AU Intermediate Bookkeeper

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced, reliable and highly detail-focused Intermediate Bookkeeper / BAS

Support Officer to join an Australian bookkeeping practice. The role supports a portfolio of small to medium business clients across a range of industries and will involve day-to-day bookkeeping, payroll administration, reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, reporting, and preparation of information and workpapers required for Business Activity Statements. The successful candidate will work under the supervision and quality review processes of the registered BAS Agent to ensure all client work is accurate, compliant, timely and professionally delivered. This role would suit someone who is proactive, confident working independently across multiple client files, has strong problem-solving skills and takes ownership of their work while recognising when matters require escalation or BAS Agent review.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records across multiple client files.
• Process accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Perform bank, credit card, loan and clearing account reconciliations.
• Identify and investigate discrepancies, unreconciled transactions and unusual items rather
• than making assumptions, and clearly document or escalate issues requiring review.
• Prepare BAS workpapers, GST reconciliations and supporting information for review and approval by the registered BAS Agent.
• Process Australian payroll accurately and in accordance with relevant requirements, including
• PAYG withholding, STP/STP Phase 2, superannuation, leave entitlements and termination payments.
• Perform payroll reconciliations and maintain accurate employee and payroll records.
• Assist with month-end and financial year-end bookkeeping processes and reporting.
• Assist with accounts receivable follow-up and maintenance of accurate debtor and creditor records where required.
• Liaise professionally with clients, external accountants, auditors and other stakeholders as required.
• Ensure bookkeeping records are maintained in accordance with relevant ATO requirements, including GST and PAYG withholding.

Job Description

• Manage multiple client files, priorities and competing deadlines while maintaining clear records of work completed, outstanding items and matters requiring follow-up.
• Assist with client onboarding, file setup and ongoing maintenance of accounting and bookkeeping systems where required.
• Follow established internal procedures, checklists, workflows and quality-control processes.
• Assist in documenting and improving bookkeeping procedures and workflows to increase efficiency and reduce rework.
• Prepare ad hoc financial reports and undertake other bookkeeping and administrative tasks as required.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 1-3 years' experience in a bookkeeping role.
• Previous experience supporting Australian businesses is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience working across multiple client files within an Australian bookkeeping practice is highly regarded.
• Strong practical knowledge of Australian bookkeeping requirements, including GST, PAYG withholding, payroll, superannuation and BAS preparation.
• Demonstrated experience preparing BAS workpapers and GST reconciliations for review by a registered BAS Agent or accountant.
• Strong Australian payroll experience, including STP/STP Phase 2, PAYG withholding, superannuation, leave entitlements, termination payments and payroll reconciliations.

Systems & Software

• Strong Xero experience is essential.
• Experience with MYOB and QuickBooks Online is highly regarded.
• Experience with Dext, Hubdoc and Ignition is highly regarded.
• Confidence using Microsoft 365, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Strong ability to work within cloud-based accounting systems and digital workflows.
• Ability and willingness to learn additional accounting, payroll and practice-management platforms quickly.

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent written and spoken English with the ability to communicate professionally with clients, accountants and team members.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritise deadline-driven work across multiple clients.
• Able to work independently and take ownership of assigned tasks.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate routine bookkeeping issues and propose solutions before escalating them.
• Uses sound judgement and knows when a matter requires review or approval by the registered BAS Agent.
• Proactive and willing to ask questions early where instructions or information are unclear.
• Able to identify errors, inconsistencies and unusual transactions rather than simply processing information as presented.
• Comfortable working within established procedures while also identifying opportunities to improve processes and reduce rework.
• High level of discretion, confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive client, payroll and financial information.
• Reliable, accountable and able to meet agreed deadlines.

Compliance & Professional Responsibilities

• Work strictly within the scope of the role and promptly escalate BAS, GST, payroll tax, superannuation or other compliance matters requiring review by the registered BAS Agent.
• Apply reasonable care when gathering client information, checking records and preparing work for review.
• Maintain client confidentiality and protect client information at all times.
• Act honestly, professionally and in the best interests of clients while following firm procedures.
• Comply with all internal review, approval, lodgement and quality-management processes before client work is finalised.
• Maintain relevant bookkeeping, payroll, software and compliance knowledge through ongoing training and professional development.
• Follow all required information-security and data-protection procedures when accessing client systems and confidential information