Accountant

Corporate Diversity Pathways; Sunshine Coast Regional; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Caloundra City Private School on the Sunshine Coast is seeking a qualified Accountant for a six-month maternity leave contract. The role supports the Business Manager in financial management, reporting, budgeting, forecasting and compliance across the school and Early Learning operations.

You will maintain ledgers, prepare monthly accounts, manage reconciliations, and provide analysis for reporting to the Principal, Finance Committee and Board. Strong internal controls and accuracy are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Accounting or recognised equivalent qualification
• Minimum five years of relevant professional accounting experience
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting and management reporting
• Experience supporting payroll, accounts payable/receivable and BAS/GST reconciliations
• Experience supporting year-end financial reporting and external audit processes
• Strong understanding of internal financial controls

Responsibilities

• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of the general ledger and financial accounting records.
• Prepare monthly financial accounts and management reports.
• Complete balance sheet and bank reconciliations.
• Prepare journals, accruals, prepayments and month-end adjustments.
• Maintain fixed asset records and assist with depreciation and reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies and unusual transactions.
• Prepare financial information and reports for the Principal, Finance Committee, and Board.
• Provide financial analysis and commentary on budget variances and emerging trends.
• Assist with annual budgets, forecasting, financial projections and cash-flow forecasting.
• Support longer-term financial modelling and scenario analysis.
• Oversee accounts receivable and school fee processes, debtor management and reporting.
• Oversee accounts payable, supplier invoices, payments and creditor reconciliations.
• Assist with payroll processing, payroll reconciliations, superannuation, Single Touch Payroll and leave reconciliations.
• Prepare/review BAS and GST reconciliations and support FBT, payroll tax and other statutory obligations.
• Assist with year-end financial accounts, audit working papers, reconciliations and external auditor requests.
• Support financial management and reporting for the Early Learning / Child Care Centre.
• Maintain financial procedures, support the effective use of financial systems, and contribute to process improvement.
• Provide financial information and analysis to support the Business Manager and strategic financial projects.
• Support Board and Finance Committee papers, financial modelling and business cases.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Management reporting

Internal controls

Reconciliations

Payroll processing

Tax compliance

Education

Bachelor of Accounting or recognised equivalent accounting qualification

Job description

6 Month Maternity Leave Contract Appointment Opportunity

Our client is a non-denominational independent school located on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. The School provides education from Early Learning through to Year 12 within a vibrant and supportive learning community.

Position Purpose

They are seeking to appoint an Accountant for approximately 6 months, commencing in December 2026 or January 2027. The Accountant will be a key member of the School's Administration team and is responsible for supporting the Business Manager in the effective financial management, reporting and financial governance of Caloundra City Private School and its associated Early Learning operations.

The position is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing financial and management reports, supporting budgeting and forecasting, overseeing key transactional finance processes and ensuring the School meets its taxation, payroll, superannuation and other financial compliance obligations.

The Accountant will provide timely and reliable financial information to assist the Business Manager, Principal, and Board in financial decision-making and contribute to maintaining strong internal financial control systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of the general ledger and financial accounting records.
• Prepare monthly financial accounts and management reports.
• Complete balance sheet and bank reconciliations.
• Prepare journals, accruals, prepayments and month-end adjustments.
• Maintain fixed asset records and assist with depreciation and reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies and unusual transactions.
• Prepare financial information and reports for the Principal, Finance Committee, and Board.
• Provide financial analysis and commentary on budget variances and emerging trends.
• Assist with annual budgets, forecasting, financial projections and cash-flow forecasting.
• Support longer-term financial modelling and scenario analysis.
• Oversee accounts receivable and school fee processes, debtor management and reporting.
• Oversee accounts payable, supplier invoices, payments and creditor reconciliations.
• Assist with payroll processing, payroll reconciliations, superannuation, Single Touch Payroll and leave reconciliations.
• Prepare/review BAS and GST reconciliations and support FBT, payroll tax and other statutory obligations.
• Assist with year-end financial accounts, audit working papers, reconciliations and external auditor requests.
• Support financial management and reporting for the Early Learning / Child Care Centre.
• Maintain financial procedures, support the effective use of financial systems, and contribute to process improvement.
• Provide financial information and analysis to support the Business Manager and strategic financial projects.
• Support Board and Finance Committee papers, financial modelling and business cases.
• Undertake other financial responsibilities as reasonably directed by the Business Manager.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Accounting or recognised equivalent accounting qualification.
• Minimum five years' relevant professional accounting experience.
• Experience preparing monthly financial accounts.
• Experience with balance sheet and general ledger reconciliations.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting and management reporting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Experience with payroll and associated reconciliations.
• Experience preparing or reviewing BAS and GST reconciliations.
• Experience supporting year-end financial reporting and external audit processes.
• Strong understanding of internal financial controls.

Selection Criteria

• Bachelor of Accounting or recognised equivalent qualification.
• Minimum five years' relevant professional accounting experience.
• Experience in financial accounts, reconciliations, budgeting, forecasting and management reporting.
• Experience in payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and statutory financial compliance.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, taxation and internal financial controls.
• Ability to analyse financial information and provide meaningful reporting and advice.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organisation and ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive financial information.
• Experience in the education sector highly regarded but not essential.