Financial Accountant Full Time NEW

Position: Financial Accountant

Position Type: Full-Time, permanent

Salary: $85,000 plus superannuation per annum

Location: Derrimut VIC 3030

Our client Diversify Employment is a Melbourne-based labour hire and workforce solutions business operating from Derrimut in Melbourne’s west. The business recruits, employs and places workers with host clients across industries – e.g. warehousing, logistics, manufacturing and construction, and is responsible for the full employment cost cycle of its workforce, including weekly payroll, superannuation, payroll tax, WorkCover and client invoicing.

Because the business pays its workforce weekly while clients pay on credit terms, accurate financial control, cash-flow management and statutory compliance are central to its operations and continued growth.

The Financial Accountant is responsible for the accounting, financial reporting, taxation compliance and financial analysis functions of the business. The role ensures that financial records are accurate and complete, statutory obligations are met on time, and the Owner/CEO has reliable financial information on which to base pricing, growth and investment decisions. The position works on the internal finance function of Diversify Employment and is not placed with host clients.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial reporting

• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow) in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards. Complete month-end and year-end close processes, including accruals, prepayments, provisions and journal entries. Prepare year-end working papers and liaise with the external accountant/auditor.

General ledger and reconciliations

• Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts. Reconcile bank, credit card, clearing, payroll liability and intercompany accounts. Review accounts receivable and accounts payable ledgers, debtor ageing and supplier balances, and resolve discrepancies.

Payroll and employment-cost accounting

• Oversee the financial control of weekly payroll for internal staff and placed workers, including Single Touch Payroll reporting, PAYG withholding, superannuation guarantee contributions, leave provisions, payroll tax and WorkCover premium calculations. Reconcile payroll to the general ledger each pay cycle.

Taxation and statutory compliance

• Prepare Business Activity Statements (GST and PAYG), payroll tax returns, superannuation reconciliations and FBT workpapers for review and lodgement. Maintain records supporting compliance with ATO, State Revenue Office and labour hire licensing obligations. Coordinate with the external tax agent on income tax returns.

Budgeting, forecasting and cash flow

• Prepare the annual budget and rolling forecasts. Manage weekly cash-flow forecasting to ensure payroll and statutory obligations are met ahead of client receipts. Monitor working capital, debtor collections and credit exposure to clients.

Management reporting and business analysis

• Prepare management reports and KPI dashboards for the Owner/CEO. Analyse gross margin by client, placement and service line; report on charge-rate versus pay-rate performance and variances against budget. Provide financial input into pricing, tenders and new client contracts.

Systems, controls and process improvement

• Maintain and improve internal controls, approval workflows and segregation of duties. Administer the accounting software and its integration with payroll and timesheet systems. Document financial policies and procedures.

Stakeholder liaison

• Act as the main contact for banks, insurers, the external accountant/auditor, the ATO and State Revenue Office on financial matters. Respond to client and supplier finance queries.

Requirements:

Essential

• Bachelor degree or higher in Accounting, or a closely related field with major study in accounting.
• At least 12 months of post-qualification experience in a professional accounting role.
• Sound knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards, GST, PAYG withholding, superannuation guarantee and Single Touch Payroll requirements.
• Proficiency with cloud accounting software (e.g. Xero or MYOB) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Desirable

• Membership (or candidacy) of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ or the Institute of Public Accountants.
• Experience in labour hire, recruitment or another high-volume payroll environment.
• Working knowledge of Victorian payroll tax and WorkCover premium requirements.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage recurring deadlines (weekly payroll, monthly close, quarterly BAS) with minimal supervision.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• High standards of integrity and confidentiality when handling financial and employee information.