Ngardara Company

Ngardara means sun in the local Garrwa and Yanyuwa dialect, and the Ngardara Project is an innovative community-led approach to renewable electricity for the remote Northern Territory township of Borroloola. Ngardara Cooperative is a First Nations community-controlled organisation representing the Borroloola community. Its purpose is the improvement of energy security for households and the wider community through access to lower cost, more reliable renewable energy.

Join Ngardara—a majority Indigenous-owned, community-controlled organisation based in Borroloola, NT, leading Australia’s first utility-scale solar microgrid under First Nations ownership.

Work with a community-led team to deliver the Ngardara ‘Sun’ Project—a 2.1 MW solar PV and 6.2 MWh battery system transitioning Borroloola toward 70–80% renewable energy and saving approximately 1.2 million litres of diesel annually.

Part-time role based in Borroloola or flexible from key regional hubs, with periodic travel to remote homelands and township sites.

Be part of a values‑driven, community‑controlled cooperative offering professional development, cultural strengthening, and direct impact building local energy resilience and self‑determination.

The Role

The Bookkeeper is responsible for maintaining accurate and timely financial records to support the ongoing operations of both the Ngardara Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and Ngardara Co-operative. The Bookkeeper will keep accurate financial records for the Ngardara Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and Ngardara Co-operative. This includes everyday tasks like managing invoices, payments, payroll, bank reconciliations, and preparing financial reports.

Working closely with the SPV Manager and Accountant, the Bookkeeper will help prepare financial statements, submit tax returns, process payroll, and support reporting for investors and grants. They will also assist with audits and keep financial records up to date. Experience with accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks), strong organisational skills, and clear communication are essential. Familiarity with governance and reporting requirements in community-controlled or Indigenous contexts is highly valued.

Skills & Experience

The role will suit a capable and experienced Bookkeeper with a strong understanding of financial systems, compliance, and supporting community-focused projects. The successful candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment, with the following skills and attributes:

Certificate IV in Bookkeeping, Accounting, or equivalent experience

Proven bookkeeping skills: payroll, reconciliations, payables/receivables

Experience with Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, or similar software

Good knowledge of tax and compliance (GST, PAYG)

Able to prepare basic financial and grant reports

Clear communicator, organised, and detail-focused

Willing to travel to remote and Indigenous sites when needed

Committed to Ngardara’s values and mission

You’re passionate about supporting community-led projects and understand that working in a purpose-driven organisation means being flexible, responsive, and collaborative. Ideally, you have experience working in First Nations contexts or demonstrate strong cultural awareness and respect.

How to Apply

To apply, please include:

A cover letter outlining your skills, experience and interest in the role.

Copy of your current CV.

If you have any questions about the role or Ngardara, please reach out to [email protected] using the subject line: Bookkeeper - Borroloola enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To submit your application, click the 'Apply Now' button.

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CANDIDATES, AND THOSE WITH LOCAL KNOWLEDGE OF BORROLOOLA AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES, ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.