POSITION DESCRIPTION
Accountant/Senior Accountant

Islamic School of Canberra – Full Time

Position Details

· Position Title: Accountant/Senior Accountant

· Employment Type: Full Time

· Salary Range: $70,000 – $100,000 plus 12 % Superannuation (commensurate with experience)

· Reports To: Principal

· Location: Islamic School of Canberra, ACT

· Award/Industrial Instrument: National Employment Standards (NES), Fair Work Act 2009 and applicable educational or clerical awards/agreements

Organisation Overview

· The Islamic School of Canberra (ISC) is a faith-based K–12 educational institution committed to academic excellence, Islamic values, and the holistic development of students.

· ISC aims to become the school of choice where students thrive and mature into confident young adults whose strengths are recognised and nurtured.

· The school provides dynamic and challenging learning opportunities to maximise student potential and develop future leaders.

Position Purpose

· The Senior Accountant is responsible for leading the accounting and financial management functions of the school, ensuring strong financial governance, compliance, integrity, and sustainability.

· The role supports strategic decision-making through accurate reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance with Australian Accounting Standards, education sector funding obligations, taxation legislation, and regulatory requirements.

· This role is critical in ensuring the appropriate management and acquittal of Commonwealth and Territory Government education funding.

Key Responsibilities

· Manage the school’s day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, banking, and reconciliations.

· Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and management reports including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, KPIs, dashboards, and Board reporting packs.

· Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes.

· Ensure month-end and year-end processes are completed accurately and within deadlines.

· Prepare and review journals including payroll, accruals, prepayments, leases, depreciation, investments, and government grant allocations.

· Maintain fixed asset registers and ensure depreciation complies with Australian Accounting Standards.

· Ensure compliance with all taxation obligations, including BAS, PAYG withholding, Single Touch Payroll (STP), Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), payroll tax, and Superannuation Guarantee obligations, including Payday Super requirements.





· Ensure all financial transactions are appropriately authorised, coded, documented, and compliant with GST legislation.

· Prepare cash flow forecasts and monitor liquidity to support operational sustainability.

· Coordinate annual external audits and act as the key liaison with auditors.

· Ensure compliance with Commonwealth and ACT Government school funding requirements, acquittals, census reporting support, and financial accountability obligations.

· Support compliance with Australian Education Regulation requirements, non-government school funding conditions, and financial reporting obligations.

· Support compliance with ACNC requirements where applicable.

· Maintain solid internal controls and identify, escalate, and remediate financial risks.

· Oversee financial systems integrity and improvements, including Xero, MYOB, Synergetic, or equivalent systems.

· Support procurement, contract management, insurance renewals, and WorkCover obligations.

· Provide timely financial advice, analysis, and recommendations to the Principal and School Board.

· Assist with strategic projects, school growth initiatives, and capital expenditure planning.

· Provide guidance, supervision, and backup support to finance staff.

· Respond to internal and external stakeholder queries professionally and promptly.

Compliance and Regulatory Responsibilities

· Ensure compliance with Australian Accounting Standards and applicable financial reporting frameworks.

· Comply with Fair Work Act 2009, National Employment Standards, Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT), Privacy Act 1988, taxation legislation, and all relevant education sector legislation.

· Support compliance with Commonwealth and ACT Government funding agreements, grants, acquittal requirements, and financial accountability obligations.

· Ensure proper record-keeping and retention practices in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

· Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.

· Support school compliance with Child Safe Standards and reportable conduct obligations.

Essential Criteria

· At least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.





· Minimum 5 years’ accounting experience, preferably within education or not-for-profit sectors.

· Strong knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards and financial compliance obligations.

· Demonstrated experience in payroll, BAS, reconciliations, budgeting, forecasting, and audit preparation.

· High proficiency in accounting software such as Xero, MYOB, Synergetic, or similar systems.

· Strong analytical, organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgement.

· Strong attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement.

Desirable Criteria

· Experience within an independent school or education sector environment.

· Understanding of government-funded school financial compliance and reporting obligations.

· Knowledge of Islamic values and willingness to support the ethos of the school.

· CPA or CA qualification (or working towards completion).

Child Safety and Suitability Requirements

· The Islamic School of Canberra is committed to child safety and safeguarding children and young people.

· The successful applicant must hold or obtain a valid ACT Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration prior to commencement.

· All employees are required to comply with the school’s Child Safety, Code of Conduct, and safeguarding policies.

Work Health and Safety

· Employees must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others in the workplace.

· Employees must comply with all Work Health and Safety policies, procedures, and lawful directions.

Why Join Us?

· Competitive salary package with 12% superannuation.

· Supportive and values-driven Islamic school environment.

· Professional growth and development opportunities.

· Opportunity to contribute to strategic planning and school improvement initiatives.

· Meaningful opportunity to support the ACT Muslim community through education.

Application Process

· Applicants should submit all the below to Principal on (*********@isc.act.edu.au)

· • Cover Letter

· • Resume/CV

· • Contact details of two professional referees

· Applications close by (3/8/2026).

Disclaimer

· This Position Description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required.

· The School reserves the right to amend this Position Description from time to time in consultation with the employee.

📌 Accountant/Senior Accountant Needed at the Islamic School of Canberra
🏢 Islamic School of Canberra
📍 Canberra