Bookkeeper / Accountant Full-Time | Permanent | Cooloola Coast, QLD (Hybrid / Work from Home) Salary: $99,000 – $105,000 per annum
About Cooloola Coast General Practice
Cooloola Coast General Practice is a trusted, community-centred primary healthcare provider operating across three clinics in Cooloola Cove, Tin Can Bay, and Rainbow Beach, Queensland. We deliver comprehensive, family-oriented medical services including general and preventative care, chronic disease management, women's and men's health, paediatrics, mental health, minor surgical procedures, and a broad range of allied health services.
As our patient base continues to grow across the Cooloola Coast region, we are investing in a dedicated finance professional to underpin the financial integrity and operational efficiency of all three sites. This is a hands-on, high-trust role reporting directly to Practice leadership.
Position Overview
The Bookkeeper / Accountant is responsible for the full-cycle financial management of Cooloola Coast General Practice across its three locations. You will own the day-to-day accounting function — from accounts payable and receivable through to payroll, month-end close, statutory compliance, and management reporting. A key aspect of this role is the timely processing and escalation of urgent payment requests to ensure uninterrupted clinical operations.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Accounting & Reporting Maintain accurate general ledger records across all three practice sites. Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports for the Practice Director. Perform bank reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations, and variance analysis.
Accounts Payable & Receivable Manage the full AP/AR cycle, including processing supplier invoices, coding expenses to the correct cost centres, reconciling vendor statements, and following up outstanding patient and third-party (Medicare, DVA, WorkCover) receivables.
Urgent Payment Processing Assess, authorise, and action urgent payment requests in line with the practice's financial delegations policy. Coordinate with the Practice Manager and relevant department heads to ensure critical payments — including medical consumables, equipment leases, and locum invoices — are processed without delay.
Payroll Administration Process fortnightly payroll for all clinical and administrative staff across three sites, including the accurate calculation of base salaries, overtime entitlements, penalty rates, superannuation, and leave accruals in compliance with the relevant Modern Award and the Fair Work Act.
Tax & Statutory Compliance Prepare and lodge BAS, IAS, and PAYG withholding obligations with the ATO. Maintain accurate FBT records, assist with annual tax returns, and liaise with the external auditor and tax agent as required.
Budgeting & Forecasting Assist the Practice Manager with the preparation of the annual operating budget and rolling forecasts. Monitor actual vs. budget performance and provide commentary on material variances.
Cash Flow Management Monitor daily cash positions across all bank accounts. Prepare weekly cash flow forecasts and flag any anticipated shortfalls to the Practice Director.
System & Process Management Maintain and improve the practice's accounting systems (Xero preferred). Document financial procedures and controls, and recommend process improvements to reduce manual effort and mitigate financial risk.
Audit & Internal Controls Support internal and external audit activities by preparing audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation. Uphold the segregation of duties and financial controls framework.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Commerce, or Finance; or equivalent practical experience
- Minimum 4 years of experience in a full-cycle bookkeeping or management accounting role
- Demonstrated proficiency in Xero or a comparable cloud accounting platform
- Solid understanding of Australian tax obligations, including GST, PAYG, and superannuation
- Proven experience processing payroll under Fair Work Act conditions, including award interpretation and overtime calculations
- Experience managing urgent payment workflows and working to strict financial deadlines
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for financial modelling and reporting
- High attention to detail with a track record of maintaining accurate records under pressure
Desirable:
- CPA or CA qualification (or working towards)
- Experience in a healthcare, general practice, or multi-site medical environment
- Familiarity with Medicare billing, DVA, and WorkCover payment workflows
- Experience working in a hybrid or remote finance function
- Prior exposure to practice management software (Best Practice, MedicalDirector, or similar)
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $99,000 – $105,000 per annum (commensurate with experience)
- Superannuation: 11.5% employer contributions (SGC rate)
- Overtime Pay: Eligible for overtime at applicable rates for approved hours
- Work from Home: Flexible hybrid arrangement across on-site and remote work
- Relocation Assistance: Financial support available for candidates relocating to the Cooloola Coast region (conditions apply)
- Travel Reimbursement: Reimbursement of approved inter-site travel and work-related mileage at the ATO approved rate
- Parental Leave: Paid parental leave in accordance with the National Employment Standards, with additional discretionary top-up provisions
- Professional Development: Support for CPA/CA membership fees and approved continuing professional education
Work Environment & Hours
- Standard hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (or as agreed)
- Occasional travel between the three clinic sites is required and fully reimbursed
- Hybrid work arrangement agreed upon commencement
- Cloud-based finance systems to support secure remote access
Pay: $99,900.00 – $105,437.48 per year
Benefits:
- Childcare assistance
- Company car
- Extended annual leave
- Health insurance
- Housing allowance
- Housing provided
- Relocation assistance
- Travel reimbursement
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rainbow Beach QLD 4581
