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🔵 Green List Tier 2 — AEWV Eligible

Management Accountant
Immigration to New Zealand

Management Accountants provide internal financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic cost insights to help NZ organisations make better business decisions. Corporate sector demand remains strong.

ANZSCO Code
221112
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 1
Sector
Business
NZ Salary Range
NZ$75,000 – NZ$120,000
Visa Pathway
AEWV Eligible

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About This Occupation in New Zealand

🔵 AEWV Eligible — Skill Level 3

This is an ANZSCO Skill Level 3 occupation, qualifying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) with up to 5 years duration. After 2 years of NZ work experience you can apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence.

Management Accountants work within organisations to provide internal financial intelligence — preparing budgets, forecasting, variance analysis, product costing, and management reporting. Unlike general accountants focused on compliance, management accountants drive business performance. NZ corporate employers (banking, retail, manufacturing, infrastructure) actively seek experienced management accountants, as do large public sector agencies. The CIMA qualification is particularly valued for management accounting roles in NZ.

NZ Salary Range for Management Accountant

NZ$75,000 – NZ$120,000
Senior management accountants in large corporates, commercial finance managers, and CIMA-qualified professionals typically earn toward the top. CFO-track roles in listed companies can exceed NZ$130,000.

Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.

Visa Pathways for Management Accountant

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

⏱ 3–5 months 💰 NZ$700
  • Job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
  • ANZSCO Skill Level 1 — 5-year visa
  • Meets NZ immigration median wage (NZ$35.00/hr)
  • No English test required
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Skilled Migrant Category (after 2 years)

⏱ 12–18 months 💰 NZ$4,050
  • 2 years NZ skilled work experience
  • SMC points threshold met
  • Professional accounting qualification (CIMA, CPA, CA ANZ)
ANZSCO Skill Level 1 Skill Level 1 — Bachelor's degree or higher
What this means for AEWV applications:
Visa duration: Up to 5 years (Skill Level 1 is eligible for the 5-year AEWV maximum)
English evidence: Not required for Skill Level 1–3 occupations
Partner work visa: Available if earning ≥ NZ$28.00/hr (from March 2026)
Dependent children: Eligible if family income ≥ NZ$55,844/year

Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting, or Business (NZQCF Level 7 or equivalent)
  • CIMA, CPA, CA ANZ, or ACCA qualification preferred
  • 3+ years experience in management/cost accounting, budgeting, or financial planning & analysis
  • Advanced Excel, PowerBI, or financial modelling skills
  • ERP experience (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics 365, or similar)

Registration / Licensing: No mandatory NZ licensing. CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) is the most relevant qualification for management accounting roles and is globally recognised. CA ANZ mutual recognition available for CPA, ACCA, and CIMA members.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Management Accountant

1
Highlight FP&A, budgeting, and commercial finance experience on your NZ CV
2
Obtain CIMA or equivalent NZ-recognised management accounting qualification
3
Target NZ corporates, banks, FMCG companies, and large public sector agencies
4
Secure a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer paying at or above NZ$35.00/hr
5
Apply for AEWV — 5-year visa, no English test required

Is Management Accountant on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Can a Management Accountant get an AEWV in New Zealand?

Yes. Management Accountant (ANZSCO 221112) is ANZSCO Skill Level 1, qualifying for a 5-year AEWV. A job offer from an accredited NZ employer at or above the immigration median wage (NZ$35.00/hr) is required. No English test is needed for Skill Level 1.

Is CIMA recognised in New Zealand?

Yes — CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) is internationally recognised and respected in NZ. CIMA members can apply for CA ANZ membership through the mutual recognition pathway. CIMA is the gold-standard qualification for management accounting roles in NZ corporate environments.

What industries hire management accountants in New Zealand?

NZ's largest employers of management accountants include banking and financial services (ANZ, ASB, Westpac, BNZ), large retailers (Foodstuffs, Countdown/Woolworths), infrastructure and construction companies, Fonterra and major food producers, government agencies (Treasury, Inland Revenue), and consulting firms.

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