Accountant
Full-time | Based in Goonellabah
St Carthage's Community Care has been supporting people in the Northern Rivers for more than 30 years, supporting older people, people with disabilities and their carers. We are a values-driven, for-purpose organisation committed to helping people live independently, stay connected, and enjoy a life of dignity and inclusion. Together with the Cathedral Parish, our work is grounded in the values and ethos of the Catholic Church.
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Accountant to strengthen our finance team in a full-time role. This pivotal role ensures our financial operations are accurate, compliant, and efficient, allowing us to deliver services that truly matter. Based at our Goonellabah office, you'll support the Finance Manager by overseeing day-to-day financial management while also contributing to long-term planning and organisational sustainability.
About the role
As Accountant, you'll take ownership of core finance functions, freeing the Finance Manager to focus on strategic priorities. You'll oversee reconciliations, reporting, compliance, and budgeting, while ensuring integrity in all financial processes.
Your key responsibilities will include:
* Preparing monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and board-level financial reports.
* Managing statutory compliance including BAS, PAYG, FBT, and grant acquittals.
* Overseeing reconciliations for bank, credit cards, payroll, debtors, and creditors.
* Assisting with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
* Supporting annual audit processes and liaising with auditors.
* Supervising Finance Officers, providing guidance and oversight.
* Contributing to system improvements, internal controls, and process enhancements.
What we're looking for
Essential
* CA or CPA qualified, or working towards completion.
* Minimum of 5 years' experience in financial accounting or management accounting.
* Strong proficiency in accounting software (e.g. Xero) and Microsoft 365 (Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Word, PowerPoint).
* Demonstrated experience in preparing month end close, cashflow management, financial reports, budgets, and statutory returns (BAS, PAYG, FBT).
* Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
* High emotional intelligence with the ability to engage effectively with staff, management, external stakeholders, and auditors.
* Strong communication skills (both written and verbal), with the ability to clearly explain financial information to non-finance staff and stakeholders.
* Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information.
Desirable
* Previous experience working in the NFP, Aged Care, Disability, or Community Services sectors.
* Understanding of the financial and administrative structures of church or not-for-profit organisations, including the unique aspects of clergy-related financial arrangements.
* Knowledge of NDIS Practice Standards, Aged Care Quality Standards, and related funding compliance frameworks.
* Familiarity with the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award.
Additional requirements
* NDIS Worker Screening Check
* National Police Check
* NSW Driver's Licence
Why join us?
At St Carthage's, your expertise will directly support a mission that strengthens lives and communities. You'll enjoy:
* Work-life balance supported by flexible working arrangements.
* Salary packaging options to increase your take-home pay.
* A positive team culture where compassion, accountability, inclusion, and courage guide everything we do.
* The satisfaction of knowing your financial skills contribute to services that make a real difference in people's lives.
Ready to apply?
Apply now
We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so don't wait to submit your CV and cover letter. For direct enquiries about the role, please contact Karla Orth, Manager – People & Culture, on All applications will close latest by 1st of December 2025.
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Please note this position requires a National Criminal History Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia (Australian citizen or permanent resident) to be eligible.