Accounts Executive | Remote | Australian Accounting Firm

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Accounts Executive to join an established Australian chartered accounting firm, working remotely from Malaysia on a full-time basis.

The role will primarily focus on managing day-to-day bookkeeping and accounting records for a small portfolio of Australian clients. You will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and handling their ongoing accounting requirements.

In addition to bookkeeping, you will have the opportunity to gain exposure to year-end accounts preparation and Australian income tax returns under the supervision of the Australian accounting team.

This opportunity is suitable for an experienced bookkeeping or accounts professional who enjoys taking ownership of client accounts and is looking to broaden their accounting experience within an Australian accounting practice.

Key Responsibilities

1. Bookkeeping and Ongoing Client Accounting

• Process and review transactions using Xero and other cloud accounting systems.
• Perform bank, credit card and loan reconciliations.
• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Maintain accurate general ledger accounts.
• Review account coding and transaction accuracy.
• Prepare and process journals where required.
• Handle payroll processing and review.
• Reconcile payroll, superannuation and related balance sheet accounts.
• Assist with Australian GST and Business Activity Statement (BAS) preparation.
• Prepare GST reconciliations.
• Assist with month-end and quarter-end accounting processes.
• Maintain supporting documents and accounting records.
• Investigate and resolve reconciliation differences and unusual transactions.
• Communicate with clients regarding bookkeeping queries and outstanding information.
• Work closely with accountants and managers to ensure client records are accurate and up to date.

2. Accounts Preparation and Taxation Support

• Prepare year-end balance sheet reconciliations.
• Prepare annual accounting workpapers and supporting schedules.
• Identify and prepare year-end adjusting journals for review.
• Assist with the preparation of annual financial statements.
• Prepare draft accounts for review by Australian accountants.
• Assist with the preparation of individual and business income tax returns.
• Prepare supporting tax schedules and calculations.
• Gather and organise information required for annual compliance work.
• Respond to review points raised by supervising accountants.

Note: Bookkeeping and ongoing client accounting will remain the primary focus of the role. Accounts preparation and taxation work will be carried out under the supervision and review of the Australian accounting team.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for candidates with:

• Approximately 3 years or more of relevant bookkeeping or accounting experience.
• Strong practical bookkeeping and reconciliation skills.
• A good understanding of double-entry accounting.
• Experience maintaining general ledger and balance sheet accounts.
• Experience with accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Payroll experience.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience using Xero or other cloud accounting software.
• Ability to investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage recurring deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while following established procedures.
• Willingness to ask questions and seek guidance where required.

The following experience would be an added advantage:

• Australian bookkeeping or accounting experience.
• Experience with Xero.
• Knowledge of Australian GST and Business Activity Statements.
• Familiarity with Australian payroll and superannuation.
• Experience preparing full sets of accounts.
• Experience preparing financial statements.
• Experience with Australian income tax returns.
• Previous experience working for an Australian accounting firm or with Australian clients.

Australian accounting or taxation experience is desirable but not essential for candidates with strong accounting fundamentals and a willingness to learn.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related discipline is preferred.
• Candidates with substantial practical bookkeeping and accounting experience will also be considered.

Language Requirements

• Strong professional English and Mandarin communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with the Australian accounting team and clients.

Systems and Technology

The role will primarily involve the use of cloud-based systems, including:

• Xero
• Microsoft 365
• Accounting, document management and practice management systems

Training will be provided on the relevant systems, procedures and Australian accounting requirements.

Working Arrangements

• Full-time remote position based in Malaysia.
• Work from an approved private home-office environment.
• Use computer equipment and systems provided or approved by the employer.
• Work closely with accountants and managers based in Adelaide, Australia.
• Work agreed hours that provide appropriate overlap with the Adelaide office.
• Comply with confidentiality, privacy and information-security requirements.
• Maintain professional standards consistent with an Australian accounting practice.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone reliable, detail-oriented and interested in developing a long-term career within an Australian accounting practice.

The ideal candidate enjoys taking ownership of the day-to-day financial records of a small portfolio of clients, is comfortable handling detailed bookkeeping work and is keen to develop broader accounting knowledge through exposure to financial accounts and Australian taxation work under supervision.