Overview

Are you a seasoned leader looking for a career move that truly aligns with your expertise, values, and aspirations?

If you’ve spent the last several years mastering business services and Australian tax but feel ready for a role where you can lead, inspire, and drive real change, PAL Accounting & Advisory could be your next great career move.

Based in the vibrant heart of Newtown (Geelong), PAL is seeking a Senior Manager of Business Services & Tax to join our leadership team. This is more than just a job—it’s your chance to play a key role in shaping the direction of our growing firm. You’ll lead and mentor a talented team, foster a culture of excellence and collaboration, and work directly with the business owners to bring fresh ideas to life.

At PAL, we do things differently. Our mission is to help our clients and our team members win at life—whatever that looks like for them. Guided by values that include approachability, integrity (we have a strict no-BS policy!), collaboration, continuous learning, and genuine care, we’ve built a business that's focused on people.

As a senior leader, you’ll have the opportunity to:

· Lead and develop a high-performing team, empowering them to grow and succeed.

· Drive the business forward by contributing to strategic planning and decision-making.

· Build meaningful relationships with clients, helping them achieve their goals with expert guidance.

· Play a pivotal role in growing something special, leaving your mark on the future of PAL.

6 Reasons to Join Us

You’ll thrive here if you’re ready to step out of the rat race and into a practice where:

1. You'll get a sign-on bonus— to show how excited we are to have you join our leadership team.
2. High standards are the norm—because you demand the best from yourself and others.
3. Your work matters—you’ll have a seat at the leadership table and be part of strategic conversations shaping the business.
4. Progression is real—we start with competitive salary packages and fast-track careers with ample runway for growth, including a pathway to equity/partnership.
5. Flexibility meets fulfilment—we prioritise work-life balance with flexible hours, hybrid options, and a culture that’s as supportive as it is ambitious.
6. You work with the best—our clients include growing businesses, well-known community brands, and rising legends across various industries. You’ll enjoy exposure to a variety of work.

Position Description (day in the life)

As a Senior Manager at our practice, you will report to the Director, playing a pivotal role in the leadership team, ensuring the highest standards of compliance, accuracy, and client satisfaction. You’ll get to support business owners from a variety of industries, from tradies to retailers, from sole traders to multimillion dollar businesses, from up-and-comers to recognisable brands. You’ll get to apply your expertise to complex tax matters and help some of our biggest clients navigate the challenges of running and growing a successful business. You will also be instrumental in the development and support of other team members, including managers, fostering their growth while contributing to a cohesive and positive work culture. You will start with 1-2 direct reports.

Core responsibilities include:

Tax & Compliance Leadership:

• Provide expert advice on complex tax matters with a commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.
• Review compliance work prepared by the team to ensuring a high level of accuracy, with minimal review points required by Directors.
• Maintain a deep understanding of tax regulations and compliance requirements to effectively guide the team.

Advisory Excellence:

• Lead and support business advisory projects, including tax planning, management reporting, budgeting/forecasting, estate planning, and other strategic tasks.
• Leading and advising in client board meetings.
• Deliver strategic input and advice into client’s operations to help them achieve their broader goals.

Client Relationship Management:

• Oversee and grow a portfolio of SME clients, fostering strong, long-term relationships built on trust and exceptional service. (Managing between $650K-$1M in fees)
• Act as the key point of contact for clients, ensuring their needs are proactively managed and exceeded.

High-Performing Team Development:

• Train and develop junior team members, including the next crop of managers.
• Provide constructive feedback and sound mentorship to team members.
• Deliver effective on-the-job training and support for team members to achieve their full potential.
• Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and a positive attitude in all interactions.

Operational & Strategic Contribution:

• Efficiently manage workflows to ensure timely and accurate service delivery.
• Collaborate with the Director and other managers to implement practice-wide strategies and initiatives and contribute to business strategic planning.
• Maintain accountability for team performance and adherence to policies and procedures.

About You

You’re someone who:

• Has admirable character and thrives on high standards - ensuring accuracy, and delivering exceptional results every time.
• Has a proven track record of reviewing work with little to no review points from a director/partner.
• Has experience leading with empathy and purpose, fostering cohesion, and getting the best out of a team.
• Thinks strategically, going beyond compliance to create meaningful value for clients and the practice.
• Is emotionally intelligent with a good attitude, someone who contributes positively to the team culture.

Qualifications and experience:

• CPA or CA qualified
• Must currently live in Australia and hold a legal right to work in Australia.
• 7+ years Australian tax experience in public practice.
• 2+ years people management experience.

Hard Skills:

• Tax Expertise: Deep knowledge of Australian tax and compliance.
• Attention to Detail: Deliver and review 100% accurate work.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced in Xero, Microsoft Office (Excel)
• Clear and Professional Communication: Excellent writing skills (email correspondence)
• Workflow Efficiency: Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines effectively.

Soft Skills:

• Leadership: Ability to mentor and support junior staff in a friendly and effective manner.
• Organisation: Exemplary time-management and organisational skills.
• Empathy: Ability to get along with others to foster cohesion with understanding and approachability.
• Positive Energy: Bring a solutions-focused, optimistic, and uplifting energy to the team.
• Growth Commitment: Self-aware, dedicated to their own continuous personal and professional improvement.
• Adaptability: Embraces change and tackles challenges with resilience and an open mindset.
• Integrity: Admirable character - consistently reliable, trustworthy, and accountable.
• Communication: A communication master who is also comfortable having difficult conversations when needed.

Salary

Competitive salary package (including sign-on bonus) - negotiable pending skills, exposure, and experience.

Sound like you? Apply now and help us redefine how accounting and advisory should feel. Along with your CV, a short cover letter touching on why you'd be a great fit for this role would be great.