Financial Accountant - Hire or get hired
Your complete guide to the Financial Accountant Role: Duties, salary & hiring tips
Purpose of the Financial Accountant
The Financial Accountant ensures the accuracy of financial reporting and ledger management. This role supports tax obligations, assists with audits, and helps maintain compliance across finance operations.
Financial Accountant's duties and responsibilities
• Financial Reporting:
Prepare monthly and year-end financial statements in accordance with accounting standards.
Assist with internal and external reporting obligations.
• General Ledger Management:
Process journal entries, accruals, and prepayments.
Reconcile balance sheet accounts and maintain the fixed asset register.
• Tax & Compliance:
Assist in the preparation of BAS, GST, and PAYG returns.
Support compliance with accounting standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Audit Support:
Prepare documentation for audits and respond to auditor queries.
• Process Improvement:
Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and reporting systems.
Prepare monthly and year-end financial statements in accordance with accounting standards.
Assist with internal and external reporting obligations.
• General Ledger Management:
Process journal entries, accruals, and prepayments.
Reconcile balance sheet accounts and maintain the fixed asset register.
• Tax & Compliance:
Assist in the preparation of BAS, GST, and PAYG returns.
Support compliance with accounting standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Audit Support:
Prepare documentation for audits and respond to auditor queries.
• Process Improvement:
Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and reporting systems.
Requirements and qualifications for a Financial Accountant
• CA/CPA qualified or in progress
• 2–4 years’ experience in financial accounting
• Strong understanding of accounting principles (IFRS or GAAP)
• Proficient in Excel and accounting systems (e.g., Xero, SAP)
• Detail-oriented and strong reconciliation skills
• 2–4 years’ experience in financial accounting
• Strong understanding of accounting principles (IFRS or GAAP)
• Proficient in Excel and accounting systems (e.g., Xero, SAP)
• Detail-oriented and strong reconciliation skills
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Accounting and Finance Market Update
2024 was a challenging year for businesses across all sectors, leading to a slowdown in recruitment. As we move into 2025, while the market has slowed, job seekers remain open to new opportunities if salaries and workplace conditions meet expectations. Employers must move quickly and offer compelling value beyond compensation.
Qualified accountants remained the hardest to hire in 2024, with 40% of businesses citing them as the most difficult to fill, followed by transactional finance (17%) and payroll roles (14%). In-demand roles such as finance managers, systems accountants, and specialists in data analytics and sustainability reporting indicate a shift in workforce priorities.
To remain competitive in 2025, 75% of organisations will focus on automation and system improvements, with additional emphasis on upskilling (45%), cash flow management (37%), and compliance (33%). Many businesses are investing in professional development, including certifications, workshops, and AI skill training, to enhance their teams and adapt to new technologies.
86% of businesses preferred maintaining in-house teams for better communication, control, and compliance, and while many employers relied on internal hiring teams, 54% sought external recruitment support within a month, highlighting the ongoing value of recruitment agencies in securing top talent.
Qualified accountants remained the hardest to hire in 2024, with 40% of businesses citing them as the most difficult to fill, followed by transactional finance (17%) and payroll roles (14%). In-demand roles such as finance managers, systems accountants, and specialists in data analytics and sustainability reporting indicate a shift in workforce priorities.
To remain competitive in 2025, 75% of organisations will focus on automation and system improvements, with additional emphasis on upskilling (45%), cash flow management (37%), and compliance (33%). Many businesses are investing in professional development, including certifications, workshops, and AI skill training, to enhance their teams and adapt to new technologies.
86% of businesses preferred maintaining in-house teams for better communication, control, and compliance, and while many employers relied on internal hiring teams, 54% sought external recruitment support within a month, highlighting the ongoing value of recruitment agencies in securing top talent.
