Senior Accountant / Client Manager

An exceptional role for an exceptional accountant

Financial Services | Wollongong, NSW
Full-time | Senior remuneration package | Genuine leadership opportunity

We are not looking for an average accountant.

We are looking for an accomplished, commercially minded Senior Accountant who is technically outstanding, trusted by clients and capable of taking ownership of a substantial portfolio.

You will likely have at least 10 years’ experience in public practice, hold a CPA or CA qualification and have built a reputation as the person clients and colleagues turn to when the work is complex, urgent or important.

This is a senior role for an accountant who knows their value and wants to work in a progressive, established firm where their experience, judgement and contribution will be recognised.

The opportunity

This is not a production-line compliance role.

You will be responsible for managing and developing a diverse portfolio of business clients, delivering high-level accounting and taxation advice and building trusted relationships with business owners.

You will have the autonomy to manage your clients while being supported by an experienced leadership team and broader financial services group.

Depending on your experience, the role may also include mentoring accountants, reviewing work, improving internal processes and contributing to the future direction of the practice.

Your responsibilities will include

• Managing a substantial portfolio of business and private clients
• Preparing and reviewing financial statements, income tax returns and business activity statements
• Advising clients on taxation, structuring, cash flow, profitability and business performance
• Managing complex entities, including companies, trusts, partnerships and individuals
• Providing proactive tax planning and year-round business advice
• Identifying risks, opportunities and strategies before clients need to ask
• Building strong, long-term relationships with business owners and key stakeholders
• Reviewing work prepared by junior and intermediate accountants
• Mentoring and supporting team members
• Working directly with partners and senior leadership
• Collaborating with our lending and financial planning divisions to provide coordinated client solutions
• Maintaining high standards of technical quality, accuracy and client service

About you

You are an experienced public practice accountant who combines strong technical capability with commercial judgement and excellent client relationship skills.

You do not simply process the numbers. You understand the business behind them.

You are confident speaking with clients, explaining complex matters clearly and providing practical recommendations. You take ownership of your work, anticipate issues and follow matters through to completion.

You will ideally bring:

• At least 10 years’ Australian public practice experience
• CPA or CA qualification
• Strong Australian taxation and compliance knowledge
• Extensive experience with SMEs, family groups, companies and trusts
• Demonstrated experience managing a client portfolio
• Strong tax planning and business advisory capability
• Experience reviewing work and mentoring accountants
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence dealing directly with business owners and senior stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach
• Experience using Xero, Xero Practice Manager and Microsoft Office

Experience with SMSFs, business restructuring, Division 7A, CGT, small business concessions or complex tax matters will be highly regarded.

No second language is required. What matters is your capability, professionalism and ability to build strong client relationships.

What makes this opportunity different?

We understand that exceptional accountants want more than a list of tax returns and unrealistic billable-hour expectations.

You will have:

• Direct access to decision-makers
• Autonomy over your client portfolio
• Interesting and commercially complex work
• The opportunity to provide genuine advisory services
• Support from accounting, lending and financial planning professionals
• A collaborative and approachable leadership team
• The ability to influence systems, processes and the future direction of the firm
• Recognition for your contribution
• Flexibility for the right person
• A competitive remuneration package reflecting your experience and capability
• Genuine long-term career opportunities

We are open to discussing the structure of the role with the right candidate. This may include a pathway into senior management or a broader leadership position within the accounting division.

The standard we are seeking

This role will suit an accountant who:

• Takes pride in being technically excellent
• Is calm and capable under pressure
• Earns the confidence of clients quickly
• Can independently manage complex work
• Supports and develops the people around them
• Looks for solutions rather than waiting for instructions
• Wants to make a meaningful contribution to a growing practice

We are deliberately setting a high bar.

If you are an exceptional accountant who has outgrown your current position, feels undervalued or wants greater autonomy and influence, we would like to hear from you.

How to apply

Please submit your résumé and a brief cover letter outlining:

• Your public practice experience
• The types of clients and entities you currently manage
• Your key areas of technical expertise
• The size and complexity of your current portfolio
• What you are looking for in your next senior accounting role

Please note that we do not accept resumes from recruiters nor engage with recruiters in any capacity. If you feel suitable for this role, please put forward your application directly.

All applications will be treated in strict confidence.