Client Manager & Senior Bookkeeper - Remote (Vic)

Essential HR; Melbourne; Remote; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Team culture

Portfolio ownership

Mentorship

Autonomy

Job summary

Essential HR in Australia is seeking an experienced Client Manager / Senior Bookkeeper to own a portfolio of clients, handling bookkeeping, payroll and financial administration. You will support the team, review work, and lead by example in a collaborative, back‑clan environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on Xero and Employment Hero Payroll expertise, Australian GST/BAS/IAS knowledge, and a proactive, client‑focused mindset. 100% remote working from Victoria is offered with autonomy.

Qualifications

• 7+ years experience in end-to-end bookkeeping and managing client portfolios to a consistently high standard.
• Hands-on Employment Hero Payroll experience – a strong priority for this role.
• 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.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset and willingness to take ownership.
• Experience providing bookkeeping and payroll services to clients in the childcare sector is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own portfolio of clients and build lasting relationships.
• Deliver accurate, end-to-end bookkeeping, payroll, BAS and financial reporting.
• Use Xero and Employment Hero Payroll to keep processes running smoothly.
• Handle multiple client priorities, deadlines and compliance requirements.
• Provide guidance, mentoring and support to colleagues.
• Review work and share knowledge to maintain high standards.
• Identify smarter, more efficient ways of working.
• Be a proactive problem-solver who takes ownership and gets things done.

Skills

Xero

Employment Hero Payroll

Client portfolio management

End-to-end bookkeeping

Australian GST/BAS/IAS knowledge

Education

Accounting qualification

Bookkeeping qualification

BAS Agent credentials

Job description

Experienced Bookkeeper with strong Xero and Employment Hero Payroll skills? Manage your own client portfolio in a friendly, fully remote team!

13th October, 2026

Are you a brilliant Bookkeeper who knows their stuff, loves working with clients and enjoys being part of a team that genuinely has each other's backs? We're looking for an experienced Client Manager / Senior Bookkeeperwho brings more than just great technical skills. We want someone who's proactive, approachable, takes ownership and enjoys making life easier for their clients and colleagues. If you're confident in Xero, have hands‑on Employment Hero Payroll experience, and love the variety of managing multiple clients, this could be your next great move!

About the role

You’ll take ownership of your own portfolio of clients, becoming their trusted go-to person for all things bookkeeping, payroll and financial administration. You’ll also play an important role in supporting the wider team, sharing your knowledge, reviewing work and helping everyone deliver their best. This isn't a traditional people management role. It's about leading by example, being someone others can rely on and contributing to a positive, collaborative team environment.

What you’ll be doing:

• Managing your own portfolio of clients and building genuine, lasting relationships.
• Delivering accurate, timely end-to-end bookkeeping, payroll, BAS and financial reporting.
• Using Xero and Employment Hero Payroll to keep everything running smoothly.
• Managing multiple client priorities, deadlines and compliance requirements.
• Providing guidance, mentoring and support to colleagues.
• Reviewing work, sharing knowledge and helping maintain high standards.
• Finding smarter, more efficient ways of doing things.
• Being a proactive problem‑solver who takes ownership and gets things done!

What We’re Looking For

You will bring:

• Solid experience (7+ years) in end-to-end bookkeeping and managing client portfolios to a consistently high standard.
• Hands‑on Employment Hero Payroll experience – a strong priority for this role!
• 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.
• A 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 loves their work, enjoys working with people and has the Xero and Employment Hero Payroll skills we're looking for, we'd love to hear from you!

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