Assistant Financial Accounting Manager

• Senior role with one of Christchurch's best employers
• Drive excellence in financial reporting
• Values-led organisation committed to sustainability, growth, and developing talented people
• Christchurch or Wellington based

Join one of Christchurch's most sought-after employers and make your mark in a business that's shaping New Zealand's renewable energy future. Meridian Energy is known for its inclusive culture, genuine flexibility, and commitment to helping its people grow. For a motivated and technically accomplished accounting professional, this is an opportunity to step into a senior role where you can truly make the position your own.

Reporting to the Financial Accounting Manager, this pivotal role acts as a trusted deputy—supporting the leadership of the Financial Accounting team and ensuring Meridian continues to deliver accurate, compliant, and high-quality reporting for the Group. You'll play a central part in maintaining technical excellence, leading key workstreams, and helping drive continuous improvement across processes, systems, and reporting frameworks.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and review core accounting activities, including group consolidation, statutory reporting, and technical compliance under NZ GAAP, Australian GAAP, and IFRS
• Provide expert technical accounting advice on complex transactions, including derivatives and financial instruments
• Support the Financial Accounting Manager with planning, team leadership, and delivery of strategic finance initiatives
• Identify and deliver process and system improvements that enhance accuracy and efficiency
• Mentor and guide team members, fostering collaboration and continuous development within the finance function
• Partner across the wider business to deliver clear, commercially relevant financial insights

What you'll bring:

• Exceptional technical accounting knowledge, with the confidence to interpret and apply complex standards
• CA qualification (CAANZ) and ideally a background in Big 4 or similarly rigorous environments
• Strong leadership potential—able to manage multiple priorities, lead workstreams, and take ownership of outcomes
• A proactive, collaborative approach with excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience in a fast-paced, growth-oriented company and a drive to keep improving
• Experience with Oracle ERP and accounting for derivatives under NZ IFRS 9 would be a bonus although not essential

Why Meridian?

Meridian is widely regarded as one of Christchurch's premier employers—a place where people genuinely enjoy coming to work and are encouraged to bring ideas, initiative, and curiosity to the table. It's an environment that rewards capability and ambition, offering scope to shape your role and grow your career in a company that recognises and develops emerging leadership talent.

What's on offer:

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Comprehensive benefits including power discounts, KiwiSaver, and medical insurance
• The chance to contribute to a business that's leading the charge towards a cleaner, fairer, and healthier world

If you're a technically strong accounting professional with a collaborative style and a desire to step up within a respected, values-driven organisation, this is a rare opportunity to do so.

Meridian Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace.  The successful applicant will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug test, as well as credit and qualification checks.

Important Note: Meridian Energy is working exclusively with Echelon Group regarding the recruitment of this position. To be considered, you must contact Echelon Group directly, as applications through other agencies will not be accepted.

To make confidential enquiries, please contact Kerri Jennings from Echelon Group at

Alternatively Apply Now via SEEK or online