Koala is a global furniture brand bringing Australian design and innovation to the world. We create forward-thinking products that solve problems for people and homes everywhere, driven by our purpose to make the world a more comfortable place.
We’ve always believed in doing things differently, whether in the way we develop products, how we do people and culture, or the way we bring the brand to life. That mindset has fuelled our growth, helping us disrupt categories in ways that are creative, bold and often unexpected. While we’re a household name in Australia, our journey on the global stage is only just beginning.
Since launching in 2015, our furniture has reached homes across Australia, Japan, the US and the UK. As a B Corp-certified, customer-obsessed, and data-led company, we’re committed to revolutionising furniture for generations to come through design, innovation, and meaningful sustainability.
Role Description
We're hiring a Senior Financial Accountant to join Koala's Sydney-based finance team. Reporting to the Finance Manager (AU) and working closely with the Group Finance Manager and Group Financial Controller, this role is for someone who wants to do more than close the books — you'll help mature our finance function as a listed company, drive a faster, sharper month-end close, and help embed AI and automation into how Koala's finance function operates.
Koala is looking for a challenger - someone who can look at our existing processes globally and introduce best-practice systems, automation and efficiencies, while bringing strong technical rigour to our financial reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver accurate and timely financial results on a monthly basis for the Australian business, encompassing our DTC business as well as our retail stores, B2B and other channels.
Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations to a high audit-ready standard, in line with Group accounting policies.
Act as a point of contact for our external auditors at half-year and year-end, supporting a reduction in audit days.
Drive month-end close acceleration - redesigning the close calendar, reconciliations and workpaper standards so we report faster and more accurately.
Re-engineer finance processes using AI, automation and our systems stack (NetSuite + connected tooling), identifying where agents, scripts or workflow tools can replace manual effort and strengthen controls.
Support Australian tax and statutory compliance (BAS, FBT, income tax and other ATO obligations) in partnership with the Finance Manager (AU).
Ideal background
Degree-qualified in accounting, with full membership of a recognised professional accounting body (CA / CPA), or close to completion.
Big 4 trained (preferred); ideally a first or second mover out of audit / financial advisory into a high-growth commercial environment.
3-5 years post-graduate experience, with exposure to AASB / IFRS, listed company reporting and audit (half-year and annual).
Previous experience in eCommerce, retail or manufacturing preferred, ideally with multi-entity / multi-currency exposure.
AI-curious and AI-active, already using tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot or similar to make your own work better, and excited to bring that mindset to a whole finance function.
Builders' mentality - would rather rebuild a broken process than live with it. Sees continuous improvement as part of the job, not a side project.
Demonstrated experience in problem solving to improve day-to-day workflows and uplift control environments.
Strong commercial instincts and excellent stakeholder management — comfortable communicating technical accounting clearly to non-finance audiences.
Strong attention to detail, self-motivated and forward thinking, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders.
Excellent working knowledge of Excel / GSheet and ERP systems (NetSuite experience a bonus).
Treehouse Perks and Privileges
Koala is only great when its employees are happy — and we’re one happy bunch!
Hybrid working - We’re mixing it up with ~3 days back in the Alexandria Treehouse (office) and work from bed/home (WFB)
Take a break - Generous time off - volunteer, parental, Koala life leave and more to help keep your work-life balance, balanced.
Treehouse goods - Fully stocked kitchen with an emphasis on healthy local produce, think bougie brekky, salad bar, kombucha on tap, monthly barbies and more.
Pet-friendly - The Koala Treehouse is as pet-friendly as they get!
Surprise & delight - The two-word combo at the core of everything we do. All Koalas can expect to enjoy free Koala products with ‘mates rates’ for your friends and fam.
Support & wellbeing - Our employee experience respects and embraces all families, formed, found and evolving. You’ll have access to our Employee Assistance Program, which includes unlimited sessions for financial, work, relationship, family or wellbeing support.
Accelerate your career - via our Learning Management platform Juno, as well as individual and team growth budgets and dedicated days.
Community & connection - We believe that simply doing ‘no harm’ isn’t good enough So, how are we doing our part? BCorp Certified, WWF Partnership, volunteer days, a member of SoftLanding, 1% and so much more.
All in all, the Koala Kommunity is a great place to hang out and belong to!
Koalities We Look For
At Koala, we do things a little differently and we don’t shy away from the fact that we expect a lot from our employees! We are ambitious. We are curious. We are selfless. We want you to challenge expectations, always look to make a difference and give us something different from the norm. We want people that bring great energy, that have a long-game focus and are always trying to find new angles and approaches to the way we work. We're a team full of entrepreneurial spirit and have a relentless focus on 'what's next' but while always reviewing 'what's been done' and learning, growing and adapting. We're confident, but NEVER arrogant and we adapt to change like Steve Smith under a short ball. Honesty and empathy drive everything we do, as well as a total focus on exceeding our customers’ expectations. So if you feel like this could be you... well what the bloody hell are you waiting for? Drop us a line, and let's see what you've got! ;)
There’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate, Koala is a place where everyone has opportunity. So however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day. We’re an equal opportunity employer, and recognise that a diverse workforce is crucial to our success as a business.
To read more, check out our careers, LinkedIn, or the great work we do with Work180.
