Principal Management Accountant - New Zealand

Job Description

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management and development consultancy committed to improving society by considering social outcomes in everything we do. We are a wholly independent, employee‑owned organisation with strong local leadership in Aotearoa, connected to a global network of expertise.

Our people are at the heart of our success. We are proud of our inclusive, collaborative culture and our commitment to supporting long‑term careers through flexibility, development and meaningful work.

Your opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Principal Management Accountant to play a critical leadership role within our New Zealand finance team. This is a senior position providing commercial insight, strategic financial leadership and high‑quality management accounting support to our NZ business and project leadership teams.

You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the business, helping them make informed decisions through strong financial governance, forward‑looking analysis and clear, practical advice. The role also has a strong people‑leadership focus, supporting capability development across the finance function.

Key responsibilities.

• Lead the delivery of management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis for the New Zealand business.
• Partner with Business Unit Leaders, Project Directors and senior managers to provide commercial insight on project performance, resourcing, margins and risk.
• Oversee month‑end and reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency and meaningful outputs.
• Support large and complex projects with financial planning, cost control and performance reporting.
• Lead, coach and mentor management accountants, building depth and capability within the team.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, systems and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with New Zealand accounting standards, tax and regulatory requirements, while aligning with Mott MacDonald global frameworks.
• Contribute to broader ANZ and regional finance initiatives as required.

About you

You will be a trusted financial leader who combines strong technical capability with commercial judgement and the confidence to operate at senior levels of the organisation.

You will bring significant experience in a senior or principal management accounting role, ideally within consulting, professional services or a project‑based environment. A recognised professional accounting qualification such as CA, CPA or equivalent is required. You will have strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and project accounting, with a proven ability to engage, influence and advise senior stakeholders. People‑leadership experience, including mentoring or developing finance professionals, is essential, along with a mindset aligned to Mott MacDonald’s values of Progress, Respect, Integrity, Drive and Excellence.

What we offer:

• A senior leadership role with real influence on business performance.
• Flexible working arrangements and support for work‑life balance.
• Opportunities to develop your career locally and across our global network.
• An inclusive, supportive culture where expertise and collaboration are valued.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits aligned to the New Zealand market.

If you’re ready to influence, lead and shape how finance supports a purpose‑driven business, we’d love to hear from you.

Employee ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.

Our benefits package is designed to enhance your experience:

• A flexible and agile work atmosphere that caters to your professional journey and life's special moments
• A competitive salary complemented by Discretionary Group and Personal Performance Bonuses for eligible employees
• Comprehensive coverage including life, personal accident, and salary continuance insurance, providing peace of mind during uncertain times
• Opportunities to enhance your work-life balance through the option to purchase extra annual leave
• Employee resource groups including the Inclusive Network for Women, Corporate Social Responsibility and more

You've got this!
We endorse a diverse and inclusive workplace and look to provide suitable opportunities for employees including the opportunity for part time and job shared roles where possible. If you are interested in this role and looking for a part time permanent opportunity, please apply!