Your new company
This role sits within a Federal Government agency with a strong focus on financial governance and accountability. The organisation operates in a complex operating environment and plays a key role in meeting whole-of-government financial reporting obligations.
Your new role
As an EL1 Financial Accountant, you will provide hands-on technical accounting leadership during the year-end reporting period. This short-term engagement supports timely, compliant delivery of financial statements and audit outcomes.
Key responsibilities include:
* Preparing and reviewing year-end financial statements, including notes, journals and adjustments, in line with Australian Accounting Standards and the PGPA framework
* Managing accruals, prepayments, provisions, leave liabilities, asset revaluations and impairments
* Ensuring general ledger accuracy and trial balance integrity ahead of close
* Acting as a primary contact for the Australian National Audit Office, including preparation of audit schedules, working papers and evidence packs
* Responding to audit queries and supporting resolution of interim and prior-year audit issues
* Coordinating the year-end close timetable and managing dependencies across payroll, assets, budget and financial systems teams
* Interpreting finance policy and advising on complex or judgement-heavy accounting matters
* Engaging with internal stakeholders to obtain financial information and explain accounting requirements
* Providing technical guidance and reviewing the work of APS5-APS6 staff, contractors or graduates as required
This role is delivery-focused and requires the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced year-end environment.
What you'll need to succeed
* Baseline security clearance
* Demonstrated experience in APS financial accounting, ideally at EL1 level
* Strong year-end and financial statements preparation experience
* Sound knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards, the PGPA Act and associated policy frameworks
* Proven experience supporting external audits and responding to audit findings
* High attention to detail with the ability to meet tight deadlines
* Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
* CA or CPA qualification, or equivalent relevant experience
What you'll get in return
* 3-month contract supporting year-end reporting deliverables
* Opportunity to work at EL1 level within the Federal Government
* Competitive daily rate aligned to the APS contracting market
* Canberra-based role with exposure to complex financial reporting and audit environments
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this opportunity, please contact Alden on 6112 7698 or email *********@hays.com.au for a confidential discussion.
If this role isn't quite right, but you're looking for a new position in government finance, or if you believe your skills and experience may still be a strong fit, please get in touch to discuss upcoming opportunities.