Assistant Accountant

Simple Machines is a leading independent boutique technology and consulting firm with a global presence, including teams in Sydney, London, and New Zealand.

We believe data and AI, when used wisely, can transform how the world works for the better. We architect and engineer data platforms and products that are scalable and AI ready. We harness AI, transforming data into intelligence and impact. We Engineer Data to Life.

Our mission is to help enterprises, technology companies, and governments better connect with and understand their organisations, their people, their customers, and citizens.

We are a senior only consultancy of engineers, architects, and advisors who care deeply about clarity, craft, and outcomes.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an Assistant Accountant to join our Christchurch office and support the day-to-day financial operations of a growing global consultancy. This is a hybrid role with typically 3-days in the office per week.

This role reports to the Financial Controller and works as part of a global finance team, with a team of three based in Christchurch. You will play a key execution role across transactional accounting, payroll support, and month end processes, helping ensure accuracy, timeliness, and reliability across the finance function.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys structure, precision, and follow through, and who takes pride in keeping the fundamentals running smoothly in a professional services environment.

What You’ll Do

Day to day and transactional accounting

• Support day to day, monthly and annual accounting activities
• Process accounts receivable invoicing on a fortnightly basis, including maintaining the time sheeting system and monitoring submission deadlines
• Follow up outstanding client invoices and support credit control to ensure payments are not overdue
• Process accounts payable invoices and ensure supplier payment due dates are met
• Process and reconcile company credit cards and staff reimbursements in line with policy and payment cycles

Payroll and people related finance support

• Process and reconcile Australian, New Zealand and UK payroll on fortnightly and monthly cycles
• Prepare and provide monthly payroll updates to UK external payroll providers
• Maintain payroll related records and support payroll queries from staff

Month end and financial close support

• Assist with monthly prepayments, accruals, journals, fixed assets and depreciation schedules

• Assist with general ledger maintenance and balance sheet reconciliations
• Support the month end close process under the direction of the Financial Controller

Operational and team support

• Monitor and respond to daily communications in the Accounts inbox, resolving routine queries or escalating as required
• Provide back up support during periods of leave for other finance team members
• Support the wider finance team with administrative and operational tasks as required
• Assist the business with ad hoc finance and client related requests where appropriate

Experience and Qualifications

• 2 to 3 years’ experience in an Assistant Accountant, Accounts Officer, or similar finance role
• Formal accounting or finance training required, with a degree preferred but not essential
• Progress toward CA or CPA qualification viewed positively
• Experience in a professional services, consulting, or multi entity environment desirable
• Comfortable working across multiple countries and payroll cycles

About You

You are detail oriented, reliable, and comfortable working in a structured finance role within a professional services or corporate environment. You understand the importance of deadlines, accuracy, and consistency, and you take pride in getting the fundamentals right.

You bring a disciplined approach to your work, communicate clearly, and work well as part of a small, collaborative team. You are confident handling routine finance tasks independently, while knowing when to escalate issues or seek guidance.

Why Join Simple Machines?

• Be part of a respected, senior only global consultancy
• Work within a small, capable finance team with clear structure and accountability
• Gain exposure to a global business operating across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the US
• Enjoy a well scoped role with clear expectations and support
• Contribute to a business that values clarity, quality, and professionalism

If you are looking for a well-defined Assistant Accountant role in a growing, high-quality consultancy, we would love to hear from you.