Financial Accountant

Financial Accountant

For over 150 years, our schools, colleges, early learning centres and out of school care programs, have been an integral part of education in Western Australia. Together we form the state’s second-largest education provider, with more than 83,000 students relying on our nearly 14,000 dedicated staff each day. We are committed to fostering an environment where every child can achieve their full potential, and our office teams support schools to do exactly that.

The Role

The role of Financial Accountant belongs to the Finance team in the Finance, Infrastructure and Digital Technology directorate. We have 5 office campuses across the state and this role will be based at our West Leederville office.

This is a full-time position commencing in January 2026.

Catholic Education Western Australia is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Financial Accountant to join our central office team. This role is ideal for a proactive professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about excellence in financial reporting, compliance, and continuous improvement.

In this key position, you will be responsible for delivering accurate and timely financial and tax reporting, supporting both statutory requirements and effective operational decision-making. You’ll work closely with stakeholders across the organisation.

The primary accountabilities of the role include:

• Responsible for the accurate and timely preparation of all CEWA central office accounting and tax reporting with specific emphasis on assigned business units.

• Assist with the preparation of the consolidated statutory financial statements of CEWA.

• Stay informed about changes in accounting standards and regulations and their impacts on the business and recommendations of their practical application to CEWA.

• Responsible for the preparation of the Monthly Finance Report a timely and accurate manner.

• Prepare adequate underlying working papers to support reported data.

• Effectively collaborate with Program managers and Team Leaders across various business units to ensure smooth service delivery and effective budget management.

• Manage the accurate and timely preparation of budgets with specific emphasis on assigned business units.

• Responsible for the accurate and timely preparation of the annual CEWA consolidated FBT return.

• Ensure that all taxation obligations are met for GST and FBT within agreed deadlines.

• Maintain effective relations with the external auditors, ensuring that all audit information provided is accurately and timely.

• Actively participate in implementation of appropriate internal controls, procedures and processes to improve efficiency.

• Assist other team members as required.

Benefits of the role

• A competitive salary: Level I on the CEWA salary scale [$118,464 - $132,665 per annum] plus superannuation.
• Additional paid leave during office closures over Christmas and Easter.
• Salary packaging options in line with our not-for-profit status, including novated leasing.
• Deferred salary program for eligible employees after two years of service.
• Free onsite parking.
• Corporate health insurance discounts.
• Access to the Fitness Passport program.
• Employee Assistance Program: access confidential counselling and wellbeing support for yourself and your family.
• Ongoing professional learning opportunities, including a CEWA scholarship program to support further education.
• Flexible work arrangements, where operationally appropriate.
• Wellbeing initiatives including annual flu vaccinations and workplace health checks.
• Parental leave provisions above statutory minimums.

Selection Criteria

A. ESSENTIAL:

1. Prepared to support the Catholic ethos in the performance of their duties.

2. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.

3. CPA/CA qualification, or active progress toward completion.

4. Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Big 4, mid-tier, or financial accounting role.

5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are vital for conveying complex accounting concepts to various stakeholders, including senior management, auditors and cross-functional teams.

6. A strong understanding of accounting principles, standards (AASB) and regulations is essential. Advanced knowledge of complex accounting topics like revenue recognition, financial assets and consolidation is also necessary.

7. Knowledge of regulatory requirements and standards governing financial reporting for not-for-profit organisations is important.

8. The ability to organise tasks effectively, manage multiple deadlines simultaneously, and maintain clarity amidst competing demands is essential.

9. Strong problem-solving abilities to tackle complex accounting issues and provide innovative solutions. Critical thinking and analytical skills are necessary to navigate challenging accounting scenarios.

10. Precision and accuracy in financial reporting, policy development and advisory services are critical to ensure compliance.

11. A commitment to ongoing professional development and staying abreast of industry trends, accounting standards updates, and best practices is essential for maintaining expertise in accounting policy and advisory services.

12. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills.

B. HIGHLY DESIRABLE:

1. Experience in an educational environment or a large not for profit/public practice environment.

2. Previous experience working with Microsoft Dynamics and Power BI.

Information for Applicants

To access a copy of the Position Description please click here

Interested applicants should submit:

• A cover letter briefly addressing the selection criteria.
• A curriculum vitae outlining their employment history, qualifications and certifications and include a minimum of two professional references.

The successful applicant will need to provide:

• National criminal history check as issued by the Department of Education WA.
• 100 points of identification

Applications for this role close no later than 5pm Tuesday 16 December 2025. We reserve the right to close the advertisement early if a suitable candidate is identified. If you're interested in this role, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure consideration.

If you require support with submitting your application, please contact our Talent Advisors at careers@cewa.edu.au. Applications can be submitted by clicking apply and uploading your application to our website. Applications will not be accepted via email.

All employees of Catholic Education Western Australia are required to support the Catholic ethos in the performance of their duties. Catholic Education Western Australia also encourages applications from people of all cultural backgrounds, First Nations people, and individuals with disabilities or medical conditions who meet the requirements of the position. To be eligible to apply, you must be legally permitted to work in Australia.