Corporate Accountant

Newcastle; Newcastle City Council; Hybrid; AUD 107,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35 hour week

17% super and salary packaging

Flexible working arrangements

Wellbeing programs

Salary packaging

Job summary

The University of Newcastle’s Financial Services team seeks a technically strong accountant to own financial accounting for a growing entity and contribute to financial reporting and decision-making that supports the broader operations of the University.

You will work with leaders across the University, presenting financial performance and insights to senior stakeholders and Boards, and gain international exposure through the NAIHE operations in Singapore.

Qualifications

• Technically capable accountant with strong technical accounting knowledge and commercial judgement.
• Ability to engage with senior stakeholders and Boards.
• Experience in financial accounting and reporting within a complex organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end and year-end close and reporting for the University and controlled entities.
• Prepare financial statements, Board reports and performance reporting with key insights.
• Manage general ledger, intercompany reconciliations, consolidations and related party transactions.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting; provide insights to support planning and decisions.
• Prepare GST, FBT and Payroll Tax reports and ensure compliance.
• Apply accounting standards to evolving business activities and use data tools to analyse performance.
• Support audits and contribute to financial reports and working papers.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and internal controls.

Tools

Excel

Power BI

SQL

XLOne

Job description

• Gain exposure to financial and management accounting beyond a traditional corporate accounting role.


• Work directly with senior stakeholders and Boards.


• Contribute to a rapidly growing international operation,

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

Looking for a corporate accounting role where you can do more than crunch the numbers?

Join the University of Newcastle’s Financial Services team and take ownership of financial accounting for one of the University's growing controlled entities, while contributing to the financial reporting and decision-making that supports the University's broader operations.

This is a role that combines technical accounting with commercial thinking, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving. You’ll work closely with leaders across the University and have the opportunity to present financial performance and insights to senior stakeholders and Boards.

With exposure to a growing international entity and a broad range of corporate accounting activities, this is a great opportunity to build your experience in a complex organisation and take the next step in your accounting career.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager, Financial Accounting (Corporate Accounting), you will be part of a collaborative team of five corporate accounting professionals, each supporting different areas of the University's operations and controlled entities.

You will take responsibility for the financial accounting requirements of an assigned entity, ensuring high-quality financial reporting while providing advice and insights that support sound business decisions.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead month-end and year-end financial close and reporting processes for the University and its controlled entities.


• Prepare financial statements, Board reports and financial performance reporting, presenting key insights to senior stakeholders.


• Manage general ledger and intercompany reconciliations, group accounting, consolidation adjustments and related party transactions.


• Lead budgeting and forecasting for your assigned entity, providing financial insights to support planning and decision-making.


• Prepare GST, FBT and Payroll Tax reports and ensure compliance with relevant requirements.


• Apply accounting standards and technical accounting principles to new and evolving business activities.


• Use data and technology including Excel, Power BI, XLOne and SQL to analyse financial performance and deliver meaningful reporting.


• Partner with stakeholders across the University, translating complex financial information into clear, practical advice.


• Support internal and external audits and contribute to the preparation of financial reports and working papers.


• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, systems and internal controls and contribute to projects that deliver better ways of working.

A particular feature of the role is the opportunity to provide combined financial and management accounting support to the University's NAIHE operations in Singapore. As this entity continues to grow and welcome more students, you’ll have the opportunity to work with an evolving business and gain valuable international accounting exposure.

About you

You’re a technically capable accountant who enjoys understanding the business behind the numbers.

You’ll bring strong technical accounting knowledge, sound commercial judgement and the confidence to work with stakeholders outside of finance. You’ll be comfortable taking ownership of your work, working autonomously with broad direction and adapting to changing priorities.

This continuing role is full time at a HEW 7Higher Education Worker Level and is located at Callaghan Campus

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

For more information Our University.

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

• A remuneration of $107268 - $120677+ superannuation based on skills and experience


• Excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.


• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy


• 35 hour week


• 17% super and salary packaging


• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme


• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more


• Wellbeing programs

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

For specific position enquiries, please contact Nan Zang, Manager Financial Accounting(02) 4921 0770 or viaemail [e-mail]

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: [e-mail]

Closing date: Monday 5th October 2026

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)


• Referee checks


• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and barrier-free recruitment process. If you require an alternative way to access the Position Description or submit your application, please contact [e-mail].

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the assessment and interview process to support all applicants to participate fully.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

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