Senior Accountant

Position Summary

The Senior Accountant is an experienced technical role responsible for preparing and reviewing accounting and taxation work, supporting client engagements, and contributing to tax planning and advisory opportunities. The role provides guidance to junior team members and supports offshore teams on technical matters to ensure high-quality outcomes and timely delivery.

This role is located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Primary Responsibilities

Client & Advisory Support

Undertake direct client contact (SME owners, individuals, family groups) and participate in meetings for annual compliance reviews, tax planning discussions and ad-hoc advice.Gather and clarify client information required for compliance and advisory (year-end adjustments, Division 7A loan details, trust distribution intentions, asset purchases/sales, payroll and GST treatment).Identify tax planning or structuring opportunities (e.g., small business CGT concessions readiness, remuneration mix, trust distribution considerations) and escalate recommendations to Principal for advice sign-off.Respond to client and internal queries promptly and professionally, ensuring responses are technically accurate and appropriately documented.

Accounting & Taxation

Review financial statements for entities including companies, trusts, partnerships and individualsPerform year-end reconciliations and adjustment journals, ensuring workpapers clearly support balances.Prepare/review BAS and IAS obligations (GST, PAYG withholding, PAYG instalments) including reconciliation of GST accounts and reasonableness checks across reporting periods.Identify and address common GST issues, escalating higher-risk items to the Principal.

Quality, Risk & Documentation

Maintain complete, review-ready working files (checklists, workpapers, key assumptions, correspondence) that support conclusions and meet internal quality standards.Ensure deadlines and lodgement readiness are managed effectively; flag missing information early and propose clear next steps to keep work moving.

Offshore Team Support

Provide clear instructions to offshore preparers and review offshore output for completeness, technical accuracy and presentation prior to onshore review.Respond to offshore technical queries and contribute to continuous improvement of templates/process notes to lift quality and reduce rework.

Team Contribution

Assist with internal training and knowledge sharing (e.g., common tax issues, workpaper standards, practical tips for efficiency).Contribute to process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, consistency and client experience.

Qualifications

4+ years’ experience in business services and taxation within public practiceBachelor’s degree in Accounting or related disciplineCPA or CA qualification (or near completion)Strong technical foundation in tax compliance and planning

Skills And Attributes

Strong technical capability and commitment to delivering high-quality workHigh attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and consistencyWell developed planning and organisation skills with the ability to manage competing prioritiesStrong accountability and ownership of tasks, with reliable follow-throughProfessional communication style with clients and internal stakeholdersAbility to work collaboratively and contribute positively to team cultureConfidence providing guidance, support and feedback to others when requiredProactive approach to identifying issues and escalating appropriately

Focus Partners Australia is part of Focus Financial Partners, a leading financial services firm based in the United States, comprised of wealth management, family office, and business management services. Focus Partners Australia offers integrated capabilities in investment and portfolio management, accounting, lending, insurance and related services from its offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Guided by a client-first ethos, we leverage the global expertise, platforms and capital strength of Focus Financial Partners to deliver holistic, fiduciary guidance across strategic planning, portfolio management, insurance, credit and tax. By fusing local insight with world-class resources, Focus Partners Australia helps its clients protect, grow, and transition their wealth at every life stage. Discover more about Focus Partners Australia at focuspa.com.au/ or LinkedIn.

About Focus Partners Australia

Focus Partners Australia is part of Focus Financial Partners, a leading financial services firm based in the United States, comprised of wealth management, family office, and business management services. Focus Partners Australia offers integrated capabilities in investment and portfolio management, accounting, lending, insurance and related services from its offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Guided by a client-first ethos, we leverage the global expertise, platforms and capital strength of Focus Financial Partners to deliver holistic, fiduciary guidance across strategic planning, portfolio management, insurance, credit and tax. By fusing local insight with world-class resources, Focus Partners Australia helps its clients protect, grow, and transition their wealth at every life stage. Discover more about Focus Partners Australia at focuspa.com.au/ or LinkedIn.