Graduate / Junior Accountant – Public Practice (Tax Experience Required)

Nortax Accountants & Advisors; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Nortax Accountants & Advisors in Cairns, Far North Queensland, seeks a Graduate/Junior Accountant with tax exposure to join during an active growth phase. This hands-on role offers exposure to tax compliance, SMSF work and audits, with mentoring and progression as the practice expands.

You will work closely with the Principal in a collaborative environment, developing technical skills across tax, financial statements and BAS/IAS preparation while contributing to client service excellence.

Qualifications

• Completed or near completion of a Bachelor of Accounting / Commerce.
• Prior experience in an Australian public practice environment (minimum 3 months – internship, part-time role or graduate position).
• Basic understanding of Australian tax compliance.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of income tax returns for individuals, companies, trusts, partnerships and SMSFs.
• Preparation of financial statements for small business clients.
• BAS and IAS preparation and lodgement.

Skills

Attention to detail

Good communication

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor of Accounting or Commerce

Tools

Xero

BGL Simple Fund 360

BGL CAS 360

Xero Practice Manager / Access Practice Management

Job description

Nortax is based in Cairns, Far North Queensland, offering the opportunity to build your career in public practice while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of the region, including a relaxed pace of life, outdoor lifestyle and lower cost of living compared with major cities.

Due to increasing workflow, we are seeking a Graduate / Junior Accountant with prior tax experience to join the firm during an active growth phase. This role offers hands‑on exposure across tax compliance, SMSF work and audit engagements, with the opportunity to grow in responsibility as the practice expands over the next 12 months.

About the Role

This is a hands‑on role suited to a graduate or junior accountant who has already gained some exposure to Australian tax compliance and is looking to build a career in public practice accounting.

You will work closely with the Principal in an open and collaborative environment where learning, accountability and professional input are encouraged, with early exposure to real client work.

Key responsibilities include

1. Preparation of income tax returns for individuals, companies, trusts, partnerships, and SMSFs
2. Preparation of financial statements for small business clients
3. BAS and IAS preparation and lodgement
4. SMSF compliance work (accounts and tax returns)
5. Workpapers and first-pass preparation of compliance engagements
6. Assisting with client queries and ATO correspondence

Audit & Assurance Exposure

The successful candidate will also gain exposure to:

1. SMSF audits
2. Real estate trust audits
3. Not-for-profit audits and verification engagements

Audit experience is not required, and training will be provided.

Systems & Software

The practice uses modern cloud accounting systems including:

1. Xero
2. BGL Simple Fund 360
3. BGL CAS 360

The practice is also transitioning to Access Practice Management software.

About You

Essential

1. Completed, or near completion of, a Bachelor of Accounting / Commerce
2. Prior experience in an Australian public practice environment (minimum 3 months – internship, part-time role or graduate position)
3. Basic understanding of Australian tax compliance
4. Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
5. Good written and verbal communication skills

Highly regarded

1. Experience preparing individual tax returns or BAS
2. Experience using Xero
3. Exposure to practice management systems such as Xero Practice Manager or Access Practice Management
4. Exposure to BGL Simple Fund 360 or BGL CAS 360
5. Interest in pursuing IPA or CPA accreditation

Culture & Opportunity

This is an open practice with direct access to the Principal. We value initiative, accountability and professional curiosity. Team members are encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas and take ownership of their work rather than simply follow instructions.

The role provides exposure to a broad range of work early in your career, including tax, SMSF and audit engagements, with the opportunity to grow in capability and responsibility as the practice continues to expand.

What You Will Gain

1. Exposure to a wide range of tax entities early in your career
2. Direct mentoring from the Principal
3. Exposure to SMSF and audit engagements rarely available in junior roles
4. Broad technical development across tax, business advisory and compliance

Salary

$60,000 – $70,000 + super, depending on experience.

Salary will be reviewed as experience and responsibilities increase.

Additional Requirements

Employment is subject to:

1. Reference checks
2. A satisfactory National Police Check
3. Australian citizenship or permanent residency with unrestricted working rights