Principal Financial Accountant

Rocket; Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 77,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page Australia is seeking a Principal Financial Accountant to lead the department’s financial ledgers and provide expert financial accounting services during a critical period in Queensland. The role emphasizes end-of-month processes, asset management, and strategic financial guidance.

You will oversee delivery to internal and external stakeholders, coordinate with auditors, and drive change within a hybrid Brisbane-based team. A CA/CPA is highly regarded.

Qualifications

• Senior-level capability in financial management.
• Deep knowledge of financial accounting practices and policies.
• Ability to review financial data and identify inconsistencies.
• Clear leadership skills and change management.
• CA or CPA qualification highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operations of the Department financial ledgers, particularly end of month accounting activities.
• Lead the delivery of financial accounting services to stakeholders within and external to the Department.
• Ensure non-current assets are recognised and maintained in the asset register and general ledger.
• Develop and monitor financial management strategies in line with statutory requirements and government policy.
• Apply expert knowledge to the preparation of the annual financial statements and coordinate with auditors.
• Lead financial management projects including data analysis to deliver key outcomes on time.
• Provide reporting to senior management and ad-hoc reporting on financial matters.
• Develop and lead a team delivering efficient financial accounting services.

Skills

Financial accounting

Leadership

Data analysis

Policy compliance

Education

CA or CPA qualification

Job description

Contract Details

• Initial contract through end of Q1 '27
• CBD based with hybrid working

About Our Client

We are supporting a key Queensland State Government Department as they seek to add experienced capability to their financial accounting team over an important period. The Department has played an increasingly visible role and undergone a significant degree of change and transformation under the sitting government, all designed around how they best deliver their services on behalf of Queenslanders. The Principal Financial Accountant role sits within the internal operations team and allows for those on the front line to deliver their services effectively.

Job Description

The Principal Financial Accountant role is due to run initially until the end of March, with possibility for extension. The expectation is the candidate who steps into this role will provide leadership and direction in the delivery of financial accounting, analysis and advice to management. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the operations of the Department financial ledgers, particularly end of month accounting activities.
• Lead the delivery of financial accounting services through the provision of professional and timely advice to stakeholders within and external to the Department.
• Ensure non-current assets are appropriately recognised and maintained in the relevant asset register and general ledger.
• Lead, manage and coordinate the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of financial management strategies and practices that ensure compliance with statutory requirements and government policy and enhance and promote sound and better practice financial management practice.
• Apply expert knowledge to the preparation of the annual financial statements, including the planning of all associated activities and communication with relevant auditors.
• Lead, manage and coordinate financial management projects including interpreting and analysing financial data and performance to ensure key outcomes are delivered on time.
• Provide reporting to senior management through formal financial and management reporting and ad-hoc reporting on key financial accounting matters and significant business initiatives and the possible impact on the Department.
• Develop and lead a team of direct, shared and business unit resources in the provision of efficient, effective and economical financial accounting services.

Full responsibilities will be included in the position description.

The Successful Applicant

The candidate profile we hope to find for the Principal Financial Accountant Position includes:

• High level of capability in the delivery of financial management services at a senior level
• Deep knowledge of financial accounting practices, standards and policies with proven track record of delivery
• Ability to review financial data and identify inconsistencies.
• Clear leadership skills, including management of teams and leading through change
• Formal accounting qualification such as CA or CPA is highly regarded

What's on Offer

The role will be offered at an hourly rate of up to $93 per hour plus super.