Assistant Accountant

The Y Australia; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Y Ballarat is seeking an Assistant Accountant to join our Corporate Services team on a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract. Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will support day-to-day financial operations including payroll, month-end processes and budgeting.

You will work across accounts payable, reporting, and improvements to our financial systems while ensuring accuracy and timely delivery of information for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting or a related discipline.
• 1–2 years' experience in an accounting role.
• Sound knowledge of accounting principles and statutory obligations.
• Experience in accounts payable and an understanding of accounts receivable.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with financial systems.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and reconcile monthly payroll journals, leave entitlements, and related accounts.
• Assist with month-end processes, including accruals, journals and reconciliations.
• Support payroll-related analysis including parental leave and WorkCover.
• Coordinate accounts payable processes and support staff.
• Assist with annual budgets, forecasts and financial reporting using Planful.
• Support the preparation of information for external audits.
• Collaborate with the Finance Manager to improve processes and systems.

Skills

Payroll processing

Month-end accounting

Accounts payable

Xero knowledge

Excel proficiency

Financial reporting

Education

Accounting degree

Tools

Planful

Xero

Job description

At the Y, we believe in the power of inspired young people. Here at Y Ballarat, we provide a wide range of programs and services to over 100 communities across Victoria, including rural and remote communities. We have over 700 staff across the state and continue to grow and develop our passionate workforce.

Our services include kindergartens, early learning centres, Outside School Hours Care and youth programs, all focused on creating positive outcomes for children, young people and communities.

Be part of a finance team making a difference in our communities.

• Support key financial operations across a diverse and growing organisation.
• Build on your accounting experience through financial reporting, reconciliations and budgeting.
• Join a collaborative team where your skills and contributions make a difference.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Accountant to join our Corporate Services team on a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract.

Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will play an important role in supporting the day-to-day financial operations of Y Ballarat, contributing to accurate financial reporting, efficient month-end processes and annual budgeting activities.

This is a great opportunity for someone with accounting experience who enjoys working with numbers, solving problems and collaborating with others. You will work across a variety of finance functions while contributing to the continuous improvement of our systems and processes.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and reconcile monthly payroll journals, leave entitlements, superannuation and related accounts.
• Assist with month-end processes, including accruals, journals and account reconciliations.
• Support payroll-related analysis, including parental leave, WorkCover and employee payments.
• Coordinate accounts payable processes and provide guidance and support to accounts payable staff.
• Assist with annual budgets, forecasts and financial reporting using Planful.
• Support the preparation of financial information and working papers for external audits.
• Work collaboratively with the Finance Manager and wider team to improve financial processes and systems.

About You

You are an organised and proactive finance professional who enjoys working as part of a team. You have strong attention to detail, can manage competing priorities and take pride in delivering accurate and timely work.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 1–2 years' experience in an accounting role.
• Sound knowledge of accounting principles and statutory obligations.
• Experience in accounts payable processes and an understanding of accounts receivable.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, and experience using financial systems.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships.

Experience in a not-for-profit or children's services environment will be highly regarded, along with knowledge of Xero.

Why Join Y Ballarat?

At Y Ballarat, you'll be part of an organisation that is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children, young people and communities.

You’ll have the opportunity to contribute your accounting skills to a purpose-driven organisation, work alongside a supportive team and gain exposure to a broad range of finance activities.

Our values of Belonging, Excellence, Honesty, Nurturing and Respect guide everything we do.

Employment Requirements

The successful applicant will be required to undertake a National Police Check and maintain a valid employment Working with Children Check.

Joining us will bring you:

• Unrivalled Support: Join a welcoming and collaborative team committed to providing you any support you need to grow your skills and knowledge. Our Shared Services are here to make things easier for you to focus on your role. We want you to evolve and grow within our team.
• Wellbeing: Access our comprehensive support services including Employee Assistance Program and Wellbeing programs

We asked our current staff why they love Y Ballarat and Y Kinders, here are some of their responses…

“We love to celebrate different cultures here. Everyone is welcome"

“I like the amount of professional development we have access to"

“The Y is child focused. Everything we do is for the children and that's great!”

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We recognise a diverse workforce contributes to better outcomes for the communities we work and live in. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees have equal access.

For further information: please email ************@yballarat.org.au

Prior to being appointed to this position it is required that there is a full disclosure of any pre‑existing injuries or disease that might be affected by employment in this position.

For further information about the role and key selection criteria, please refer to the position description:

About The Organisation

Y Ballarat, including our Board of Directors are committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in accordance with our Safeguarding Children and Young People frameworks.

Y Ballarat requires all applicants to undergo checks prior to commencement including, police checks, international police checks, WWCC and reference checks as a minimum.

The Y Ballarat is a recognised Safeguarding Children and Young People organisation, independently reviewed by the ACF.