We are East Gippsland Shire
East Gippsland is a natural playground with over 21,000 square km of land including ski fields, high country, nine national parks, two significant marine parks, Australia’s largest navigable inland lake system and stunning coastlines included!
East Gippsland Shire Council is a large regional council covering 10% of Victoria. With a workforce of passionate, multiskilled community members, EGSC offers challenging and rewarding skills development and the ability to work with a range of teams across a range of locations.
The Opportunity
Seeking a motivated and experienced Financial Accountantto join our Finance team. This is a key role responsible for delivering high-quality financial reporting, maintaining strong financial controls, and supporting the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Reporting to the Financial Services Coordinator, you will lead the Accounts Payable and Receivable functions and play a critical role in the preparation of Council’s annual financial statements and audit process. You will ensure the integrity of the general ledger, oversee taxation compliance (including GST and FBT), and contribute to financial reporting, modelling, and decision-making across the organisation.
This role offers the opportunity to work in a complex and dynamic environment, contributing to strong governance, financial management, and continuous improvement of systems and processes.
The successful applicant must reside in the East Gippsland region with the ability to attend the Bairnsdale office from Monday-Friday. The role is based in Bairnsdale and operates under Council’s hybrid working model. An initial period of predominantly office-based work will be required to support onboarding and training, with hybrid working arrangements available once the successful candidate has developed sufficient knowledge and capability in the role. While hybrid work flexibility is available, this role cannot be completed living outside of the region - an ongoing expectation of working from the office at least three days per week applies.
Key responsibilities include:
- Manage Council’s accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, including debt management and creditor payment processes.
- Prepare Council’s draft annual financial statements and coordinate audit requirements (including VAGO).
- Deliver regular internal financial reporting and ensure monthly reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.
- Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and administer Council’s corporate financial systems, including journals and system controls.
- Ensure key finance compliance and governance requirements are met, including GST/FBT, banking/investments/loans, and external agency reporting.
About you
You are a qualified (or near qualified) CPA/CA with strong financial accounting and reporting experience, ideally within Local Government or a similarly complex organisation. You will have demonstrated leadership capability, sound knowledge of accounting standards and financial controls, and the ability to build effective working relationships with stakeholders.
Key Selection Criteria:
- Formal qualifications and relevant experience demonstrating strong financial management and reporting skills.
- Track record in achieving results at management level.
- Specialist knowledge across the range of fields associated with the Financial Services area.
- Leadership, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Performance management and performance development skills in leading teams
Why you'll love EGSC:
Work-Life Balance:
- Option to purchase additional leave
- Flexible start and finish times
- Extra time off over Christmas
- Discounted memberships to our Recreation Centres
Competitive Salaries:
- Annual leave loading paid as a lump sum in December!
- Banded salaries with built in yearly increases!
A Supportive environment:
- 17 weeks paid parental leave pro rata
- Additional special leave available for chronic health conditions and other special needs
- Learning and Development team to keep your skills up to date and give you the opportunity to develop your career!
- Employee Assistance Program offering counselling support when you need it
- Staff consultative committee - management consult staff on big decisions
Does this sound like the role for you? Apply now!
To apply, please upload:
- Your resume, including 2 references
- A cover letter, explaining why you're interested in the position and the skills you will bring to the role
- A statement responding to each of the Key Selection Criteria in the Position Description
Questions? Contact Gowry Pushpanathan, Financial Services Coordinatoron 03 5153 9500
Applications close on 5 July 2026.
East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all. This includes people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, gender diverse people, religiously, culturally and linguistically diverse people and people of any age.
East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to upholding the Child Safe Standards and has a zero tolerance for child abuse and harm. To uphold these standards a valid working with children check is required to be held for applicable positions.
