About the Company
This is an opportunity within a large, well-established organisation operating in a structured and governance-driven environment. The organisation delivers critical financial and accounting services across a diverse stakeholder group and is committed to high standards of compliance and service delivery.
Role Overview
Reporting to the Manager Financial Accounting, the Principal Financial Accountant leads a small team and is responsible for delivering statutory reporting, financial accounting services, and expert advice to multiple stakeholders. The role oversees financial statement preparation, reconciliations, general ledger management, payroll interface, and fixed asset accounting, while ensuring compliance with legislative and accounting standards.
About the Person
You are a technically strong and proactive accounting professional with proven leadership experience. You excel in complex environments, bring a strong client-service focus, and have the ability to guide and develop staff while managing competing priorities and deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation of general purpose and special purpose financial statements, including audit liaison
- Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, general ledger, and fixed asset accounting functions
- Provide high-level financial accounting advice and technical guidance to stakeholders and team members
- Support and guide the delivery of financial management services, including reporting and reconciliations
- Assist in maintaining a strong control environment and positive team culture
- Manage the preparation of complex financial reports, working papers, and briefings
- Contribute to process improvements and ensure alignment with accounting standards and legislative requirements
- Undertake risk management, governance, and quality assurance activities
- Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, including with audit and shared service functions
- Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or similar
- Membership of a recognised professional accounting body (CA or CPA)
- Demonstrated experience preparing complex financial statements and providing high-level financial advice
- Strong understanding of accounting standards, financial governance, and compliance frameworks
- Experience using financial systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, or similar) and advanced Excel skills
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Experience driving financial management improvements and process enhancements
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, legislation, and procedures to practical outcomes
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Experience in a government or complex service delivery environment highly regarded
- Understanding of risk management principles (AS ISO 31000:2018), WHS legislation, and equity and inclusion frameworks
- Current National Police Clearance or ability to obtain one
For more information, please contact Tammy Anderson o
n (08) 7093 1831
