Financial Accountant/Payroll

Be responsible for the processing of the fortnightly payroll through Xero and Salary Packaging through Southgate as well as balancing and reconciling the General Ledger in a timely manner and maintaining accurate financial records......

Parental Leave Position- April 2026 to May 2027

We are seeking to appoint an experienced and collaborative Financial Accountant/Payroll professional to join our team on a 13 month parental leave cover contract.

Reporting to the Finance Manager, this role is responsible for the processing of the fortnightly payroll through Xero and Salary Packaging through Southgate. This position is also responsible for balancing and reconciling the General Ledger in a timely manner and maintaining accurate financial records.

This role will see you responsible for:

Financial Accounting
• Delivering month-end close
• Completing balance sheet reconciliations and resolve outstanding items
• Maintenance and integrity of the General Ledger
• Maintaining fixed asset register
• Assisting the Finance Manager and senior business leaders with monthly reporting
• Ensuring compliance with account standards and regulations
• Liaising with external auditors and other stakeholders including being a key member in the audit review
• Meeting compliance requirements of superannuation, GST, PAYG, payroll tax, ABS etc.

Payroll
• Management of the end-to-end fortnightly payroll through Xero and salary packaging processing through Southgate
• Processing timesheets and payroll forms in a timely manner each fortnight and maintaining accurate payroll records on salary packaging, allowances, increment increases, commencements, terminations, leave and other relevant information
• Balancing and reconciling fortnightly payroll output, including generation of journals for Finance
• Interpreting and applying the terms and conditions in the Independent Schools NSW Teachers (Hybrid) and (Support and Operational Staff) Multi-Enterprise Agreements 2021 and relevant payroll policies and procedures
• Providing superannuation administration to ensure payroll processes are compliant with relevant legislation
• Processing PAYG monthly and statutory payments and process payroll end of month procedures, including data entry of journal entries
• Generating payroll reports through Xero as required by management

General
• Interacting with staff at all levels of the College in a timely manner to resolve pay issues
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of systems and processes ensuring services meet professional and industry standards
• Assisting the Finance Manager and senior leaders with any other adhoc activities/projects/reporting as required

Our ideal candidatewill have:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Finance officer in a payroll-related role
• Experience working in a school-based environment (preferred)
• Experience in Xero (preferred)
• Strong knowledge of payroll principles, regulations and procedures
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Detail oriented, with ability to meet deadlines under pressure
• Good analytical skills and ability to solve problems effectively
• Team player and ability to work with minimal supervision and capacity to identify and implement improved working systems, processes and procedures
• Tertiary Finance or Accounting qualifications (or near completed)
• Current Working With Children Check
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills
• Current First Aid certificate (desirable)

Completed applications should be submitted by Friday 13 March 2026.

Note: The College reserves the right to consider applications as they are received and make an appointment prior to the closing date.