membership in a recognized professional accounting body.
• Expertise in financial and management accounting principles.
• Strong skills in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and management reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modelling, data analysis, pivot tables, and formulas.
• Experience using financial systems and reporting platforms.
• Excellent communication abilities to simplify complex financial concepts into actionable insights.
• Collaborative, customer-oriented, with the ability to foster effective organizational relationships.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to prioritize competing deadlines.

Experience in local government finance is advantageous but not mandatory.

Employment Details

• Permanent full-time role, working 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Based in Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.
• Salary package ranges between NZD $107,375 and $120,008 annually, inclusive of KiwiSaver, depending on experience and skills.

Benefits & Perks

• Five weeks of annual leave after two years of service.
• Access to discounted health insurance and eye test subsidies.
• Retail discounts and study assistance programs.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Recognition awards, birthday vouchers, and social club activities.
• Annual free influenza vaccinations.
• Cultural opportunities including Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga and Kapa Haka participation.
• Te Reo Māori language classes.
• Flexible working arrangements.

Additional Information

Napier City Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Adjustments can be arranged throughout the application and interview process upon request. Successful candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, including criminal background checks, as well as health and drug testing depending on role requirements. Employees may occasionally assist with Civil Defence during community emergencies.