Accountant

Job Title: Accountant

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Accountant to join our Finance & Accounts team in the real estate industry. The Accountant will be responsible for day-to-day accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, budgeting, cash flow management, and trust accounting compliance. The role will also provide practical financial support to management and the sales team throughout the property sales process, from offer through to settlement. The ideal candidate has strong Australian accounting knowledge, excellent attention to detail, and preferably experience with real estate trust accounting and property-related financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities:
– Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and management reports, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow reports.
– Complete accurate and timely bank, balance sheet, and general ledger reconciliations.
– Manage budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and project-based financial reporting.
– Oversee trust account transactions and reconciliations in accordance with NSW property legislation and internal controls.
– Review trust receipts and payments, deposits, sales advices, commissions, order-on-agent instructions, settlements, and approved disbursements.
– Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable, including supplier invoices, payment approvals, debtor follow-ups, and accurate coding of business and advertising expenses.
– Prepare and coordinate BAS/GST, PAYG withholding, payroll, superannuation, employee entitlements, and statutory reporting.
– Review agency agreements and commission structures for financial accuracy.
– Support agent onboarding and prepare project payment schedules and other financial documentation.
– Liaise with external accountants, auditors, financial institutions, and regulators.
– Maintain accurate, secure, and well-organized accounting records, contracts, and supporting documentation.
– Assist with annual and trust account audits and respond promptly to financial queries.
– Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, systems, controls, and reporting.

Requirements:
– Degree or qualification in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
– Experience in financial reporting, reconciliations, budgeting, cash flow management, and internal controls.
– Strong knowledge of Australian accounting practices, GST/BAS, payroll, and employer obligations.
– Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
– Experience using Xero, MYOB, or similar accounting software.
– Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
– Good judgment, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
– Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
– Professional handling of confidential financial information.
– Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:
– CA or CPA qualified, or currently working toward CA/CPA membership.
– Previous real estate trust accounting experience.
– Experience with property development or project-based financial reporting.
– Experience using VaultRE or a similar real estate CRM/platform.

Ideal Candidate Profile:
– Highly organized, trustworthy, and proactive accounting professional.
– Takes ownership of work and maintains a high level of accuracy.
– Comfortable working with financial data, managing deadlines, handling confidential information, and communicating with internal teams, external accountants, auditors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders.
– Experience in Australian real estate accounting and trust accounting.

Personal Qualities:
– High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
– Clear and professional communication.
– Proactive and organized approach to work.
– Strong ownership and attention to detail.
– Collaborative and flexible team player.
– Practical approach to problem-solving.
– Commitment to continuous learning and process improvement.