Full time
About Us:
Established in 2000, Montessori Academy is Australia's leading and largest provider of Montessori early childhood education for children under the age of six. Our vision is to provide our students with an early learning experience that prepares them, not only for school, but for life. With more than 55 campuses across NSW/ACT and VIC, and many more in development, Montessori Academy provides excellent career development options, fantastic training and development programs, and a real opportunity to learn and grow.
Job Summary :
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Accountant with a strong background in income tax compliance, AASB 16 (leases), fixed asset management, and month-end financial accounting to join our dynamic finance team. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a detail-oriented professional to contribute to the financial management and compliance of a growing organisation. The ideal candidate will have comprehensive knowledge of Australian accounting standards, income tax law, lease accounting, fixed asset management, and month-end financial reporting.
Key Responsibilities :
Tax :Prepare and review income tax returns, ensuring compliance with Australian tax laws and regulations. Assist with tax planning, including forecasting and minimising tax liabilities. Manage the quarterly and annual tax provision processes, including tax reconciliations and documentation. Support the preparation and submission of Business Activity Statements (BAS), Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and other tax-related reporting requirements. Stay up to date with changes in tax laws and ensure the company's tax strategy and reporting remain compliant. Leases :Oversee the application of AASB 16 for lease accounting, ensuring compliance with the latest standards. Review lease contracts and assess lease obligations, ensuring correct accounting treatment under AASB 16. Prepare and maintain lease schedules, including financial lease calculations and disclosures. Coordinate with other departments to ensure that lease data is captured accurately for financial reporting. Fixed Asset Management & Depreciation :Manage the company's fixed asset register, ensuring it is accurate and up to date for both Accounting and Tax purposes. Oversee the recording, tracking, and disposal of fixed assets, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and internal policies. Calculate and post monthly depreciation entries in accordance with the relevant accounting standards. Ensure that the fixed asset register reflects proper asset classifications, useful lives, and depreciation methods. Perform periodic reviews of the asset register to ensure it aligns with the financial statements and tax requirements. Month-End Financial Accounting :Assist with the month-end close process, ensuring that all financial transactions are accurately recorded in the general ledger. Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analysis. Work closely with the finance team to ensure that month-end tasks are completed on time and in accordance with company policies. Financial Reporting :Support internal and external audits, including providing required documentation and explanations related to income tax, lease accounting, and fixed assets. Team Collaboration :Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting across the business. Contribute to ad-hoc projects and initiatives as required by the finance leadership team. About You: Education & Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (essential). CPA/CA qualified (or equivalent) with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience. Technical Skills & Experience: In-depth knowledge of Australian income tax regulations, AASB 16 (Leases), and fixed asset accounting. Proven experience in managing income tax compliance, lease accounting, and fixed asset management in a corporate environment. Strong understanding of depreciation methods and fixed asset register maintenance. Advanced proficiency in financial accounting systems (experience with ERP systems such as MYOB Advanced preferred). Strong understanding of Australian Accounting Standards (AAS) and financial reporting requirements. Intermediate Excel skills, with the ability to manipulate large datasets and perform detailed financial analysis. Personal Attributes: Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Strong problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Proactive, with a continuous improvement mindset and a passion for staying up to date with accounting and tax developments. Desirable: Experience in a mid to large-sized organisation or public practice. Familiarity with other AASB standards and Australian financial regulations. Previous experience with lease management software or automation tools. Knowledge of tax depreciation rules and fixed asset software. Perks of Working at Montessori Academy: 50% Staff Discount on Childcare Fees: Take advantage of our generous discount on childcare fees at Montessori Academy, helping make high-quality education more accessible for your family. 17.5% Annual Leave Loading: Enjoy additional financial benefits during your annual leave, ensuring you can make the most of your well-deserved time off. Flat Organisational Structure: Experience a collaborative and inclusive workplace with a flat organisational structure, where your voice is heard, and ideas are valued. Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Prioritise your well-being with confidential support and counselling services available to all staff, promoting a healthy work-life balance. How to Apply :
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter addressing the key responsibilities and qualifications for the role. Please send your applications to
Your application will include the following questions:
Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? How many years' experience do you have as an accountant? Which of the following accounting packages are you experienced with? Are you a qualified CPA/CA? What is your salary (annual base) expectation? #J-18808-Ljbffr