If you're a senior public practice accountant who's technically strong, client-ready, and good with people, this is a role where you can genuinely make a mark — quickly.
We're recruiting a Senior Accountant for a well-established Ballarat public practice that's growing fast and needs a steady, capable senior to own a portfolio, lift review standards, and mentor a young team as the firm scales.
About The Company
This is a 20-year Ballarat-based public practice founded by two hands-on Principals, with consistent double-digit year-on-year growth. The firm has a team of ~33–34 staff (including offshore support) and a young, energetic cohort — average age around mid-20s — with multiple examples of people starting as cadets and progressing into leadership.
The client base is mainly owner-led small businesses and family groups, with a strong concentration in trade services (often family trusts and companies, typically 2–3 staff and ~$1–2m turnover) plus a broader SME mix. The style is practical and proactive — not just "get the return out the door." You'll be expected to build relationships, spot issues early, and translate tax into clear, usable advice.
Culturally, this is a modern firm compared to the local incumbents — values-driven, progressive, and focused on being 1% better consistently.
Values: Professional, Reliable, 1% better, Inclusive, Fun, Trustworthy
Think: strong standards, good energy, and leadership support — not "big firm politics."
About The Role
This role exists because growth has created capacity pressure. You'll bring senior technical tax capability and be a visible leader who can hit the ground running.
You'll own a portfolio of SME/trade clients, be the go-to senior on complex returns and technical issues, and help shape the quality and rhythm of the compliance + review workflow. You'll also coach juniors, tighten review hygiene, and support the Principals on tax planning and structuring where needed.
Working model: Full-time, onsite 5 days (this is a hands-on leadership role).
Reporting line: Principal/Director.
Key Responsibilities
* Prepare and review complex company, trust, partnership and individual tax returns
* Oversee and support BAS and FBT work across the portfolio
* Be the primary client contact for your portfolio — calm, clear, practical advice
* Identify tax issues early and provide solutions-focused guidance to business owners
* Support Principals with tax planning, structuring and advisory pieces
* Manage junior workflow: reviews, coaching, development plans, and standards
* Improve review cadence and reduce rework through better feedback loops
* Liaise with the ATO and other regulators on behalf of clients when required
* Strengthen internal processes and systems as the firm scales (what's working, what isn't)
* Maintain documentation and workflow discipline using modern practice systems (Xero-centric)
Skills & ExperienceMust-haves
* ~5+ years in Australian public practice (less considered for standout operators)
* Strong Australian tax technical base: compliance plus practical advisory
* Confident client-facing experience with SMEs/trades and family groups
* Proven ability to review work, coach juniors, and lift standards
* Organised and solutions-oriented — comfortable with pace and autonomy
* Tech capability in a modern practice environment (ideally Xero and connected toolsets)
Nice-to-haves
* CA/CPA qualified or currently in progress
* Track record of process improvement (better review rhythms, cleaner workflow, fewer errors)
* Experience lifting capability in a young or fast-growing team
Why Join / What's In It For You
* Real progression: genuine promotion-from-within track, not lip service
* Equity pathways for top performers (value and contribution > tenure)
* Fast-growing firm with a strong base — 20 years established, modern approach
* A chance to be the senior who sets standards and improves quality as the team scales
* Support from Principals plus offshore capacity to help keep delivery moving
* Strong culture: PROFIT values, monthly early finishes, social club, leadership coaching
* A portfolio built around real small business owners — practical work, strong relationships
* Salary band $100k–$140k + super, with flexibility for the right person
How To Apply
HYRD is managing this recruitment process. All applications and enquiries are confidential.
If you want to sanity-check the role before applying, we'll give you a straight answer on fit and expectations.
Apply now via SEEK, or contact HYRD for a confidential chat:
George Ellis | HYRD Recruitment
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Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Confidentiality guaranteed.