Senior Financial Accountant - Hire or get hired
Your complete guide to the Senior Financial Accountant Role: Duties, salary & hiring tips
Purpose of the Senior Financial Accountant
The Senior Financial Accountant leads the preparation of financial statements, supports audit and tax processes, and provides strategic financial insights. The role ensures compliance with accounting standards and contributes to leadership decision-making through accurate reporting.
Senior Financial Accountant's duties and responsibilities
• Financial Reporting:
Prepare and review statutory financial statements in compliance with IFRS and regulatory standards.
Ensure accuracy and completeness of P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow reports.
• Month-End & Year-End Close:
Lead month-end and year-end processes including journals, reconciliations, and consolidations.
Prepare disclosures and ensure reporting deadlines are met.
• Audit & Tax Compliance:
Coordinate internal and external audits, prepare audit packs, and implement recommendations.
Manage tax compliance including BAS, FBT, and income tax returns.
• Controls & Process Improvement:
Strengthen internal financial controls and identify process improvement opportunities.
Support ERP upgrades or system transitions.
• Team Collaboration:
Provide financial analysis and commentary to senior leaders.
Mentor junior finance team members and encourage knowledge sharing.
Prepare and review statutory financial statements in compliance with IFRS and regulatory standards.
Ensure accuracy and completeness of P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow reports.
• Month-End & Year-End Close:
Lead month-end and year-end processes including journals, reconciliations, and consolidations.
Prepare disclosures and ensure reporting deadlines are met.
• Audit & Tax Compliance:
Coordinate internal and external audits, prepare audit packs, and implement recommendations.
Manage tax compliance including BAS, FBT, and income tax returns.
• Controls & Process Improvement:
Strengthen internal financial controls and identify process improvement opportunities.
Support ERP upgrades or system transitions.
• Team Collaboration:
Provide financial analysis and commentary to senior leaders.
Mentor junior finance team members and encourage knowledge sharing.
Requirements and qualifications for a Senior Financial Accountant
• CA/CPA qualified
• 5+ years’ experience in financial accounting and reporting
• In-depth knowledge of IFRS and tax compliance
• Strong ERP and advanced Excel skills
• Experience coordinating external audits
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities
• 5+ years’ experience in financial accounting and reporting
• In-depth knowledge of IFRS and tax compliance
• Strong ERP and advanced Excel skills
• Experience coordinating external audits
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities
Hiring a Senior Financial Accountant or looking for your next Senior Financial Accountant job?
Whether you're an employer seeking a skilled Accounts Payable Manager or a candidate ready for your next career move, we can help.
Submit your resume or request top talent today – our expert Accounting and Finance recruiters are ready to assist.
Add your custom HTML here
Our latest jobs
86%
Retaining staff was accounting leaders #1 challenge in 2022
55%
Qualified roles were the most difficult to fill for accounting leaders in 2022
51%
Hired temporary or contract staff in 2022 to fill an immediate need
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.
