Salary Range: $1,654 - $1,888 per 35 hour week + superannuation
Are you a detail-oriented finance professional ready to step into a key role supporting the financial integrity of a dynamic local government? Warrumbungle Shire Council is seeking a motivated and analytical Accountant to join our Finance team. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference to your community by ensuring the effective use of public resources and the sound financial management of Council operations.
In this diverse role, you’ll prepare financial statements in accordance with Australian accounting standards, manage reconciliations and journal entries, and support the development and monitoring of both operational and capital budgets. You’ll be a critical part of our month-end and year-end reporting processes and will play a hands-on role in maintaining the integrity of our general ledger and subsidiary systems. From lodging BAS and FBT returns to supporting audits and providing financial analysis, your expertise will help drive informed decision-making across the organisation.
We’re looking for someone with tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Commerce or a related discipline, along with proven experience in financial reporting and general ledger management. You’ll be confident in using Microsoft Excel and financial software, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy and compliance. Your strong organisational skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively will be essential as you juggle competing priorities and deadlines.
While not essential, experience in local government or public sector finance, and familiarity with enterprise systems like Technology One or Civica Authority, will be highly regarded. If you’re a proactive and ethical finance professional who thrives in a team environment and wants to contribute to a high-performing council, we encourage you to apply. Join us and be part of something bigger—supporting services that benefit the entire Warrumbungle community.
This position can be based in Coolah or Coonabarabran, noting that some travel between both offices will be required, so you can be located in either Coolah or Coonabarabran.
Coolah is situated on the picturesque Coolaburragundy River and nestled in a valley of the Liverpool Range. The town is surrounded by undulating hills and fertile river flats and is an attractive service town for the surrounding agricultural district. Only an hour south east of Coonabarabran, close to major centres of Dubbo and Mudgee, and with the nearby Coolah Tops National Park offering rugged natural beauty and adventure, Coolah delivers the best of country living.
Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its magnificent landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.
Selection criteria include:
- Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Commerce or related field.
- Demonstrated experience in financial reporting, reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance.
- Sound knowledge of Australian accounting standards and public sector financial requirements.
- High level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with financial management software.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Well-developed time management and organisational abilities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Class C driver’s licence.
It is a plus if you have membership or eligibility for membership with CPA Australia or CA ANZ. Previous experience in local government or public sector accounting, familiarity with integrated enterprise systems such as Technology One or Civica Authority and experience in preparing grant acquittals and financial reporting for externally funded projects will be highly regarded.
Benefits of working for Council
Council is committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including
- Great leave opportunities
- Long service leave after 5 years
- 1 RDO every 4 weeks
- Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
- Carer’s leave
- 3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year
- Purchase additional leave or cash out leave
- Deferred leave scheme – eg work three years at 75% of your pay and have the following year off at 75% of your pay!
- Support for training and professional development
- Formal training opportunities
- Access to thousands of free online training courses
- Weekly pay cycle
- Mobile phone allowance available if you bring your own device
- Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
- Hybrid work and flexible hours by agreement and subject to role requirements
- Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One
- Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available
- Generous uniform allowance
About Warrumbungle Shire Council
Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran.
With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.
At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government.
Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 22 June 2025.
For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.
Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.