Assistant Accountant

A rare opportunity to make your mark

Most assistant accountant roles ask you to slot into a process someone else built years ago. This one is different.

Our client is a long-established Melbourne manufacturer with a proud history, loyal long-term customers and around 100 dedicated staff. In October 2026 it began a new chapter as a standalone business under new ownership. With new owners behind it and a clear vision for growth, the business is now bringing its finance function fully in-house for the first time.
 
That's where you come in. As the business's first in-house assistant accountant, you'll take ownership of the processes that keep money flowing in and out of a business. You'll build the way things are done, and you'll be recognised for it.
 
Why this role stands out

• Real ownership from day one. You won't be one person in a large shared-services queue. You'll own AP and AR end-to-end, and your work will be visible to the leadership team and the business's owners.
• A genuine pathway to permanent. The 6-month fixed term gives both sides the chance to get to know each other. The business is actively shaping its long-term finance structure, and the right person will have every opportunity to make the role their own permanently.
• Room to grow beyond transactions. Alongside the core AP/AR work, you'll prepare cash flow reporting and forecasting for senior leadership. That experience is ideal for anyone working towards their CPA and a broader finance career. As the business evolves, so can the role.
• Rewarded for seeing it through. On top of a competitive salary, you'll receive a completion bonus when you finish the 6-month term.
• Flexibility that works. Hybrid working is supported, with a minimum of 2 days a week on site in Thomastown, where you'll be close to the operation and the team.
• A stable, relationship-driven business. Around 80% of customers are on contract and most of the rest are repeat clients. You'll be working with people the business knows well, not chasing difficult debt.

What you'll be doing
 
Accounts Payable

• Processing around 3,000 supplier invoices a year end-to-end in SAP, including receipting, coding, matching, approvals and payment runs
• Resolving supplier queries and keeping supplier accounts accurate and up to date
• Reconciling supplier statements

Accounts Receivable

• Allocating customer receipts and reconciling against bank statements
• Monitoring the debtors ledger and keeping customers to their trading terms
• Following up overdue accounts by email and phone, and working with the sales team on pricing or quality queries
• Building strong working relationships with key customers

Cash Flow and Reporting

• Completing daily bank reconciliations
• Preparing daily and weekly cash position reporting
• Building short-term cash flow forecasts for the local leadership team and the business's owners

Process and Documentation

• Learning existing processes during a structured handover from the previous finance provider
• Documenting procedures clearly so the business has a reliable, long-term finance playbook
• Recommending and implementing improvements as the function settles in

About you
 
You're an assistant accountant or experienced AP/AR professional who enjoys ownership and takes pride in getting the details right. You'll ideally bring:

• 4+ years' experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable or an assistant accountant role
• SAP experience (highly regarded)
• A degree in accounting or finance, or current study towards one; CPA/CA candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and confidence speaking with customers and suppliers on the phone
• Strong organisational skills and accuracy, including with manual processing
• An instinct for structure: you like documenting processes and leaving things better than you found them
• A proactive, self-starting attitude, and you're comfortable working closely with a manager who is sometimes remote
• Availability to start in late October or early November

Manufacturing experience is a bonus but not essential. Attitude, accuracy and communication matter most.
 
What's on offer

• Attractive base salary plus superannuation, depending on experience
• A completion bonus paid on successfully finishing the 6-month term
• A genuine opportunity to convert to a permanent role
• Hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 days a week on site in Thomastown
• Direct exposure to senior leadership and the business's owners
• Practical, broad finance experience to support your CPA journey and career growth
• A supportive, close-knit team in a business entering an exciting new phase
• A quick, streamlined interview process