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 offerHigh value, impactful workFlexible working optionsSalary packaging optionsDiscounted gym membershipSupportive career development opportunitiesEmployee Assistance Program for you and your family
About UsPicture 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 MattersAs 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 OpportunityThe 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 liaisonOversee 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 YouYou 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 reportingAre 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 InstructionsTo be considered, all applications must be submitted online via I Work for SA by clicking Apply and following the instructions.Submit your current CV.Submit a Cover Letter (max two pages) addressing the key selection criteria and demonstrating suitability for the roleComplete and attach the Pre-Employment Declaration
Special ConditionsRefer to the Role Statement for the key selection criteria and special conditions.
EnquiriesCarmela SimmsAssistant Director, Financial AccountingTel: 08 7133 8409Email: DTFHATSBusinessSupport@sa.gov.au
Diversity & InclusionWe 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 ProgramAboriginal 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.