Financial Accounting Lead — Reporting, Controls & Growth (Flexible)

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 87,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work (after probation)

Flexible working arrangements

4 weeks annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is seeking a capable Financial Accountant to join our team in Sydney. This role blends traditional accounting with ERP implementation and business systems support, working with ERP platforms such as SAP and Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O.

You will collaborate with Finance, Operations and IT to ensure systems, processes and reporting are fit for purpose, while maintaining robust financial controls and stakeholder reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance or related discipline with professional qualification in progress or completed (CA/CPA).
• Experience in financial accounting in a complex or multinational environment.
• Knowledge of financial reporting, GAAP/IFRS, close processes and statutory reporting.
• Experience with SAP or a comparable ERP system and strong Excel capability.

Responsibilities

• Delivery of accurate financial records and reporting in line with legislation, standards and policies.
• Perform GL reconciliations and ensure data integrity.
• Assist monthly, annual and statutory financial reporting and disclosures.
• Oversee grants, asset accounting, and capitalisation processes; support budgets and forecasting.
• Contribute to process improvements, controls and reporting efficiency.
• Partner with stakeholders across finance, operations and IT on ERP initiatives.

Skills

ERP experience

Analytical

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CA/CPA eligible

Tools

SAP

D365 F&O

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for a capable and hands‑on Financial Accountant to join our team in a role that combines traditional finance responsibilities with ERP implementation and business systems support.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys more than just the numbers. Alongside supporting core accounting and finance functions, you will play an important role in the implementation and optimisation of our ERP environment, including Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (D365 F&O) or a similar ERP platform.

You will work closely with Finance, Operations, IT and external implementation partners to help ensure that our new systems, processes and reporting are fit for purpose.

The ideal candidate will be a strong accountant who is also systems‑minded, analytical, organised and comfortable working through problems and testing new processes.

Key Responsibilities

Finance & Accounting

• Support day‑to‑day financial accounting and finance operations.
• Assist with month‑end and year‑end close processes.
• Prepare and review account reconciliations and financial reports.
• Assist with general ledger, journals, accruals, prepayments and other accounting activities.
• Support accounts payable and accounts receivable processes as required.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting and management reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, controls and reporting.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and internal policies.

ERP Implementation & Systems

• Support the implementation, configuration and optimisation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations or a similar ERP system.
• Work with Finance and business stakeholders to understand current processes and future requirements.
• Assist in translating finance requirements into practical system and process solutions.
• Participate in User Acceptance Testing (UAT), including preparing test scenarios, executing test scripts and documenting results.
• Identify, investigate and help resolve system issues, data issues and process gaps.
• Validate financial transactions, workflows, reporting and integrations within the ERP.
• Assist with data migration activities, including data validation and reconciliation.
• Review and document business processes and system procedures.
• Work with implementation partners, consultants and internal stakeholders to track issues through to resolution.
• Support system cutover, go‑live and post‑implementation activities.
• Help develop user guides, process documentation and training materials.
• Act as a key link between the Finance team and ERP/IT stakeholders.

What We Offer

• A broad and varied role across Finance and business systems.
• The opportunity to play a key role in an ERP transformation.
• Exposure to Microsoft Dynamics 365 and modern finance technology.
• The opportunity to work closely with senior Finance, Operations and IT stakeholders.
• A role with genuine scope to improve processes and ways of working.
• Support and development as you build your ERP and systems expertise.

About the Role

As Financial Accountant, you will play a key role in supporting Council's financial integrity, compliance, and reporting obligations. Reporting to the Head of Financial Management, you will work within a collaborative finance team to ensure the application of sound financial management principles and the transparent reporting of Council's financial performance.

This role is responsible for delivering accurate financial reporting, maintaining the integrity of Council's general ledger, supporting grant and asset accounting, and contributing to the preparation of statutory financial statements. You will also provide professional financial advice to stakeholders and help maintain a strong financial control environment across Council.

Key Accountabilities

• Prepare and maintain accurate financial records and reporting in accordance with relevant legislation, accounting standards, Office of Local Government requirements and Council policies.
• Perform general ledger reconciliations and ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial data.
• Assist with the preparation of monthly, annual and statutory financial reporting, including Annual Financial Statements and supporting disclosures.
• Monitor and reconcile Council's grants register, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and accounting standards.
• Support the accounting and management of Council's fixed assets, including capitalisation, depreciation, disposals and asset revaluations.
• Review capital project expenditure and work‑in‑progress balances to support timely project capitalisation and closure.
• Provide financial advice, support and recommendations to management and internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of finance policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Assist with internal and external audit activities and ensure the timely resolution of audit requests and findings.
• Provide support across key finance functions, including banking, receipting and reconciliations, as required.

What You Will Do

• Deliver technical accounting papers and research complex accounting treatments under AASB standards.
• Assist with year‑end statutory audits and coordinate auditor requests.
• Support company tax returns, tax reconciliations and compliance obligations.
• Review and maintain balance sheet reconciliations and month‑end processes.
• Assist with acquisition integration activities and finance transformation projects.
• Support purchase accounting, due diligence and M&A‑related projects where required.
• Build and maintain financial models, forecasts and scenario analysis tools.
• Partner with stakeholders across finance and operational teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, controls and reporting efficiency.
• Contribute to working capital, cost optimisation and corporate improvement initiatives.
• Support payroll‑related financial reporting activities.
• Assist the broader Group Finance team across reporting, compliance and strategic projects.

Required Skills

• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline, with a CA, CPA or equivalent qualification completed or in progress.
• Relevant financial accounting experience in a complex or multinational organisation.
• Sound knowledge of financial reporting, close processes, balance sheet controls and statutory reporting requirements.
• Experience with SAP or a comparable ERP system, together with strong Excel capability.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills, with the ability to turn financial detail into practical conclusions.
• A disciplined approach to documentation, controls and data integrity, balanced with a proactive and adaptable mindset.

Compensation & Benefits

• Permanent full time | 35 hours per week
• Salary range $87,352.30 to $101,210.82 per annum, plus 12% superannuation
• Council benefits include: Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work (after probation), flexible start and finish times, and the option of a 9-day fortnight; Generous leave entitlements, including 4 weeks annual leave, 1-week MyLeave (supporting your health and wellbeing) and 14 weeks parental leave; Long service leave after 5 years; Access to Fitness Passport for you and your family; Ongoing learning and development opportunities, including a Sponsored Study Program; Employee Rewards Program; Confidential Employee Assistance Program; A supportive and collaborative team environment

Travel & Relocation

• Relocation: No relocation
• VISA Sponsorship: No
• Travel Requirements: No Travel Required
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Eligibility & Diversity

We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities. Employment decisions are based on merit, skills, qualifications and the requirements of the role.