School Support Accountant

For over 150 years, our schools, colleges, and learning centres have been a cornerstone of education in Western Australia, forming the state’s second-largest primary and secondary 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.

We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Accountant to provide financial expertise and support to Finance Officers, Business Managers, and Principals. This role plays a key part in ensuring effective financial management, meeting compliance requirements, and supporting accurate accounting and financial reporting across schools.

This is a full-time ongoing position based in West Leederville.

What we can offer you

• Salary range for this position is I1 to I4 on the CEO salary scale ($115, 014 - $128, 802 full time per annum) plus superannuation.
• 5 days additional paid leave when the office closed (over Christmas and Easter)
• Salary packaging in line with our not-for-profit status
• Free onsite parking
• Corporate healthcare discounts  
• Employee assistance program.

About the role

• Assist schools with the preparation of the annual budget, five-year financial forecasts, and financial plan.
• Provide guidance to Principals and Finance Officers on matters related to the recurrent operations and financial management of schools.
• Review the capital budgets developed by schools and ensure capital project affordability assessments are completed for any proposed capital works in conjunction with the School Infrastructure team.
• Review applications for debt facilities (overdrafts, finance leases, loans for equipment) and requests for unbudgeted expenditure by schools and provide financial analysis to input into the final recommendation.
• Review and ensure timely submission of financial information by schools to CEWA and other government agencies.
• Prepare the balance day adjustments for schools for end of financial year reporting and provide assistance to the Finance Officer in this process.
• Assist schools with the preparation for the annual external audit and ensure all audit recommendations are implemented by the school following the audit process.
• Attend School Advisory Council meetings as requested or required, and present on financial reporting and analysis to support the Principal’s decision making.
• Support Principals and Finance Officers in understanding financial reporting and analysis for decision making.

Key skills and experience

• Prepared to support to the Catholic ethos in the performance of their duties.
• Professional accounting body (CPA or CAANZ) qualifications or equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• A service mind-set so that all Catholic Schools in Western Australia are provided with the service standards necessary to achieve their development objectives within system priorities and accountabilities.
• Demonstrated experience of working effectively within teams to achieve objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise work, take initiative and meet deadlines.
• Extensive experience with management and financial accounting.
• Experience in preparing for external financial audits and liaising with external auditors.
• Experience in financial procedures including accounts receivable, accounts payable, preparation of Business Activity Statements, and general ledger processing and reconciliation.

Further Information: Please refer to the Position Description for additional details. For a copy, please email careers@cewa.edu.au

To Apply please click on the Apply now button.

Interested applicants must submit a short summary addressing the selection criteria and their curriculum vitae, including the names and contact numbers of at least two work related referees (current/past line managers). 

Applications for this role closes no later than 5pm, Thursday 24 April 2025.

Please be advised that the application deadline may close earlier than originally stated. 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. 

A current National Police History Check as issued by the Department of Education Western Australia must be provided by the successful applicant.

Catholic Education Western Australia encourages applications from culturally diverse background, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with a disability or medical condition who meet the requirements of this position.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia. 

All employees of Catholic Education Western Australia must be prepared to support the Catholic ethos in the performance of their duties.