ABOUT ARTS PROJECT AUSTRALIA:

Arts Project Australia is an internationally leading visual arts organisation that champions neurodivergent artists and artists with intellectual disability. Our vision is to see neurodivergent artists boldly shaping the future of contemporary art.

Through our studio program, exhibition opportunities, and professional development pathways, we empower Arts Project artists to develop their practice and build meaningful careers in the contemporary arts sector. Currently, we work with more than 150 emerging, mid-career and established artists, encouraging meaningful artistic exchange between Arts Project and external artists and supporting participation in the contemporary art sector.

APA offers a unique, creative, and stimulating work environment for both staff and studio artists, fostering inclusivity and artistic innovation.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Arts Project Australia is seeking a highly organised, detail-oriented and values-driven individual to support the effective day-to-day operations of our organisation. This multifaceted position plays a critical role in ensuring the financial and administrative functions of the organisation run smoothly, supporting our mission to promote and support neurodivergent artists in contemporary art.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, this role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities across financial administration, systems coordination and general office support. Core duties include processing payroll and supplier payments on a fortnightly basis, reconciling bank accounts, issuing and following up on invoices, and maintaining accurate financial records. You will also assist with budget preparation, support the annual audit process, and ensure timely compliance with reporting requirements to external bodies such as the ATO and Portable Long service Leave Authority.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining consistent and accurate records across our systems, supporting NDIS invoicing for studio attendance, processing artist payments for artwork sales, and liaising with staff to ensure clarity and accuracy in financial data. The role also contributes to the ongoing improvement of financial processes and documentation and supports day-to-day office administration tasks as required.

While the role is primarily based in our Northcote office, there is flexibility to negotiate some working from home days.

ABOUT YOU:

We are seeking a reliable and detail-focused professional with strong skills in financial administration and a proactive, collaborative approach. You enjoy working in an environment where your work directly supports the success of others, and you take pride in maintaining well-organised systems and accurate records. You are confident working with accounting software (Xero experience highly regarded), spreadsheets and databases, and you’re comfortable reconciling accounts and supporting budget processes.

You bring excellent communication and interpersonal skills and can liaise effectively with colleagues across all areas of the organisation. You are discreet and respectful when handling sensitive information and thrive in a team that values openness, inclusion and mutual respect.

Importantly, you share a commitment to Arts Project Australia’s vision and values. You understand the importance of working in a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful environment, and you actively contribute to maintaining a positive workplace culture for artists and staff alike.

ARTS PROJECTSTAKEHOLDERS:

Internal: APA artists, their families and support workers, staff, and volunteers

External: Contemporary art sector (artists, galleries, collectors), disability service providers, peer studios, commercial collaborators

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Advanced certificate or higher qualifications in business administration or financial management or equivalent experience

Ability to prepare budget reports and meeting financial, administrative and program reporting requirements

Sound understanding of payroll processing

Experience with Xero payroll or equivalent system

Outstanding attention to detail

Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills, including negotiation skills

A commitment to engaging meaningfully with Arts Project artists, their families and the broader APA community

Demonstrated positive OH&S practices.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Experience working with not-for-profit organisations

Understanding of Modern Awards, particularly SCHADs

Experience in Human Resources

Experience with Salesforce database.

Successful applicants will require a:

Current Working with Children Check.

NDIS Workers Screen Check (clearance on the disability workers exclusion scheme database).