Assistant Accountant

Meerlinga Children and Community Services Inc – Ballajura WA Meerlinga is an iconic not-for-profit organisation and registered charity based in Perth, Western Australia that promotes positive childhoods through direct programs and services for children, parents, families, communities and students. It is both an Early Childhood Education and Care provider and Registered Training Organisation. Aiming to improve the quality of life for children in WA and the promotion of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Meerlinga is recognised for excellence in service delivery and education. It provides a diverse range of resources and support that deliver impact for local communities, professional educators, and a variety of sector stakeholders. Meerlinga provides access to both free and fee‑based programs and services across two operating entities: Meerilinga Children and Community Foundation Inc, operating as Meerilinga Training College Meerilinga Children and Community Services Inc, delivering early learning programs, parenting and community services Meerlinga strongly believes in the power of community based early childhood education, balancing teaching and learning through a play‑based approach that encourages children to be curious – to ask questions, to explore, and to find joy in the world around them. As a registered charity, Meerlinga also partners with the WA Government, corporate and community sectors to support parents and families. About the Role The Assistant Accountant supports the Executive Manager Finance (EMF) in the delivery of accurate and timely financial information, ensuring the integrity of financial data across all areas of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Cash Management, Payroll and Management Reporting. This role provides critical support for month‑end processes, budgeting, and stakeholder reporting, contributing to the overall financial management and sustainability of the organisation. Tasks include the following: Accounts Payable (AP) Process and verify supplier invoices in accordance with Meerlinga policies. Prepare and process supplier payments, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Communicate effectively with suppliers to resolve payment or invoice queries. Reconcile and follow up on outstanding approved invoices from staff. Accounts Receivable (AR) Monitor and follow up on outstanding debtor amounts. Track grant payments and ensure accurate allocation and recording. Banking Manage day‑to‑day banking transactions and perform regular bank reconciliations. Follow up with staff for outstanding supporting documentation related to transactions. Provide up‑to‑date daily cash flow information and reports to the EMF. Month End (ME) Processes Prepare and complete all balance sheet reconciliations. Draft all month‑end journals for EMF review and approval. Prepare month‑end financial reports with an initial review prior to EMF finalisation. Draft BAS for EMF review and then submission of BAS including all reconciliations. Assist the EMF in reviewing and strengthening internal controls, including internal auditing when required. Year End (YE) Processes Prepare and complete all balance sheet reconciliations in preparation for the annual financial audit. Liaise with the auditors, including answering their enquiries, and support the EMF in the management of the audit process. Support the EMF with completion of the financial statements. Payroll Review and analyse each fortnightly payroll prior to EMF approval. Proactively resolve issues as they arise. Calculate annual leave (AL) and long service leave (LSL) provisions for EMF review. Liaise with Salary Sacrifice provider and manage administration of the process. Provide ad hoc reports in relation to payroll and rostering as required. Budgeting and Reporting Assist EMF in the preparation of annual budgets and forecasts. Support EMF with monthly financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders. General Participate in organisation wide activities including team meetings and events. Actively engage in professional development opportunities and be willing to learn new technical skills and programs relevant to the role. Maintain and promote effective working relationships with all staff, volunteers, families, children, and the wider Meerlinga community. Promote the core values of Meerlinga and maintain a professional and high standard of service as a representative of Meerlinga. Participate in performance appraisals as required. Comply with Meerlinga's policies and processes. Travel to Meerlinga locations and occasionally work out of regular office hours. About you Employees at this level, in this position will be required to supervise various functions within a work area or activities of a complex nature, requiring the application of a high level of knowledge and skills to achieve results in line with the organisation's goals. Australian work authorisation is required for this position. Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline (or working towards qualification). Minimum 2–3 years' experience in an accounting or finance role. Experience with management accounting and month‑end processes. CPA/CA qualification (or progress towards) highly regarded. Ability to work autonomously, using own initiative in the application of established work procedures, as well as work effectively as part of a small, dynamic team. Knowledge Working knowledge of Not‑for‑Profit Community Services Sector and experience of administrative systems in a medium organisation. Demonstrated understanding of accounting principles, procedures and financial reporting. Thorough knowledge of payroll processing, bank reconciliations and tax regulations. Sound disciplinary knowledge gained through experience, training or education. Skills High‑level numeracy and reconciliation skills, with demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy with figures. Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy. Skills in managing time, setting priorities, planning and organising own work to achieve specific objectives. Strong communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with staff and external stakeholders. Analytical mindset with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies. Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Xero, MYOB, or similar) and Microsoft Excel. Experience with Xero accounting software is required for this role. The benefits Competitive salary A friendly supportive working environment Opportunity to negotiate flexible working arrangements. Attractive salary packaging options that increase your take home pay Applicants are required to email a current Resume to **************@meerilinga.org.au in order to be considered for an interview. Applications close on Sunday 7th December. Applicants may be contacted prior to this close date to arrange an interview. Further documents are required and will be discussed with the successful candidate. Interviews will begin immediately. Due to the high volume of applicants, only short‑listed individuals will be contacted. We are an EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) employer, where all applicants are treated with fairness and respect and have equal access to the opportunities available. #J-18808-Ljbffr