Financial Accountant

About Us

Gunnedah Shire Council is an integral part of the Gunnedah community, a vibrant, warm and friendly town surrounded by the expansive Liverpool Plains and framed by the Kelvin Ranges. The Koala Capital of the world offers much more than just our famous furry friends! With a population of approximately 13,085 Gunnedah is a commodity hub and major destination on the intersection of the Kamilaroi Highway Touring Route and Oxley Highway. Here at Gunnedah Shire Council, we are committed to providing a friendly and helpful service to all stakeholders and a liveable and accessible community for all ages and demographics. Additionally, we are proud to promote economic and business development in the region.

It is important to note that we are not only invested in the people of Gunnedah, but also heavily invested in our employees and their future careers. 

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Coordinator Financial Accounting, the role will primarily be responsible for providing high quality, professional financial accounting services to Council’s Internal & External Customers and allocating resources effectively and efficiently ensuring compliance to all legislation, strategies,  policies, plans of Council and responsibilities in a timely manner.  

More specifically, your core responsibilities will include (but will not be limited to):

• Administration of systems and procedures utilised for the effective financial management of the organisation, including all reporting mechanisms and data analysis tools.
• Undertake the completion of internal and external financial reports, acquittals, returns and other finance requirements.
• Utilise expert knowledge to provide reporting and analysis of financial data to/for internal customers.
• Provide ongoing review and development and support of the systems and processes employed for the capture and management of Council’s financial and performance data and internal reporting requirements.
• Providing specialist knowledge to complete aspects of the Annual Financial Statements and returns.
• Undertake the reconciliation of Council’s restricted contributions funds and oversight the access of these funds in-line with statutory requirements.
• Undertake the preparation and lodgement of various taxation returns to meet legislative requirements.
• Provide support to the Coordinator Financial Accounting in the development, implementation and communication of the priorities and key actions from Councils corporate plans and Councils integrated strategic plans.
• Keep up to date, review, communicate to staff with all relevant finance and revenue legislation, accounting standards, departmental circulars and other management requirements.
• Provide ongoing maintenance and review of appropriate systems and processes for the capture and management of Council’s statutory financial records, taxation obligations and internal reporting capabilities.
• Oversee the regular balancing of Councils Leave Registers for Sick, Annual and Long Service Leave.
• Apply judgement and assessment of investment opportunities in the management of the Councils Investment Register.
• Provide assistance to staff in the Finance department as required and undertake other tasks as required to meet the desired outcomes of the department.

Our next Financial Accountant

The ideal candidate will have;

• A tertiary qualification in Finance, Business or Commerce; or demonstrated experience working in a similar role.
• Advanced skills in the application of software to derive accounting solutions and provide financial accounting support to business managers.
• Demonstrated high-level skills in analysis and problem solving and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships, co-opt support and broker agreements with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Well-developed communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex technical issues when dealing with internal customers.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of products and demonstrated broad computer literacy.
• An advanced Microsoft Excel skillset 8. A working knowledge of the Australian Accounting Standards.
• Knowledge of Civica software, Local Government experience, a working knowledge of the Local Government (State) Award, Long Service Leave Act, Fringe Benefits Tax legislation and Payroll Tax will be highly regarded.

What We Offer

Some of the benefits working for Gunnedah Shire Council include:

• 35 hours per week 
• 4 weeks annual leave
• Rostered day off every 3 weeks
• Learning and development opportunities
• Access to employee wellbeing programs
• Salary packaging options
• Active social club

Annual salary of $92,704 - $102,327 + Superannuation 

For further information regarding this role please contact Kylie McDonald, Manager Finance, on 02 6740 2179 or see the position description.

How to Apply

Please read the Position Description by clicking on the link above.  It is important to read this carefully to understand what the job involves.

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill.  If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

If this sounds like you, click the Apply button below, complete the application form. Please ensure you answer all questions and upload a current resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role, as well as any copies of relevant qualifications that support your application.

Applications close: Thursday 18 September 2025 at 5:00PM

Further information

As part of the recruitment process, suitable applicants will be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol screening.

Our recruitment process is primarily via system generated emails.  Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.

Email notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, request for references, and application outcomes.  Please check your email regularly, including your junk email.

Council is 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 candidate of all ages and from all backgrounds.

For all enquiries regarding the application and recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6740 2188 or PeopleandCulture@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au