Financial Accountant - Temporary Term Contract up to 12 months

The Opportunity

Lithgow City Council has an exciting opportunity for a Financial Accountant to join their team in Lithgow, NSW for a temporary term of up to 12 Months.

The Financial Accountant is responsible for assisting the Financial Services Manager in collaboration with the Executive and Corporate Leadership Teams to produce and implement strategic financial management plans that respond to the strategic directions of the Council. Central to the role is the development of strong financial controls in Council Operations and accounting support to Council’s Leadership Team. The position will assist with the preparation of financial statements in compliance with legislative requirements. The position has supervisory responsibilities.

More specifically, your duties will include (but will not be limited to):

• Manage Council’s processing of daily transactions, month end and year end processes, monthly and year end reconciliation timetable, grant accounting and reconciliation requirements, taxation obligations and returns, including GST and FBT requirements
• Assist with Councils budget development, budget review processes and preparation of budget reports
• Maintain, update and report on Council’s Annual Fees and Charges, including liaising across Council to collate fees
• Assist in preparing Council's annual Financial Statements, including preparation of working papers and participation in external audits
• Provide professional advice, guidance and direction on technical and legislative matters relating to financial and statutory accounting matters
• Assist in development and update of strategic financial management models and plans for the development, renewal and maintenance of major infrastructure and assets

For more detail about the specific duties and responsibilities of the position, please CLICK HERE for the complete Position Description.

About you

The successful candidate will meet the following criteria:

• Degree qualification or near completion in Accounting, Business or Finance
• Experience in analysing and interpreting financial statements to assess performance
• Demonstrated experience in monthly and/or annual financial reporting
• Demonstrated experience with complex reconciliations
• Ability to work within a team environment that provides financial services across a multifunctional organisation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Sound knowledge of finance and accounting related IT software, spreadsheet and other PC based systems and applications
• Class C Drivers Licence
• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of Work Health and Safety
• Demonstrated commitment to the principals of honesty and integrity

In addition, an ideal candidate would have experience in Local Government environment, understanding of local government legislation, experience with grant accounting and grant acquittals, two years relevant experience in a related field and CA/CPA Qualification or willing to undertake CA/CPA Program.

Salary and Benefits

If you are looking for a change of lifestyle, a new adventure, or to take the next step in your career, this is the role for you.

• Between $1,835.44 and $2,039.77 per week, commensurate with your skills, qualifications and experience
• Temporary term contract up to 12 months
• Full time, 35 hours per week
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Work/Life balance with a rostered day off every 2 weeks
• Access to Council's Fitness Passport Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

APPLICATIONS CLOSE at midnight Sunday 6 September, 2026 AEST.

Please note: To be considered for this position, candidates must address all selection criteria. Those who do not address the selection criteria with examples will not be considered.

Applications generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) may not be progressed in the recruitment process.

Preferred applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical, which includes a drug and alcohol screening and functional assessment. Preferred applicants may be subject to reference checks, driving history checks, qualification checks, a NSW Police Check, a Working with Children check and confirmation of your Right to Work in Australia.

You must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or a permanent resident or have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Lithgow City Council

The Lithgow local government area is located on the western edge of the majestic Blue Mountains. The area totals 4,567 square kilometres from the Capertee and Wolgan Valleys in the north, Little Hartley in the east, Tarana in the south and Meadow Flat in the west.

The major urban centre of Lithgow nestles in a valley of that name, overlooked by the sandstone escarpments of the Blue Mountains. In the addition to the major urban centre of Lithgow, the Lithgow local government area has 12 villages with mining or farming backgrounds. These smaller centres have proven to be a attractive rural residential areas which, along with the broader rural areas offer a truly unique lifestyle that harmonises its urban, industrial and rural qualities.

Council is focused on delivering quality services as a Centre of Regional Excellence that encourages community growth and development, and contributes to the efficient and effective management of the environment, community and economy for present and future generations.

The guiding principles of communication, accountability, respect, empathy and support define how Lithgow City Council strengthen its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. For further details on Council's values, please visit https://council.lithgow.com