Group Accountant

ABOUT STANLEY COLLEGE

Stanley College is a leading independent provider of Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training, delivering industry‑aligned, career‑focused education across campuses in Perth and Adelaide. We are committed to developing job‑ready graduates and fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace where our people can thrive.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Group Accountant is responsible for the integrity of the Group's financial reporting, month-end close, statutory compliance, financial controls, audit coordination, and finance systems administration.

The role serves as a key technical accounting resource within the finance function, ensuring accurate financial data, strong internal controls, and compliance with legislative and regulatory obligations. The Group Accountant works closely with the Group Financial Controller to support finance transformation initiatives, continuous improvement projects, and the implementation of scalable processes across the Group.

The role also provides oversight and review of critical finance activities including payroll, agent commissions, supplier payments, and reconciliation of key balance sheet accounts.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting, Compliance & Audit

• Own the month-end close process across the Group.
• Review and approve journals, accruals, prepayments and month-end adjustments.
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Investigate and resolve financial discrepancies and reconciling items.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and supporting financial records.
• Prepare and lodge BAS, payroll tax returns and other statutory reporting obligations.
• Monitor compliance with relevant taxation, financial and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate the annual external audit process, manage auditor relationships, and prepare audit documentation and responses.

Revenue, Governance & Risk Management

• Reconcile and monitor the Group's suspense and clearing accounts, including revenue, student debtors and related transactions.
• Support accurate revenue recognition and balance sheet integrity.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls across the finance function.
• Ensure financial policies, procedures and delegated authorities are consistently applied.
• Identify control gaps, financial risks and compliance issues, and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Review finance processes to safeguard Group assets and support strong financial governance.

Finance Operations, Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Provide final review and sign-off of agent commission calculations, payroll files and supplier payment batches.
• Ensure finance transactions are processed accurately and in accordance with approved controls and delegations.
• Lead finance system administration, process improvement and automation initiatives, including ReadyTech and other finance-related platforms.
• Support finance transformation projects, system implementations and process redesign initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting efficiency, data quality, controls and automation.

Team Support & Leadership

• Act as a technical accounting resource for the wider finance team.
• Provide coaching, guidance and support to team members.
• Support capability development within the finance function.
• Deputise for the Group Financial Controller as required.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Qualifications and experience

Essential

• CA/CPA qualified (or nearing completion)
• 4+ years' post-qualification experience in a technical accounting, financial reporting or audit role
• Strong understanding of month-end close, reconciliations and statutory compliance (BAS, payroll tax)
• Experience managing an external audit process highly regarded
• Genuinely curious about systems and technology, with a track record of improving processes (AI/automation experience a plus)
• Comfortable reviewing and providing constructive feedback on others' work
• Thrives in a hands-on, evolving environment as part of a growing private-equity-backed business

Desirable

• Experience in a multi-entity or multi-campus organisation.
• Experience within the education sector.
• Experience with ReadyTech or similar ERP/student management systems.
• Experience implementing finance systems, automation, and AI-enabled solutions.
• Exposure to finance transformation projects.

Please note: Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU 

At Stanley College, you’ll be part of a people‑first organisation where your contribution genuinely matters. We offer a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative workplace that supports professional growth while making a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

You’ll work alongside passionate, diverse colleagues in an environment that champions wellbeing, flexibility where possible, and recognition for your efforts. Most importantly, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing your work directly contributes to delivering career‑ready education and positive outcomes for students from all backgrounds.

Employee benefits

• Work in modern and centrally located campuses
• Flexible working arrangements, where operationally possible
• Employment Hero Perk Box access
• Staff discounts at CU29
• 24/7 access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT 

At Stanley College, we recognise that our people are our greatest asset. Inclusion is good for our team, our students, and the wider community. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly and equitably, regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age.

We strive to provide equality of opportunity and an inclusive experience for everyone who works at Stanley College.