Inventory Accountant

Make a real impact by improving inventory accuracy and supporting better business decisions.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experience Inventory Accountant to join our Finance team in this 9-month fixed-term role. This role is ideal for a professional who enjoys working with complex data, identifying issues, and delivering practical solutions that support business performance.

Reporting to the Financial Reporting & Inventory Manager, you'll work closely with Procurement, Warehouse, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Accounts Payable teams to manage inventory accounting activities, support month-end processes, and ensure financial information remains accurate and reliable.

If you thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy balancing analysis, investigation, and continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll do

• Monitor and investigate purchase orders, goods receipts, supplier invoices, and inventory transactions to ensure accurate processing and resolution of issues.
• Analyse material pricing, purchase price variances, and GR/IR balances, resolving discrepancies in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Review inventory movements, stock adjustments, and material records to identify and address anomalies, risks, or control gaps.
• Maintain the quality and integrity of material master data and inventory-related information within SAP.
• Prepare reconciliations, reporting, and analysis to support month-end activities and financial reporting requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance inventory controls, data accuracy, reporting, and business processes.

What you'll bring

• 3-5 years' experience in inventory accounting, material accounting, supply chain finance, cost accounting, or a similar finance role.
• Experience working within a manufacturing, FMCG, or other inventory-intensive environment.
• Experience using ERP systems, preferably SAP, including inventory transactions, goods receipts, supplier invoices, and reconciliations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, reconciliations, formulas, and reporting.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A degree in Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline would be advantageous.

About us - The Synlait Spirit

Synlait is more than a global leader in milk nutrition - we're a purpose-led team that’s Doing Milk Differently For A Healthier World. Our Synlait Spirit guides everything we do, from how we show up each day to the impact we create together. You’ll be joining an authentic, down-to-earth team that lives the three values that underpin the Synlait Spirit.

Be The Difference means we understand before we act - that means asking why, supporting each other to think differently, stay curious, and continuously look for smarter ways to deliver value. Whether it’s in the paddock, the plant or the boardroom, we’re driven by impact and inspired to make a meaningful difference every day.

We Move as One by working together with respect, trust and a shared commitment to doing what’s right. We collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions and create opportunity for those around us.

We feed the world’s most vulnerable, including newborn babies, so we have to be Right on the Mark. That means we take accountability seriously, act with courage and focus our energy on what matters most. We combine expert farming and state of the art processing to deliver high-quality nutritional products to all over the world.

At Synlait you’ll be challenged and supported to grow. We know everyone brings something unique to the table so we’re an inclusive workplace, where diverse perspectives fuel innovation and success.

What we offer:

• Access to our free staff Synlait bus, leaving from Rolleston multiple times daily
• State-of-the-art facilities with hush rooms for quiet work, drop-in meeting spaces, ample meeting rooms, training room facilities, and a cafeteria that would rival many.
• Work-life flexibility
• B CorpTM certified
• Social Club membership opportunities

What's next? Apply now!

Include your most recent CV and cover letter summarising your abilities and what you can bring to Synlait. We wish you the best of luck in your application. We encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications regularly and may close the advertisement early. Together we will continue to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.

Applicants outside of New Zealand will only be considered if you have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.