Accountant (3 months role)

The National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra is one of Australia’s most highly regarded tourist attractions and educational facilities, located in the heart of the nation’s capital. Open every day except Christmas Day, the zoo’s open-range facilities create a unique environment where adults and children alike can reconnect with nature and experience wildlife in an unforgettable way.

The zoo is also home to Jamala Wildlife Lodge, which continues to receive worldwide recognition and reviews, consistently ranking among the top animal lodges in the world.

We are looking for an organised and detail-oriented Accountant to join our team on a 3-month contract (4-5 days a week). If you enjoy variety in your work, take pride in ownership of your responsibilities, and want to make a meaningful contribution to a growing business, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process and reconcile daily sales data from operational systems into Xero, ensuring accuracy and completeness

• Manage the month-end close process including prepayments, accruals, depreciation, deferred revenue recognition, and inter-company transactions

• Oversee accounts payable functions and ensure timely processing

• Ensure taxation compliance (BAS, payroll tax, PAYG)

• Handle weekly cash deposits and variance investigation

• Issue customer invoices, monitor outstanding accounts and follow up on overdue payments

• Perform other day-to-day operation tasks including refunds, staff reimbursements, daily sales report

• Assist with end-to-end fortnightly payroll

• Ad hoc finance related tasks

Skills and qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years’ accounting experience

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and within a team

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Sound knowledge of accounting standards, taxation compliance, and financial processes

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with intermediate to advanced Excel skills

• Previous experience with Xero is essential

Why Join Us:

• Free onsite parking

• Social club membership with ongoing events throughout the year

• Supportive and collaborative team environment

Wage is negotiable depending on the successful applicant’s experience.

This position is set to commence in late October to early November. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted