Overview of the role
The Senior Accounting Assistant plays a key role in supporting Australian-based accounting and finance team, providing advanced support in administrative tasks, client coordination, preparation and processing of financial data, and accounting and compliance-related tasks. This role demands a solid understanding of accounting principles and processes, enabling the individual to perform responsibilities with accuracy, efficiency, and the ability to work independently on routine tasks with minimal supervision.
Main duties include:
1. Administrative and Client Coordination
Manage client document submissions and ensure all required files are collected and organized properly.
Liaise with clients for follow-ups on outstanding documents or clarification of data entries.
Maintain and update internal checklists and client folders to ensure completeness and compliance.
2. Financial Data Management
Input, validate, and update financial transactions to client-specific system and software.
Maintain accuracy of financial data and records.
Generate basic reports and summaries as requested by senior staff.
3. Accounting and Compliance Support
Reconcile bank statements, credit card accounts, and other financial records regularly to ensure accuracy and identify and report discrepancies for resolution.
Manage invoices, receipts, and expense claims following Australian GST requirements.
Process payroll, superannuation, and STP processing and ensure balances are accurate and reconciled at the end of each month.
Perform manual journal entries related to payroll tax and reconcile at the end of each month.
Perform revenue processing-related tasks with minimal supervision, including generating and preparing revenue statements, workpapers, fees and loans tracking reports and creating journal entries.
Handle the recording of asset acquisitions, disposal and depreciation schedules ensuring all asset records are accurate and up to date.
Perform pre-review of financial performance and management performance reports to ensure accuracy and flag discrepancies.
Prepare annual accounts with minimal supervision.
Prepare detailed calculation of Instalment Activity Statements (IAS) and Business Activity Statements (BAS) with minimal supervision.
Prepare tax returns and create working papers and input figures in the tax preparation software with minimal supervision.
Prepare and organize supporting documentation for tax lodgements and financial reports.
Monitor recurring compliance deadlines and maintain a calendar of deliverables.
4. Team and Process Support.
Support the accounting and finance team on other administrative duties related to accounting and tax functions and flag discrepancies.
Provide process guidance to new team members.
Assist the senior accountant with audit support and reconciliation checks.
Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and minimize errors.
Suggest process improvements and documentation policies and procedures.
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and continuous learning initiatives.