Financial Accountant (2025-146)

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About the Opportunity

At Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) every employee plays a part in ensuring we work together to achieve positive outcomes for our community. To help us achieve this we are seeking an experienced Financial Accountant to join our Financial Services team.

As the Financial Accountant, you will play a vital role in preparing statutory financial reports, ensuring compliance with Australian Accounting Standards, and contributing to financial strategies that support long-term sustainability. You will assist in managing internal controls, support external and internal audits, and help maintain the accuracy and integrity of financial operations. This position provides an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in financial governance while working within a dynamic team environment.

This role is critical in maintaining financial stability by ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial operations, timely reporting, and adherence to best practices. You will identify and drive opportunities for improvement within the financial accounting function, ensuring robust internal controls and the implementation of innovative financial strategies.

Key responsibilities:

  • Assist in preparing Annual Financial Statements, including General Purpose and Special Purpose Financial Statements, in compliance with relevant Accounting Standards and legislation.
  • Maintain a robust financial control environment, including reconciliations and review of accounting data.
  • Prepare financial reports for external regulatory bodies, including the NSW Auditor-General and Office of Local Government.
  • Maintain the integrity of financial systems through effective ledger reconciliation, reporting, and compliance frameworks.
  • Ensure accurate and timely lodgement of tax obligations, including GST, PAYG withholding, FBT, Payroll Tax and Land Tax.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement, leveraging technology to streamline operations.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the Financial Accounting Team, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement.

To be succeed in this role, you will bring:

  • Bachelor degree in Accounting or equivalent combination or qualifiactions and experieence.
  • Minimum of 4 years’ experience in an audit, financial, or statutory accounting role.
  • Strong working knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards and the NSW Local Government Code of Accounting Practice.
  • Substantial experience using general ledger and reporting systems, spreadsheets, and word processing software.
  • Experience in financial accounting and reporting within local government or a similar environment.
  • Proven experience with financial systems and processes, including reconciliations and compliance.
  • Experience in implementing and initiating effective change within an organization.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a key function within a dynamic organisation, contributing to the financial sustainability and success of PMHC. If you are ready to bring your expertise in financial accounting to a role that makes a real impact, we encourage you to apply.

Remuneration and Benefits

Employment Type: Full time, Permanent 35 hours per week

Salary: In the range of $94,301 to $109,593 depending on skills PLUS superannuation of 11.5%

Benefits:

  • Flexible work arrangements – hybrid working and flexi-time
  • Discounted gym membership through membership to Fitness Passport
  • Career development opportunities
  • Annual salary increase as per the Local Government (State) Award plus annual salary review
  • Long service leave after 5 years
  • Generous employee assistance program
  • Salary packaging options available through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
  • Recognition through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

About the Port Macquarie Hastings Region

The region is one of Australia’s most enviable locations. We boast a stunning hinterland, kilometres of pristine beaches, national parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, restaurants, galleries, theatres and a genuine community vibe. The Mid-North Coast is perfect for hiking, surfing, camping, fishing, exploration, sports, arts, theatre, food and wine.

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity or have any questions about the role please contact Rod Archer, Group Manager Financial Services on .

Interested in Applying?

Please complete the application form and provide a cover letter of maximum 2 pages that addresses the essential and desirable criteria within position description, then upload with a copy of your resume.

You will find the position description when you apply for the role.

You may find it helpful to write your response to the questions in a word document then copy/paste this into the application form once you are ready to submit your application.

Applications Close: Tuesday 18 February :30pm

Notes:

Suitable candidates may be placed on a talent pool or eligibility list for future identical, or similar positions for a period of 12 months.

Please upload documents in PDF format.

We often ask our preferred applicants to complete pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment; Qualification Verification; Working with Children Check Verification.

PMHC’s recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your ‘junk mail’ or ensure our email address and Pulse email is set to ‘trustworthy’.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.