Client Manager / Senior Bookkeeper

Essential HR; Victoria; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Essential HR in Australia seeks a Senior Bookkeeper / Client Manager who delivers accurate bookkeeping, payroll and financial administration while mentoring colleagues.

You’ll own client portfolios, build trusted relationships, review work, and lead by example in a remote, flexible environment with a strong focus on service quality and compliance. Experience with Xero and Employment Hero Payroll is essential, plus a proactive, detail‑oriented mindset and excellent client communication.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of end-to-end bookkeeping experience managing client portfolios.
• Payroll processing and compliance experience with Employment Hero Payroll.
• Extensive Xero experience and knowledge of Australian GST, BAS, and IAS requirements.
• Experience in a bookkeeping practice or similar environment.
• Experience managing payroll, superannuation, and Award compliance.
• Relevant accounting/bookkeeping qualifications and BAS Agent credentials.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the key point of contact for clients and deliver bookkeeping, payroll and financial administration accurately and on time.
• Lead by example, mentor colleagues and coordinate workloads without formal management duties.
• Build trusted client relationships and provide quality oversight of work.
• Contribute to process improvements and maintain high service standards.

Skills

End-to-end bookkeeping

Payroll processing

Xero

GST/BAS/IAS knowledge

Payroll - Employment Hero Payroll

Client relationship management

Communication

Education

Accounting qualification

BAS Agent credentials

Bookkeeping qualification

Tools

Xero

Employment Hero Payroll

Job description

Are you an experienced Bookkeeper who loves building client relationships, takes pride in delivering exceptional service and enjoys supporting and mentoring others?

About The Role

As a Senior Bookkeeper / Client Manager, you'll be the key point of contact for your clients, building trusted relationships and ensuring their bookkeeping, payroll and financial administration needs are delivered accurately and on time. You'll also play an important role in providing day-to-day operational leadership, working closely with the team to coordinate workloads, review work, share knowledge and maintain high standards. While this isn't a traditional people management role, you'll have the opportunity to lead by example, mentor others, and contribute to a positive, supportive team environment.

About You

This is a great opportunity to combine your hands-on bookkeeping expertise with client relationship management and problem-solving, while enjoying the flexibility of working remotely. You will have strong technical expertise, particularly in Xero and Employment Hero Payroll, along with a positive attitude, collaborative approach, and genuine passion for client service.

To Be Successful, You'll Bring

• Solid experience (7+ years) in end-to-end bookkeeping and managing client portfolios to a consistently high standard.
• Hands-on experience with Employment Hero Payroll is strongly preferred, including payroll processing and compliance.
• Extensive Xero experience and strong knowledge of Australian GST, BAS, and IAS requirements.
• Hands on experience in a bookkeeping practice or similar environment
• Experience managing payroll, superannuation, and Award compliance.
• A relevant qualification in Accounting, Bookkeeping or Accounts Administration, and/or BAS Agent credentials.
• Strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Confidence providing direction, constructive feedback, and quality oversight without formal people management responsibilities.
• Excellent communication skills and a friendly, approachable, and client-focused attitude.
• Proactive, solutions-focused mindset and willingness to take ownership.
• Experience providing bookkeeping and payroll services to clients in the childcare sector, including an understanding of industry-specific payroll and Award requirements is highly regarded.

Why Join Us?

• 100% Remote: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home (Victoria)
• Great Team Culture: Join a friendly, down-to-earth, and supportive team that genuinely values collaboration.
• Own Your Portfolio: Build meaningful client relationships and take responsibility for delivering quality outcomes.
• Leadership Without the Formal Management: Share your expertise, mentor colleagues, and help drive team performance without direct line management responsibilities.
• Variety and Autonomy: Work across a diverse client portfolio, with opportunities to use your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
• Make an Impact: Contribute ideas, improve processes, and help deliver exceptional outcomes for clients and colleagues.

If you're an experienced bookkeeper who enjoys working with people, thrives in a collaborative environment and has strong Xero and Employment Hero Payroll experience, we'd love to hear from you! with your resume outlining your relevant experience and why this opportunity is the right fit for you.

Applicants are required to currently be in Australia with full permanent working rights to be considered.