Principal Accountant

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why. 
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them. 

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence. 

Job Description

About the Opportunity 

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Financial Accountant to play a pivotal role within our Finance team. Reporting to the Manager, Accounting, Tax and Treasury, this senior position is responsible for leading the University's financial accounting function, including financial reporting, statutory compliance, audit coordination, taxation reporting, and financial control activities.

This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong accounting professional who thrives in a complex environment and is passionate about delivering accurate, timely, and insightful financial information. You'll work closely with stakeholders across the organisation, drive continuous improvement initiatives, strengthen financial controls, and contribute to the development of best-practice financial policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and professionally develop the financial accountants to support the wider objectives of the finance function
• Lead and coordinate the full year financial statements preparation, including supporting documentation for external audit
• Lead the monthly close and reconciliation processes, ensuring timely and accurate periodic reporting
• Identify and deliver resolutions to reporting and process/control deficiencies
• Review reconciliations to support both internal and external reporting, to include investigation and analytical review of GL account balances
• Assist with the review and implementation of control measures to ensure the appropriateness and completeness of revenue reporting and recognition
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with senior staff from other areas of finance and the wider University community
• Develop best practice policies and procedures to support a strong financial control framework within the university
• Contribute to the development of appropriate KPIs that drive accuracy, high performance and are client facing
• Undertake other projects and duties as determined by the Manager, Accounting, Tax and Treasury.

About you

• The occupant of this position will hold relevant qualifications, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Be fully qualified in a recognised accountancy profession (CA or CPA) with a minimum of five years’ relevant experience.

Candidates must have full unrestricted Australian work rights and will be subject to a National criminal history check.

What we can offer
This is a full time continuing opportunity primarily based at our Brisbane South (Nathan) campus. As Griffith is a multi-site university, you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary

HEW 9 – Base range - $137,165.65 - $142,070.17 + 17% superannuation. Full package range - $160,483.80 - $166,222.09.

Additional Information

Why join Griffith? 
 
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer: 

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities 

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment 

• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts 

• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading 

• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme 

• Opportunities for internal mobility 

• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities 

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy. 

How to apply 

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following: 

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.

• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details 

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected]

Closing date: Wednesday 30th September at 11:59pm. All applications must be submitted online.