Senior Accountant

Play a key role in supporting strategic decision-making and stewardship of financial resources...

The Senior Accountant is responsible for providing high-quality financial management, compliance, reporting, and operational accounting support across Christian Heritage College (CHC). The position plays a key role in ensuring the integrity of the College's financial systems, supporting strategic decision-making, maintaining regulatory compliance, and contributing to the stewardship of CHC resources.

Since 1986, CHC has been a recognised provider in Australia’s higher education sector. We deliver accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs that combine academic excellence with a Christian worldview—preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.

About the Role:

As a senior member of the Finance Team, the Senior Accountant assists the Head of Finance & Operations in delivering accurate financial reporting, budgeting, audit management, government compliance, payroll oversight, cash flow management, and continuous improvement of finance processes.
The successful applicant will demonstrate professional excellence, strong analytical capability, a commitment to Christian values, and a desire to contribute to CHC's mission of preparing people to influence their world for Christ.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting - prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports, maintain the integrity of the general ledger through reconciliations and journal processing, and support accurate financial reporting, statutory compliance, and informed business decision-making through financial analysis.
• Budgeting & Forecasting - support the preparation of budgets, forecasts and financial models, monitor financial performance against budget, and provide insights to budget holders on financial results and variances. Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory reporting requirements, maintain effective financial controls and governance practices, and support reporting obligations across relevant government and regulatory bodies.
• Audit & Risk Management - coordinate audit preparation by compiling audit schedules, workpapers and supporting reconciliations, assist with implementing audit recommendations, and support risk management and the ongoing review of internal controls.
• Payroll Oversight - oversee payroll processing to ensure accuracy, compliance and timely reporting, maintain compliance with relevant employment legislation and awards, and reconcile payroll liabilities and employee entitlement balances.
• Account Revievable & Student Finance - oversee student invoicing and debtor management processes, reconcile student fees, government funding and payments, and provide financial support to Registry and Student Services on student-related matters.
• Accounts Payable & Cash Management - review supplier payments and payment controls, monitor cash flow and banking activities, prepare complex bank and balance sheet reconciliations, and support treasury and investment management functions as required.
• Systems & Process Improvement - maintain and enhance finance systems and reporting tools, drive process improvements through automation and streamlined procedures, support the implementation of new financial technologies, and ensure finance processes and internal controls are clearly documented.
• Stakeholder Support - provide financial advice and support to college leaders.

About You - Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Commerce, or a related discipline.
• CPA or CA qualified or working towards completion is desirable.
• Minimum five years’ accounting or finance experience, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and audit coordination.
• Sound knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards and taxation requirements.
• Strong analytical, financial modelling, and critical thinking skills with advanced Excel capability.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail, integrity, and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience in higher education, not-for-profit, or faith-based organisations and familiarity with Xero, Employment Hero Payroll, Power BI, or similar systems would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes:

• Active involvement in a local Christian church or faith community
• Demonstrates maturity of faith and Christian character.
• Committed to CHC’s vision, values, and strategic direction.
• Stewardship mindset and service-oriented leadership style.
• Willingness and ability to accept responsibility and to work with minimal direction.
• Ability to prioritise completing work demands to meet internal and external deadlines.

Why join CHC?

• Be part of a supportive, faith-based academic community.
• Enjoy a collaborative and purpose-driven work environment.
• Access to a faith base employee assistance program (EAP)
• One free study unit per semester at CHC.

As a Christian organisation, it is a genuine occupational requirement of this role that the successful applicant to be a practicing Christian who is actively involved in their local church community and able to support and uphold the Christian mission, values, and ethos of our organisation.

Apply Now!

Submit your CV/Resume and cover letter via the 'Apply to this Job' button below.

By providing a cover letter with your application you help to support a fair and thorough recruitment process. This helps us understand your motivation for applying, your alignment with our mission and values, and how your skills and experience match the key requirements of the role.

Applications Close: Monday 31 July 2026