Management Accountant

NSW Government; Bellingen Shire Council; Hybrid; AUD 88,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness Passport

Employee wellbeing programs

Hybrid and flexible work arrangements

Salary packaging options

Monthly rostered day off

Job summary

Bellingen Shire Council is seeking a Management Accountant to coordinate the 10-year Long Term Financial Plan, annual operating and capital budgets, and quarterly budget reviews. You will work with managers to develop budgets and provide commentary to support informed decisions.

Reporting to the Senior Accountant, you will prepare monthly financial reports, investigate variances, and provide financial advice to budget holders.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in finance or business or related discipline, and/or demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Council’s 10-year Long Term Financial Plan, annual operating and capital budgets, and quarterly budget reviews.
• Develop and review budgets with managers and budget holders; assess long-term financial implications of projects.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting & forecasting

Management accounting

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance or business

Tools

Financial management systems

Advanced spreadsheets

Job description

Play a key role in Council’s financial planning and performance. As Management Accountant, you will lead the coordination of budgets and the Long-Term Financial Plan, provide meaningful financial analysis, and work closely with managers to support informed decisions across Council.

About Us

Working with us means more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to make a real difference at a local level. We’re a small but impactful council known for innovation, collaboration, and community connection. With around 160 dedicated employees, our team is passionate about delivering services that support the people and places that make our shire special.

Bellingen Shire is a picturesque and diverse area located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and just south of Coffs Harbour. Covering 1,605 square kilometres with around 10km of coastline, the region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty – from lush rainforests and pristine rivers to the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. Our towns and villages are known for their charm, creativity and strong community spirit.

Living and working here offers the perfect blend of lifestyle and purpose. With a focus on sustainability, cultural richness, and a warm, welcoming community, Bellingen Shire is an inspiring place to grow your career, enjoy work-life balance, and contribute to something meaningful.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Accountant, you will coordinate Council’s 10-year Long Term Financial Plan, annual operating and capital budgets, and quarterly budget reviews. You will work with managers and budget holders to develop and review budgets, consider the longer-term financial implications of projects and service changes, and ensure approved budgets are accurately reflected in Council’s financial system. You will also prepare monthly financial reports and information for quarterly budget review statements, investigate significant variances and provide clear commentary on financial performance.

The ideal candidate will have tertiary qualifications in finance or business or related discipline and/or demonstrated experience management accounting experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and reporting, including providing financial advice to managers and budget holders. Experience using financial management systems and advanced spreadsheets is essential, while experience in local government or a similarly complex and regulated environment would be highly regarded.

To succeed in the role, you will have strong analytical skills, sound judgement and the ability to explain financial information in a way that helps others make informed decisions. You will build productive relationships across Council, support managers to understand their financial responsibilities, and help improve budgeting, forecasting and financial capability across the organisation. You will also bring attention to detail, clear communication skills and the ability to meet reporting deadlines while handling sensitive information confidentially.

On offer

Working for Bellingen Shire Council provides access to a range of benefits and employment conditions, including:

• Permanent full-time role, 35 hours per week with access to monthly rostered day off
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Access to employee wellbeing programs
• Access to hybrid and flexible work arrangements in line with Award provisions, subject to operational requirements
• Salary packaging options
• Annual salary of $87,687 to $99,961 (plus super).

Still Have Questions?

• For further information regarding this role please contact Phil West, Senior Accountant, on 02 6655 7300.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available. To be eligible for a permanent role, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold Australian permanent residency.

Temporary visa holders may be considered for a fixed-term appointment aligned with the duration of their visa, depending on the needs of the role and the business unit.

Applications close: Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 4pm

As part of the recruitment process, suitable candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening which can include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessments, psychometric testing, and drug and alcohol screening (where relevant to the role). We may also review publicly available information (such as social media) and, with your consent, contact previous employers not listed on your application.

Our recruitment process is managed via system generated emails. Please ensure your email address is entered correctly to avoid missing important updates and outcomes. Notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, reference requests, and application outcomes. Remember to check your email regularly, including your junk/spam folder.

Bellingen Shire Council as an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidates of all ages, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and people who have lived experience of disability to apply to work with us.

Bellingen Shire Council is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.

If you require additional assistance to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6655 7300 or [e-mail]. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.