Assistant Accountant

About Us

Proudly Australian and family owned, John Morris Group have been scientific equipment and instrumentation suppliers in the South-West Pacific region for nearly 70 years. With offices in 5 states as well as Auckland, NZ, we pride ourselves on our family roots and consider our team, suppliers and customers to be part of the family and the reason for our continued stability and success. 

Position Overview

The role will be responsible for processing payments, maintaining accurate financial records, supporting the Group's accounts, and providing confidential administrative assistance to the Directors. The role also supports month-end and year-end reporting processes, tax compliance obligations, and liaison with the Group's external auditors. The successful candidate must demonstrate a high level of integrity, accuracy, discretion, and accountability.

This is a part-time, office-based role requiring attendance three days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting and Payment Processing

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records for the Group.

• Record and reconcile financial transactions across relevant Group entities.

• Process supplier invoices, employee reimbursements, and other approved payments.

• Prepare payment schedules and ensure payments are processed accurately and on time.

• Verify invoices and supporting documents against the appropriate approvals.

• Maintain accounts payable and accounts receivable records.

• Ensure all transactions comply with the Group's policies, approval processes, and internal financial controls.

Month-End and Year-End Reporting

• Assist with month-end close, including preparation and reconciliation of reports.

• Prepare and maintain year-end working papers and reconciliations in support of the annual financial statements.

• Prepare supporting schedules and documentation requested by the external auditor, and liaise with the auditor during the annual audit process.

Tax and Compliance

• Prepare and lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS) and support other statutory tax reporting obligations.

• Assist with tax reporting matters at both a commercial (Group entity) and personal (Directors) level, in conjunction with external advisors as required.

• Support compliance with relevant tax and regulatory obligations across Group entities.

Director and Administrative Support

• Provide confidential administrative support to the Directors.

• Prepare payment summaries, financial schedules, reports, and business documents.

• Undertake ad hoc tasks and projects for the Directors as required, exercising discretion and sound judgement.

Qualifications and Experience

• A recognized qualification in accounting, finance, or a related discipline.

• Professional accounting qualifications or part-qualifications would be advantageous.

• Previous experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or financial administration is essential.

• Experience handling accounts across multiple companies or Group entities would be advantageous.

• Demonstrated experience in processing payments, completing reconciliations, and maintaining financial records.

• Experience preparing BAS and other tax lodgements is highly regarded.

• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.

• A high level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional discretion.

• Strong numerical, accounting, and reconciliation skills.

• Sound understanding of tax reporting requirements, or a willingness to develop this knowledge.

• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet payment and reporting deadlines.

• Flexibility and reliability in supporting Director requests as they arise.