The Principal Financial Accountant role within the Department’s Finance, Property and Procurement Services team provides strategic leadership and expert financial accounting services to support frontline operations. This permanent Brisbane-based position oversees financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards, and governance, including preparing annual financial statements, liaising with auditors, and ensuring robust internal controls. Key responsibilities include managing statutory reporting, providing strategic advice, and fostering collaboration across teams. The role requires a tertiary qualification in Accounting or Commerce, professional membership (e.g., CPA/CA), and proven public sector financial expertise.

Job details

The Principal Financial Accountant role is a key position within the Finance, Property and Procurement Services team in the Corporate Services division of the Department. This permanent Brisbane-based role offers an exciting opportunity to provide strategic leadership and expert financial accounting services to support the delivery of frontline operations. As part of a dedicated team of finance professionals, the role focuses on delivering accountable, transparent, innovative, and value-for money financial services.

The Principal Financial Accountant is responsible for overseeing and managing the Department's financial reporting obligations, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and governance requirements. Core responsibilities include coordinating statutory financial reporting, preparing annual financial statements in line with the Financial Accountability Act 2009 and Queensland Treasury Financial
Reporting Requirements, and ensuring timely end-of-period processing, reconciliations, and accruals. The role also involves liaising with the Queensland Audit Office, Internal Audit, and Queensland Treasury to support audits and reporting processes.

Strategic leadership is a key aspect of this role, requiring the provision of expert advice to senior leaders, including the Manager of Financial Accounting, the Director of Statutory Reporting and Governance, and other departmental managers. The role also involves managing services provided by Queensland Shared Services, fostering effective relationships across government agencies, and promoting a collaborative
and agile working culture within finance teams.

In addition to statutory reporting, the Principal Financial Accountant plays a critical role in financial governance by analysing and reporting on internal financial controls and performance. This includes supporting the Chief Finance Officer in demonstrating the effectiveness of the control environment through the annual Assurance Statement and advising on strategies to address regulatory or policy changes. The role also contributes to the development and maintenance of the Department's Financial Management Practice Manual, policies, and procedures.

The ideal candidate will hold a tertiary qualification in Commerce, Business, or Accounting and membership in a professional accounting body such as CPA Australia or CA ANZ. They will have demonstrated expertise in financial accounting practices, particularly in preparing financial statements within a public sector environment. Strong leadership skills, the ability to foster an inclusive and high performing team culture, and a commitment to sound governance and accountability are essential. 

Job Ad Reference: QLD/654350/25

Closing Date: Thursday, 28 August 2025

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 654350 25 Role Description (Word, 1.81MB)