Assistant Accountant

About Ngwala

Ngwala Willumbong is a leading provider of culturally safe and effective support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to supporting individuals affected by alcohol and other drug misuse, providing them with pathways to recovery through holistic and culturally appropriate rehabilitation programs.

Employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People at Ngwala is essential to maintaining culturally aligned services. We STRONGLY encourage Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this role and others as they become available.

About the Role:

The Assistant Accountant provides accounting and financial support to the Accountant and Finance Manager, assisting with the maintenance of accurate financial records, reconciliations, reporting, grants administration, audit preparation, accounts payable and receivable, fixed asset management, financial analysis, and month-end processes. The role also supports the ongoing improvement of accounting systems, internal controls, financial procedures, and reporting practices while ensuring compliance with organisational policies, funding requirements, and statutory obligations. Working collaboratively within the Finance team, the Assistant Accountant contributes to continuous improvement initiatives, maintains high standards of confidentiality and professionalism, and actively supports Ngwala’s values, workplace health and safety requirements, and organisational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

General Accounting

• Maintain the general ledger and accurately record financial transactions.
• Prepare journals, accruals, prepayments, and accounting adjustments.
• Complete balance sheet and general ledger reconciliations.
• Review transaction coding and cost Centre allocations.
• Investigate and resolve routine accounting discrepancies.

Financial Analysis

• Support analysis of operational costs, income, and expenditure
• Identify financial trends, variances, and unusual transactions.
• Assist with financial modelling, scenario analysis, and organisational projects.

Month-End & Year-End Reporting

• Assist with monthly and annual financial close processes.
• Prepare reconciliations, supporting schedules, and documentation.
• Support investigation and correction of accounting discrepancies.

Grants & Program Accounting

• Monitor program expenditure against approved budgets and funding agreements.
• Prepare financial schedules and grant acquittals.
• Track funding income, expenditure, commitments, and balances.

Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Process invoices and review supporting documentation.
• Support payment runs and customer invoicing.
• Reconcile supplier statements and debtor accounts.
• Monitor outstanding balances and follow up as required.

Audit Support

• Prepare financial documentation for internal and external audits.
• Assist with audit testing and information requests.
• Maintain records to an audit-ready standard.

Accounting Systems and Internal Controls

• Support the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of finance systems and processes.
• Assist with evaluating and enhancing financial systems and workflow efficiencies.
• Maintain effective internal controls and ensure compliance with financial policies, delegations, and approval processes.
• Support system testing, data validation, and the implementation of approved system enhancements.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of finance procedures, templates, and work instructions.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives that strengthen financial reporting, compliance, and operational effectiveness.

Fixed Assets

• Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Record asset acquisitions, disposals, and transfers in accordance with organisational policies.
• Assist with the calculation and processing of asset depreciation.
• Maintain accurate documentation relating to capital purchases, asset transfers, and disposals.
• Support the reconciliation of fixed assets to the general ledger and assist with resolving discrepancies.

Finance Team & Continuous Improvement

• Provide general accounting and finance support across the organisation.
• Work collaboratively with the Accountant, Finance Manager, and broader Finance team.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance finance processes, controls, and reporting.
• Assist with developing and maintaining finance procedures, policies, and work instructions.
• Support the Finance team during peak periods and organisational projects.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to build accounting and financial management capabilities.

General Responsibilities

• Attend and contribute to internal and external meetings as required.
• Adhere to organisational policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
• Undertake additional duties and responsibilities as reasonably directed.

Professional Development

• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities to support service excellence and organisational growth.
• Engage in ongoing professional development, training, and learning opportunities.
• Contribute to identifying individual and team training and development needs.
• Maintain and enhance professional knowledge, skills, and capabilities relevant to the role.

Health & Safety

• Follow workplace health, safety, and wellbeing policies and procedures.
• Promote safe work practices and contribute to a safe working environment.
• Report incidents, injuries, and hazards promptly.

Physical Demands

• Safely perform the physical requirements of the role, including driving, prolonged sitting, operating office equipment, stair climbing, and occasional lifting.
• Undertake physical tasks only where safe and within individual capabilities.

Teamwork & Agency Representation

• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries in all workplace interactions.
• Represent Ngwala professionally and contribute to the delivery of high-quality services.
• Foster positive and respectful relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
• Escalate concerns appropriately in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate Ngwala’s values in all interactions and workplace activities.

Skills & Experience:

• Understanding of Aboriginal culture and a commitment to working within an ACCO environment.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Experience with financial transactions, reconciliations, or accounting systems.
• Strong Excel skills, attention to detail, and numerical accuracy.
• Excellent organisation, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work collaboratively in a team.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• A positive, compassionate attitude and willingness to learn.

Mandatory Requirements:

• Qualification in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or related discipline, or currently undertaking a relevant tertiary qualification
• Current Victorian Driver’s License
• Satisfactory Police Check
• Current Working with Children Check

What We Offer:

• Full-Time Position
• SCHADS Social and Community Services Level 3
• NFP Salary Packaging Benefits up to $15,900
• An opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• A supportive and culturally inclusive work environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about supporting individuals on their recovery journey and promoting cultural safety, we would love to hear from you. Please provide the following:

• A cover letter outlining why you would be a great fit for this role
• A resume which outlines your educational and employment background

For further information, please contact recruitment@ngwala.org.au

*Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit pre-employment checks including a Police Check (no older than 3 months), Victorian Employment Working with Children Check, Health Declaration and/or a medical check as well as right to work in Australia Check.