EL1 Financial Accountant

Lead your own team of three and own a federal department’s financial statements, reporting to a high-performing EL2.

This is a large federal government department based in Canberra. Its Finance area is responsible for the department’s financial reporting, treasury functions and annual financial statements.

These are prepared under the PGPA Act and audited each year by the Australian National Audit Office.

Leading financial reporting for a federal department is a credential that carries weight across the APS and the accounting profession.

For audit and advisory professionals, it is also a chance to move from reviewing financial statements to owning them.

The Opportunity

If you are a manager in financial audit or CFO consulting, this role gives you three things that are hard to find together: your own team, a competitive salary and a hybrid arrangement with 2 days a week at home.

As the EL1 Financial Accountant, you will lead departmental financial reporting and asset management, manage a small team and report to a high-performing Director (EL2).

The role is a 12-month non-ongoing contract with strong potential for extension or a move to an ongoing position. With 15.4% super, the total package is worth around $150k to $164k.

You’ll have the chance to:

• Lead and develop your own team, including one team member who works remotely
• Report to a supportive Director (EL2) and present your findings to senior leaders
• Own the department’s financial reporting, from monthly reporting through to year-end and the annual financial statements
• Earn 15.4% employer super, well above the 12% Superannuation Guarantee minimum
• Start on a 12-month contract with strong potential to extend or move into an ongoing role

The Role

You will lead financial reporting, working under limited direction on complex reporting in line with the PGPA Act and Australian Accounting Standards.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading monthly reporting, year-end processes and the preparation of the department’s annual financial statements
• Coordinating the financial statements audit with the Australian National Audit Office
• Overseeing financial reporting for the department’s assets, making sure balances are accurate and well supported
• Preparing high-quality financial analysis and reconciliations, and identify, investigate and resolve discrepancies, risks and issues
• Developing, documenting and maintaining internal controls, policies and procedures that strengthen financial governance and audit readiness
• Preparing briefs, reports and correspondence, and advise internal and external stakeholders on financial issues
• Managing, mentoring and developing your team, building a culture of accuracy, accountability and continuous improvement

The Ideal Person

You are likely a manager or senior manager in a Big 4 or mid-tier firm, or already working in financial reporting in the APS, and you are good at what you do.

If you want to lead your own team and own a set of financial statements rather than audit someone else’s, this role is worth a conversation.

You will bring the following skills and experience:

• A tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance or Commerce
• A CA or CPA qualification
• Strong technical accounting and financial reporting skills, with a working knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards and accrual-based financial statements
• Manager-level experience in a Big 4 or mid-tier firm, or financial reporting experience in government at the EL1 or above level
• Experience leading, developing and mentoring APS staff
• High-level analysis and reconciliation skills, and sound professional judgement
• The ability to explain financial information clearly to senior leaders and non-finance stakeholders

Salary / Rate

• $130k – $142k + 15.4% Super
• 12-month non-ongoing contract, with strong potential for extension or an ongoing position
• Full-time, based in Canberra, with 1 – 2 days working from home each week