Nortax is based in Cairns, Far North Queensland, offering the opportunity to build your career in public practice while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of the region, including a relaxed pace of life, outdoor lifestyle and lower cost of living compared with major cities.
Due to increasing workflow, we are seeking a Graduate / Junior Accountant with prior tax experience to join the firm during an active growth phase. This role offers hands‐on exposure across tax compliance, SMSF work and audit engagements, with the opportunity to grow in responsibility as the practice expands over the next 12 months.
About the Role
This is a hands‐on role suited to a graduate or junior accountant who has already gained some exposure to Australian tax compliance and is looking to build a career in public practice accounting.
You will work closely with the Principal in an open and collaborative environment where learning, accountability and professional input are encouraged, with early exposure to real client work.
Key responsibilities include
Preparation of income tax returns for individuals, companies, trusts, partnerships, and SMSFs
Preparation of financial statements for small business clients
BAS and IAS preparation and lodgement
SMSF compliance work (accounts and tax returns)
Workpapers and first-pass preparation of compliance engagements
Assisting with client queries and ATO correspondence
Audit & Assurance Exposure
The successful candidate will also gain exposure to:
SMSF audits
Real estate trust audits
Not-for-profit audits and verification engagements
Audit experience is not required, and training will be provided.
Systems & Software
The practice uses modern cloud accounting systems including:
Xero
BGL Straightforward Fund 360
BGL CAS 360




The practice is also transitioning to Access Practice Management software.
About You
Essential
Completed, or near completion of, a Bachelor of Accounting / Commerce
Prior experience in an Australian public practice environment (minimum 3 months – internship, part-time role or graduate position)
Basic understanding of Australian tax compliance
Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
Good written and verbal communication skills
Highly regarded
Experience preparing individual tax returns or BAS
Experience using Xero
Exposure to practice management systems such as Xero Practice Manager or Access Practice Management
Exposure to BGL Simple Fund 360 or BGL CAS 360
Interest in pursuing IPA or CPA accreditation
Culture & Opportunity
This is an open practice with direct access to the Principal. We value initiative, accountability and professional curiosity. Team members are encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas and take ownership of their work rather than simply follow instructions.
The role provides exposure to a broad range of work early in your career, including tax, SMSF and audit engagements, with the opportunity to grow in capability and responsibility as the practice continues to expand.
What You Will Gain
Exposure to a wide range of tax entities early in your career
Direct mentoring from the Principal
Exposure to SMSF and audit engagements rarely available in junior roles
Broad technical development across tax, business advisory and compliance
Salary
$60,000 – $70,000 + super, depending on experience.
Salary will be reviewed as experience and responsibilities increase.
Additional Requirements
Employment is subject to:
Reference checks
A satisfactory National Police Check
Australian citizenship or permanent residency with unrestricted working rights
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📌 Graduate / Junior Accountant – Public Practice (Tax Experience Required) (Queensland)
🏢 Nortax accountants and advisors
📍 Queensland