Senior Accountant – Financial Operations

Job Description

Company: Priority Haulage Limited

Job Title: Financial Operations Lead

Job Location: Fully remote (Company based in Auckland, New Zealand)

Reports to: Finance Manager

Direct Reports: Client Services Coordinator (for Accounts Receivable related matters only)

Start Date: As soon as possible, with a handover provided by the current Financial Operations Lead

About Priority Haulage

Priority Haulage is a reputable and reliable heavy machinery and equipment transport business based in Auckland, New Zealand. We specialise in the safe and efficient transportation of a wide range of civil machinery and heavy access equipment. Our company motto, "Your Assets, Our Priority", reflects our commitment to the secure and dependable movement of our clients' valuable machinery. We take pride in delivering a high level of client satisfaction through trusted service and operational excellence.

Job Summary

Priority Haulage is seeking a capable and dependable Financial Operations Lead to oversee day-to-day financial processes and support monthly reporting. The role is focused on transactional accounting, reconciliations, payroll coordination, and internal management reporting, ensuring operational accuracy and compliance with both our internal standards and New Zealand accounting regulations.

This is an opportunity to contribute to a vision-led, performance-driven, and collaborative business that prioritises precision, service quality, and operational excellence.

Role Overview

This part-time position (25–30 hours per week) will require increased hours, up to 30–35 per week, during management account preparation periods, is well-suited to a finance professional who consistently delivers high-quality outputs with minimal supervision. This is a hands-on operational role. In the future, you will work under and support the Financial Controller, who will assume the Finance Manager's strategic and financial planning responsibilities.

The ideal candidate values technical depth, consistency, and excellence in day-to-day financial execution. Performance will be assessed based on the accuracy and timeliness of financial records, adherence to internal processes, and responsiveness to business needs.

Time Zone Information

The current time difference between New Zealand Time (NZT) and Philippine Time (PHT) is 4 hours. This will shift to a 5-hour difference when daylight saving time begins in New Zealand on 28 September 2025.

Availability Requirements

You must be available during the following hours to ensure coverage and coordination with tea mbers:

Required Hours (Regular)

• 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM NZT (4:00 AM – 8:00 AM PHT)

Required daily to complete core operational tasks. These hours may occasionally be extended depending on workload.

• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM NZT (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM PHT)

Required to attend to late-afternoon NZT tasks and assist with preparation for the following business day.

Required Hours (During Management Accounts Week)

• 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM NZT (4:00 AM – 8:00 AM PHT)

• 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM NZT (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PHT)

The extended afternoon hours are dedicated to preparing and completing monthly management accounts.

The afternoon schedule offers some flexibility, provided it does not impact operational requirements.

Job Responsibilities

Bookkeeping & Financial Operations

• Day-to-Day Bookkeeping in Xero

o Enter customer invoices and supplier bills.

o Manage accounts payable and receivable.

o Reconcile bank and credit card transactions.

o Review, approve, and process employee expense reimbursements.

• General Ledger & Chart of Accounts

o Prepare journal entries and maintain accurate general ledger records.

o Maintain accuracy of the general ledger and Chart of Accounts in both Xero and external reference files.

• Reconciliations

o Perform detailed reconciliations for revenue and outsourced transport categories.

o Complete other ad hoc reconciliations as required.

• Xero Support

o Support internal teams with Xero-related queries.

o Provide training and guidance as needed.

Payroll Administration

• Review and approve driver timesheets.

• Process weekly payroll, submit payments, and manage IRD filings.

• Communicate with drivers to resolve payroll queries and confirm timesheet accuracy.

• Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with New Zealand standards.

Supplier Management

• Process supplier payments (one-off and batch).

• Follow up with subcontractors to obtain and reconcile outstanding invoices.

• Set up and manage supplier accounts.

• Reconcile supplier statements.

• Resolve supplier queries and discrepancies.

• Review and manage recurring software subscriptions.

• Oversee licencing, registration, and professional membership registrations and renewals.

• Oversight of traffic and vehicle-related fines.

Client Management

• Issue monthly account statements to clients.

• Prepare and send job quotes.

• Support clients with account and billing enquiries.

• Oversee the Client Services Coordinator in managing debt collection and accounts receivable responsibilities.

Reporting & Compliance

• Assist with monthly management account preparation using Xero and CCH Workpapers.

• Prepare and maintain custom balance sheet and income statement reports in Xero.

• Facilitate the preparation and filing of GST returns, ensuring full tax compliance.

• Conduct quality control checks across all financial inputs and outputs.

• Ensure compliance with internal policies for financial documentation and data management.

Operational Support & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and support the implementation of finance-related process and operational improvements.

• Proactively identify and recommend enhancements in:

o Workflow automation

o Systems and process optimisation

o Efficiency across financial operations

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g. operations) to maintain high service standards and ensure timely financial support.

• Manage the accounts mailbox with discipline, ensuring prompt responses, structured document handling, and accurate record-keeping.

• Execute additional finance-related tasks as needed to ensure smooth business operations.

• Partner with leadership and future finance roles to ensure operational finance data is accurate, timely, and aligned with broader business needs.

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum 7 years' hands-on accounting experience is required.

• Experience across both a New Zealand or Australian Chartered Accounting firm and a commercial business setting is preferred.

• Familiarity with transport, logistics, or fleet-based operations is strongly desired.

• Advanced proficiency in Xero is essential, including payroll processing, GST compliance, and general ledger management.

• Proven experience preparing financial data for monthly management accounts and internal reporting, including inputs used in budgeting or forecasting.

• Strong foundation in New Zealand tax regulations, accounting standards, and core financial principles, with consistent execution across reconciliations, journal entries, and compliance tasks.

• Experience with CCH Workpapers is beneficial but not required.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a remote environment, with strong self-management, reliability, and a track record of meeting deadlines without oversight.

• Experience supporting cross-functional financial processes and workflows.

• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on identifying and resolving discrepancies within operational finance.

• High technical proficiency with strong skills in Microsoft platform, familiarity with other relevant business tools is advantageous, including:

o Notion – Workspace Management/Process Documentation

o ChatGPT – Workflow Enhancement/Support

o Deputy – Driver Timesheet Management

o WhatsApp – Operational Communication

o Adobe Acrobat - Document Management

Qualifications

• CPA qualification, preferably a Regular member of PICPA.

• A tertiary qualification in accounting is required; a secondary qualification in finance, business administration, or a related field is highly valued.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple responsibilities effectively.

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the initiative to work autonomously.

• Innovative and forward-thinking, with a proactive solution-focused approach to improving workflows, adopting new technologies, and navigating operational challenges.

• Client service-oriented, with a commitment to quality, integrity, and enhancing relationships.

• Adaptable and open to change, with a continuous focus on personal growth and improving business practices..

Required Equipment and Setup

• Dedicated Workspace: Quiet, distraction-free home office suitable for video calls and focused work.

• Computer Requirements (Desktop PC or Laptop):

o Processor: Intel Core i5 or better.

o RAM: Minimum 8GB (16GB preferred).

o Operating System: Windows 10/11, compatible with required business software.

o Internet: Stable high-speed connection (minimum 10 Mbps download/upload).

• Monitor Setup: Dual monitors preferred, or a laptop paired with an external monitor.

• Headset: Noise-cancelling for clear communication during virtual meetings.

• Webcam: High-quality external or integrated camera for video calls.

• Power Backup: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or generator ensuring at least 3 hours of operational uptime during outages.

• Internet Backup: Secondary internet connection (e.g., mobile data or alternative wireless) for uninterrupted connectivity.