Senior Accountant

(Term contract for 1 year, full-time - 70 hours per nine-day fortnight)

Competitive salary up to $144,000 p.a. plus 12% superannuation

Access to benefits under the Local Government (State) Award

Comprehensive learning and development programs

Wellbeing initiatives and Fitness Passport access

Hilltops Council is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Accountant to provide expert advice, assistance and support to our Finance team for a 12-month term. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the financial integrity and strategic direction of a progressive regional council.

You will provide expert financial advice and support across statutory reporting, budgeting, financial planning, and compliance. Working closely with our Financial and Management Accountants, you’ll ensure all financial services are delivered to the highest professional and legislative standards.

You will have:

Tertiary qualifications in Accounting and 5+ years’ experience

Strong knowledge of NSW Local Government financial frameworks

Proficiency in TechnologyOne and financial systems

Excellent communication and analytical skills

Based in our Boorowa office, you’ll join a collaborative and high-performing team in a role that offers both challenge and reward. There may also be opportunity for longer tenure.

Tasks & responsibilities

(Note - the list below is non-prescriptive and the incumbent will be expected to undertake additional duties)

Establish financial/asset accounting and corporate overhead cost allocation controls and undertake directorate reporting.

Manage the chart of accounts, accounting asset register and financial, payroll and accounts payable system structures.

Coordinate compliance with ATO obligations, including BAS, GST, FBT and PAYG.

Assist with: internal and external audits of Council’s financial processes, preparation of Council’s management reporting and Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee (ARIC) reporting, and preparation of annual budgets and financial plans.

Assist with the preparation of Council’s financial statements and performance reporting according to established timelines, relevant statutory requirements & standards, and maintain these according to legislative/accounting standards and internal accounting policies.

Deliver and maintain short-term cashflow forecasting to enable effective management of Council’s investment portfolio and ensure cashflow requirements are maintained.

Support the preparation of budgets and budget reports including working with the Infrastructure Directorate to develop, monitor and report on capital works.

Qualifications & experience

(Essential selection criteria)

Tertiary qualifications in Accounting and a minimum of 5 years’ experience as an Accountant.

Knowledge of statutory reporting requirements for NSW Local Government, the Local Government Act (1993) & Regulations.

Exceptional working knowledge of accounting practices and processes (cost and management accounting is preferred), the workings of financial systems and long-term financial planning.

Experience in managing and delivering financial accounting functions involving the analysis and interpretation of financial data.

Knowledge and experience in the use of Technology One in an accounting and/or local government context.

High level interpersonal skills with well-developed verbal and written communication skills.

Current Class C drivers’ licence.

How to apply

Visit our website (https://www.hilltops.nsw.gov.au/council/current-vacancies/) to download a copy of the information package & application form for the role. Submit your completed application form to [email protected].

When applying, please address all criteria on the application form, and include a cover letter/email with your contact details.

A copy of your résumé (though optional, is strongly recommended).

Please address applications to Sarah Karaitiana, Director Corporate & Community.

Note: Applications submitted without a completed application form (e.g. via SEEK only) will generally be disregarded, however, those with technical issues preventing them from completing the application form can systematically address each selection criteria individually in their application email. Selection criteria can be found in the information package on our website.

About our region and our organisation

Located in the beautiful Southwest Slopes of NSW, Hilltops is a great place to live, work and play. Working with Council is the perfect opportunity for you to come to experience all the region has to offer, as our organisation provides essential services to all residents and visitors.

Under the guidance of our leadership team, Council operates on the values of Safety, Trust, Accountability and Respect, and these inform our decisions, actions and conduct. We offer an exciting and rewarding workplace with skilled, experienced and friendly staff, dedicated to helping each other and our wider community. We are a great place to work because we love the work we do and want the best for our community, because we are part of the community.