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Principal Financial Accountant
Northgate
Be challenged | Be rewarded | Belong
QLeave is seeking an experienced Principal Financial Accountant to provide specialist technical leadership across financial accounting, statutory reporting and financial governance.
In this influential role, you will combine hands-on accounting expertise with the professional judgement needed to interpret complex accounting standards, strengthen financial controls and provide authoritative advice to finance colleagues, QLeave’s Executive Leadership Team and the Board.
If you are a technically accomplished accounting professional who enjoys solving complex problems, developing others and improving financial practices, this opportunity offers meaningful work and the ability to influence financial integrity and governance across QLeave.
Job details
| Position status | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Accounting and Finance |
| Classification | AO6 |
| Workplace Location | Brisbane - North |
| Job ad reference | QLD/697800 |
| Closing date | 24-Aug-2026 |
| Job duration | |
| Contact person | Jason Camden |
| Contact details | jason.camden@qleave.qld.gov.au Access the National Relay Service |
About the Role
You will be QLeave's principal subject matter expert for financial accounting and taxation, ensuring contemporary accounting practices are consistently applied, and financial information remains accurate, reliable and compliant.
Operating with a high degree of professional autonomy, the role interprets and applies Australian Accounting Standards, taxation legislation, Queensland Government financial management frameworks and internal governance requirements. This includes developing practical recommendations on complex accounting matters and escalating issues with significant financial, strategic, governance or reputational implications.
Combining technical leadership with hands-on accounting responsibility, the position oversees financial statements, statutory reporting, taxation compliance, general ledger integrity, investment accounting and internal controls. It also contributes to financial policy development, audit responses, finance transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
Working collaboratively with Finance Business Partners, Finance Officers, Finance Systems staff, managers and other stakeholders, the role provides specialist guidance and quality assurance to build capability, promote consistent financial practices and support informed decision-making and organisational performance
Your Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Lead financial accounting and statutory reporting activities, ensuring the integrity of QLeave's financial information and compliance with accounting standards, legislation and government financial frameworks.
- Prepare annual financial statements in accordance with the Financial Accountability Act 2009, Financial and Performance Standard 2019 and Australian Accounting Standards
- Conduct financial modelling and scenarios in relation to Scheme Sustainability outcomes
- Lead the risk assurance statement process for the function and collaborate on key strategies to mitigate strategic and cross functional risks
- Manage taxation obligations, including BAS, GST, payroll tax and FBT, and oversee complex reconciliations, journals, and general ledger activities.
- Act as QLeave's principal technical accounting adviser, providing clear and practical advice to finance colleagues, senior managers, Executive Leadership, the Board and relevant committees.
- Strengthen financial governance by improving internal controls, accounting policies, systems and processes, and by supporting the implementation of audit recommendations.
- Maintain accurate investment accounting records and provide oversight of the financial reporting and governance requirements associated with QLeave's investment activities. Lead the review and update of financial management policies and procedures to ensure that they are kept current in accordance with QLeave's Controlled documents framework
- Drive change and facilitate continuous improvement of financial management systems and processes in collaboration with own team and whole of organisation to create better practices, support a digital strategy and for a quality customer experience
- Provide technical leadership, work direction, coaching and quality assurance to the Financial Accountant and broader Finance and Investment Services team.
For a complete list of the role responsibilities, please refer to the role description.
What We're Looking For
You'll be well suited to this opportunity if you're a confident and commercially minded accounting professional who:
- Brings strong technical accounting expertise and sound professional judgement to complex financial matters.
- Can translate detailed financial, legislative and accounting requirements into clear, practical advice for a range of audiences.
- Enjoys getting into the detail while maintaining a broader view of organisational risk, governance and performance.
- Builds trusted relationships and works collaboratively with finance colleagues, senior leaders and external stakeholders.
- Looks for opportunities to strengthen controls, modernise financial practices and improve the quality and efficiency of reporting.
- Supports others to succeed through constructive guidance, technical coaching and a commitment to high-quality work.
While there are no mandatory qualifications for this role, the following qualifications will be favourably regarded:
- A CPA or CA qualification, or eligibility for membership
How to Apply
If you're ready to make an impact and contribute to QLeave's success, we'd love to hear from you.
Please refer to the role description on how to apply!
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
