Graduate Programme 2027 - Finance Graduate

Auckland Council is on the hunt for graduates! If you're in your final year or recently graduated and ready to kick-start your career where your work truly matters, our 2-year rotational Graduate Programme is your chance to get stuck in. Join the largest local government organisation in Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people, and gain hands-on experience and the opportunity to help shape the future of Tāmaki Makaurau as a world-class city.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Be part of a highly supportive team that leads and enables quality decision making and delivery. By joining a large organisation like Auckland Council, you’ll gain exposure to finance business partnering, financial strategy and planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, procurement, billings and payables. The Group Finance team ensures prudent financial management to fund much of the infrastructure development and service delivery activities of the council.

You will have the opportunity to be involved in significant projects that will affect the daily lives of Aucklanders, including building new libraries and swimming pools, infrastructure for new housing developments, and caring for our environment, in an organisation that owns over $50 billion worth of assets.  You'll have the opportunity to learn what makes businesses’ tick from an integrated financial, commercial, strategic, and business planning perspective.

At the heart of our graduate experience is support and connection. From your first day you will be given high levels of support to help you settle into office life and feel part of the team. You’ll build meaningful connections and get to know the people behind the professionals.

Your Rotations

Build the exposure and experience you need to pursue your accounting career path and professional qualifications, with rotations through a range of areas which may include:

• • Financial Services (Financial Transactions)
  • Financial Strategy (Annual and Long-Term Plan, Financial Control, Reporting)
  • Financial Advisory (Finance business partnering, Commercial advisory, Financial planning)
  • Procurement (Contract management)
    
    
    

Start date of programme, Monday 15th February 2027

He kōrero mōu: About you

As an accounting graduate, you'll excel in our team if you possess strong self-management skills and an adaptive mindset, always eager to learn and grow. Collaboration and building relationships are key, as is effective communication. We value critical thinking and sound decision-making, underpinned by professional values, ethics, attitude and pro-activeness. Your ability to work well in a team will be essential in driving our success.

We welcome applications from graduates completing their degree with a major in accounting that meets the academic requirements for entry to the CA/CPA professional qualification programme.

You can check your eligibility for entering the CA professional qualification programme here or CPA programme here.

You must have:

• A minimum of a relevant Bachelor’s degree
• Eligibility to work in Aotearoa New Zealand for more than 4 years without sponsorship

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

You’ll gain a broad understanding of council operations and receive the support you need to step into a permanent role at the end of the programme. We offer flexibility, wellbeing support, tailored learning opportunities, and a development pathway designed to accelerate your career. You’ll also be part of a supportive graduate cohort throughout your journey.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 

How we’ll support you as a candidate

We aim to provide an experience where you feel comfortable, supported, and able to be yourself.

• We value whakapapa, reo, and tikanga as strengths - bring your whole self to mahi.
• If you prefer a virtual interview or would like whānau support included, just let us know during the recruitment process.
• We’ll work with you on any access needs so you can show your best self.

For more information about the graduate programme, please visit our careers page. 

Te Tukanga Tono: Application process

1. Online application – CV + a few quick questions
2. One-way video interview
3. Formal interview with a 2-person panel – in person or virtual
4. Pre-employment checks
5. Offer – Nau mai ki te whānau!

We will be reviewing and progressing applications as they are received, so get your application in now!  

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of. Nau mai, uru mai, your journey starts here.

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: 29 March 2026

Find a copy of the position description here: Finance Graduate PD

This role is has a remuneration range of $65,000.

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to any base salary offered. 

#workingforauckland

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.