Department of Treasury and Finance
Job reference: 832112
Location: 5015 - PORT ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone
We are currently seeking applications for a Principal Financial Accountant to join the Financial Accounting team at The Department of Treasury & Finance for a period of up to 12 months.
Remuneration: ASO7 ($108,109 - $116,864 p.a.) + 12% Superannuation
What we offer
* High value, impactful work
* Flexible working options
* Salary packaging options
* Discounted gym membership
* Supportive career development opportunities
* Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
About Us
Picture a career that’s more than numbers. At the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF), we’re building a world-class Treasury for South Australia—one that’s innovative, collaborative, and future-focused.
We’re South Australia’s lead agency for economic, digital, and financial policy outcomes. Our work touches every corner of the state, from enabling frontline services to driving digital transformation. And we do it all with one purpose: to make life better for the people who call South Australia home.
Shared Services SA (SSSA) deliver essential services across the areas of payroll, accounts payable and receivable, tax, financial accounting, and business systems which enable government agencies to focus on serving the community. Your work at Shared Services SA powers the public sector behind the scenes.
Why This Role Matters
As the Principal Financial Accountant, you will play a key role in ensuring agencies have access to accurate and reliable financial information that underpins confident decision-making and robust governance. Through your leadership, you will enhance capability, optimise processes, and contribute to delivering better outcomes for the people of South Australia.
About the Opportunity
The Principal Financial Accountant oversees a team of accountants and is accountable for delivering statutory reporting, reconciling balance sheet accounts, managing the general ledger, payroll interface, fixed assets, and right of private practice administration. The role also provides expert advice and support to a diverse range of SA Government agencies.
In this role, you will:
* Lead the preparation of general purpose and special purpose financial statements and coordinate audit liaison
* Oversee complex reconciliations, GL and subsidiary ledger integrity, and fixed asset accounting services.
* Provide timely accounting and financial management advice to client agencies; solve problems with clear, practical solutions.
* Coach and guide staff; foster a positive, client-centred team culture and effective control environment.
* Drive process improvement, procedures and governance aligned to accounting standards and legislative requirements.
* Support risk management and quality assurance activities to meet Service Level Determinations and performance measures.
About You
You will thrive here if you:
* Hold Degree level qualification in accounting, finance, economics (or equivalent) and eligibility for membership to a professional accounting body.
* Proven ability to design, implement and enhance financial management and reporting
* Are proficient with financial systems (e.g., Masterpiece, Oracle, SAP) and Microsoft Excel for reconciliations and reporting.
* Are a clear, confident communicator who builds positive relationships with stakeholders .
* Can prioritise, organise, and deliver to deadlines in a dynamic environment.
* Lead and motivate others, model service excellence, and enjoy coaching to lift capability.
* Bring strong technical accounting skills (statutory reporting, reconciliations, fixed assets) and apply standards in a government context.
Application Instructions
Click ‘Apply Now’ to:
* Submit your current CV.
* Submit a Cover Letter (max two pages) addressing the key selection criteria and demonstrating suitability for the role
* Complete and attach the Pre-Employment Declaration
Special Conditions
Refer to the Role Statement for the key selection criteria and special conditions.
Enquiries
Carmela Simms
Assistant Director, Financial Accounting
Tel: 08 7133 8***
Email: ***************@sa.gov.au
Diversity & Inclusion
We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
If you need any adjustments, such as receiving interview questions in advance or alternative formats for written materials, at any stage of the application process, we’re here to support you.
Aboriginal Employment Program
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged, but not required, to join the SA Public Sector Aboriginal Employment Register which provides optional support and access to opportunities across the SA public sector.
Applications close: 08/02/2026 11:30 PM
Attachments:
- ASO7 Principal Financial Accountant - Role Statement.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.