Senior Accountant

Stannards Accountants & Advisors; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing Days

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted client products andservices

Fully stocked kitchen

Regular social events

Volunteer/community involvement

Job summary

Stannards Accountants & Advisors in Melbourne seeks a Senior Accountant to lead financial statements and tax returns for a diverse client portfolio. You’ll collaborate with Directors on complex topics and contribute to high-quality service.

Take ownership of tax advisory work, manage client relationships, and support junior staff while delivering strong outcomes for high net worth individuals and businesses.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of Accounting/Business Services experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce or Accounting; CA/CPA in progress.
• Experience with entities (companies, trusts, SMSFs) and tax compliance.
• Proficient in Xero, MYOB and other accounting systems; strong IT skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and client-facing skills with stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborative mindset with ability to mentor junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review complex financial statements for a diverse client base.
• Prepare and review income tax returns for companies, trusts, partnerships and individuals.
• Prepare and review BAS/FBT and other statutory filings.
• Provide strategic tax advice including GST, CGT and tax guidance.
• Build strong client relationships and liaise with clients and meetings.
• Review files prepared by Graduates and Accountants; provide training as needed.
• Coach and support junior staff; liaise with regulators as required.
• Support Directors and senior staff on technical matters.

Skills

Accounting/Business Services

CA/CPA in progress

Xero

MYOB

Excel (Advanced)

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder engagement

Coaching juniors

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Commerce/Accounting

CA or CPA in progress

Tools

Xero Certification

Excel (Advanced)

Job description

Stannards is a leading business advisory and accounting firm known for doing things differently. Our approach sets us apart — from the way we innovate and use systems, to how we mentor, collaborate and support each other.

We are passionate about exploring better solutions and delivering better outcomes for our clients, because their success is our success. We take pride in the work we do and in creating a dynamic, supportive and expert environment where our people can thrive. As a result of this approach, Stannards is experiencing strong growth and is now ranked within the AFR’s Top 50 chartered accounting and advisory firms.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a talented Senior Accountant to join our growing Business Services team in Melbourne. In this role, you’ll take the lead in preparing financial statements and income tax returns for a diverse portfolio of clients, including operating businesses and high net worth individuals and family groups. You will also be given opportunities to work on special projects across our different divisions, such as Specialist Tax Consulting/Corporate Finance.

You’ll collaborate closely with our Directors and senior staff members, gaining hands‑on exposure to complex technical matters while playing a key role in delivering meaningful outcomes for clients. This is an opportunity to deepen your expertise, build trusted client relationships, and contribute to a team that values quality, insight, and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and review complex income tax returns for companies, trusts, partnerships and individuals.
• Prepare and review financial statements.
• Prepare and review Business Activity Statements.
• Assist with provision of strategic tax advice, including GST, CGT, FBT and Division 7A guidance.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, including direct client communication and attending meetings.
• Perform the initial review of files prepared by Graduates and Accountants.
• Provide training and support to junior staff, where required.
• Liaise with ATO, ASIC and other regulatory bodies.

About You

You’re a motivated and detail-oriented professional ready to join a well-established firm. You thrive in fast-paced, high-volume environments and are confident engaging with senior stakeholders to support strong outcomes and drive performance.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• 3 - 5 plus years of Accounting/Business Services experience (required).
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Accounting, or something similar. You have also completed, or are currently studying towards your CA or CPA.
• Experience with all types of entities, including companies, trusts, and self-managed superannuation funds.
• Experience in the use of Xero, MYOB and other accounting systems.
• Strong IT skills, including Xero Certification and advanced Excel skills (desired).
• Excellent interpersonal and client-facing skills.
• Well-developed knowledge and understanding of financial management and applying accounting methodology with a diverse environment.
• In-depth knowledge of tax laws and regulations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills across all levels.
• A collaborative mindset, with experience coaching or supporting junior team members.

Why Join Stannards?

At Stannards, we offer more than just a job — we offer the opportunity to build your career in a firm that is growing, collaborative and committed to excellence. You’ll be supported by experienced professionals, exposed to a diverse client base, and given opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career in a meaningful way.

Alongside a strong culture of mentoring, innovation and teamwork, we also offer a range of practical benefits to support your wellbeing and recognise your contribution, including 3 Wellbeing Days per year, a competitive salary and benefits package, access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program, discounted client products and services, a fully stocked kitchen, regular social events, and opportunities to participate in charity and volunteering initiatives.

Applicants must have Australian working rights.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career experience — not just a job — we’d love to hear from you.