Management Accountant

Readings is seeking an experienced Management Accountant to join our Finance team and take ownership of our month-end accounting and management-reporting processes across nine shops, our warehouse and head office. 

This is a hands-on role responsible for delivering an accurate and timely month-end close, maintaining balance-sheet integrity, and producing clear and reliable financial reporting for management and the Board. 

Working closely with the Finance Manager, you will prepare monthly management accounts, support quarterly Board reporting, and assist with budgeting and forecasting. You will also work with Department Heads to help them understand their financial performance, investigate variances and strengthen financial accountability across the business. 

The role will initially focus on strengthening and streamlining our core accounting and reporting processes. As these processes become increasingly automated, the position will develop a greater focus on financial analysis and business partnering. You will also support the Finance Manager with the implementation of a new ERP system and associated Finance process improvements. 

Key responsibilities 

• Coordinate and complete the monthly financial close 

• Prepare and review monthly balance-sheet reconciliations 

• Prepare monthly management accounts, reporting packs and variance analysis 

• Assist with the preparation of budgets and forecasts 

• Work with Department Heads to investigate financial results and explain material variances 

• Support the Finance Manager with quarterly Board reporting 

• Review the completeness and accuracy of sales, banking, accounts payable and accounts receivable reconciliations 

• Prepare BAS, IAS and other assigned statutory reporting 

• Support year-end reporting and external audit requirements 

• Support the implementation of a new ERP system, including Finance process design, testing and data validation 

• Identify opportunities to automate and streamline month-end and management reporting 

What you’ll bring 

• At least five years’ relevant accounting experience 

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related discipline 

• CPA or CA qualification, or progress toward completion 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

• High attention to detail and a commitment to accurate and reliable financial information 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing reporting deadlines 

• Strong Excel skills 

• A collaborative and continuous-improvement mindset 

Desirable 

• Previous accounting experience within retail or another multi-site environment 

• Experience using Xero 

• Experience improving or automating month-end and reporting processes 

• Experience supporting an ERP or finance-system implementation, upgrade or migration 

• Available to commence immediately 

This opportunity would suit a capable Management Accountant who enjoys taking ownership of reporting, improving financial processes and helping operational leaders better understand business performance. 

About Readings 

Readings is one of Australia's most loved independent bookshops, and our small finance team plays an important role in keeping the whole operation running smoothly. We work out of West Melbourne, servicing our shops across Carlton, Chadstone, St Kilda, Emporium, Malvern, Hawthorn, Doncaster, and State Library Victoria. 

As part of the team, you'll enjoy generous discounts on our products, a supportive and passionate team culture, and a company that genuinely cares about its impact on people and community.  

Please provide a cover letter and a current copy of your resume to ••••@readings.com.au. We welcome applications until 5pm, Friday 14th August.