Title: Finance Officer | Junior Financial Accountant
Rate: $61.44 + super per hour
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: 6 Months - high possibility of extension
WFH: 3 days home and 2 from home - office days Wednesday & Thursday

* Due to the nature of the role potentially being extended, we are only considering candidates with full working rights. This includes Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents, or individuals with a valid visa that permits them to work for longer than six months *

One of Sydney's top Universities are looking for an Finance Officer | Junior Financial Accountant to join their team on a 6 Month contract, initially.

We are seeking a motivated and driven Junior Financial Accountant to join our dynamic team at a leading University. This role is predominantly focused on financial accounting, but also includes an exciting mix of systems accounting responsibilities. If you're looking for an opportunity to work in a collaborative, multicultural environment where you can grow and make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Financial Accounting Tasks (80% of role):

• Process financial transactions including accruals and journal entries
• Assist with regular reporting and reconciliations
• Maintain general ledger accounts and assist with month-end close processes
• Perform and review accounts payable and receivable transactions
• Ensure accurate financial data entry and maintain a high standard of quality

General Ledger Management:

• Oversee the maintenance and accuracy of the general ledger, ensuring all financial transactions are properly recorded and reconciled.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual closing entries to ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

Journal Entries:

• Prepare and post journal entries in a timely manner, ensuring that all entries are accurately documented and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Review and approve journal entries prepared by junior staff, providing guidance and training as needed.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Develop, monitor, and analyse budgets to ensure alignment with organizational goals and financial objectives.
• Prepare financial forecasts and variance analyses to support strategic decision-making and resource allocation.

Financial Reporting:

• Prepare and present accurate financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, for management and stakeholders.
• Assist in the preparation of annual financial statements and liaise with external auditors during the audit process.

Systems Accounting (20% of role):

• Manage system profile maintenance and security access for chart of accounts and reporting applications
• Ensure procurement application security is up-to-date
• Support the use of automation tools such as Power Automate and bots to streamline accounting workflows

Team Collaboration:

• Participate in daily and weekly stand-up meetings to align priorities and communicate with the broader team
• Work closely with other team members to address any transactional discrepancies or system issue

Required Skills & Experience

Educational Background:

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Progress towards or completed CA/CPA qualification is highly desirable but not mandatory

Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Excel (essential)
• Experience with accounting software (PeopleSoft is preferred, but not required)
• Familiarity with Smartview, or the ability to learn, is advantageous
• Experience with macros and automation (Power Automate) is a plus

Other Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a complex, large-scale accounting environment
• Familiarity with Australian Accounting Standards is beneficial but not mandatory
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a hybrid work environment
• Comfortable working within a multicultural team, representing a diverse range of backgrounds
• Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving

* Due to the nature of the role potentially being extended, we are only considering candidates with full working rights. This includes Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents, or individuals with a valid visa that permits them to work for longer than six months *

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