Senior AU Bookkeeper

Penbrothers

3d • Remote

About The Position

Penbrothers is hiring an experienced Senior Australian Bookkeeper to independently manage an assigned portfolio of Australian SME clients for an established, family-owned accounting firm based in Ipswich. The role requires at least five years of hands-on Australian bookkeeping experience gained within an Australian public accounting practice. The successful candidate will work closely with Australian team members and take direct ownership of client files, delivering accurate and reliable financial records with minimal technical supervision.

The role covers the complete bookkeeping cycle in Xero, Australian GST and tax-related work, reconciliations, financial reporting, payroll, and client-file maintenance. It also requires commercial judgment to identify unusual transactions, potential deductions, and changes in client financial performance. The bookkeeper will consolidate transaction-related questions and coordinate with the team lead, who handles direct client communication, while prioritizing accounts and meeting weekly productivity and quality expectations.

Requirements

• At least five years of hands-on Australian bookkeeping experience.
• Mandatory experience working in an Australian public accounting practice.
• Expert Xero proficiency, including the ability to independently handle transaction processing, reconciliations, payroll, STP, and financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of Australian GST treatments, BAS/IAS requirements, and practical tax considerations, including Fuel Tax Credits and NDIS/aged care transactions.
• Commercial and analytical judgment to assess expenses, identify potential deductions and anomalies, and monitor changes in clients’ financial activities.
• Hands-on experience with Hubdoc and strong Excel skills.
• Familiarity with Australian businesses, suppliers, and common industry transactions, particularly in transport, NDIS, aged care, and childcare.
• Strong English communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple client accounts independently, prioritize workloads, and meet productivity expectations.

Nice To Haves

• Xero Advisor Certification.
• Hands-on experience with practice workflow systems such as Xero Practice Manager (XPM) or FYI Docs.
• Familiarity with Fuel Tax Credits (FTC), PAYG Instalments, or Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) principles.
• Exposure to multi-entity business structures, family trusts, or Australian Modern Awards.
• Familiarity with Xero Practice Manager.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage the complete bookkeeping cycle for an assigned portfolio of Australian SME clients in Xero, including transaction processing, coding, and account maintenance.
• Apply accurate Australian GST treatments and identify applicable tax deductions, Fuel Tax Credits, and industry-specific tax considerations, particularly for NDIS, aged care, childcare, and transport businesses.
• Perform bank, credit card, balance sheet, payroll, and ATO reconciliations.
• Maintain fixed asset registers and prepare BAS/IAS workpapers while ensuring financial records are accurate.
• Review transactions using professional judgment to identify unusual expenses, potential deductions, discrepancies, and changes in client revenue or spending patterns.
• Own assigned client files, including cleaning up historical records, resolving outstanding transactions, and maintaining accurate, up-to-date ledgers.
• Process payroll through Xero, including pay runs, Single Touch Payroll reporting, and superannuation processing.
• Consolidate transaction-related questions, document findings, and coordinate with the team lead, who handles direct client communication.
• Prioritize client accounts according to transaction volumes, reduce outstanding transactions, and meet weekly productivity and quality expectations.

Benefits

• Opportunities for learning, growth, and career development.
• Meaningful work and the opportunity to make an impact on fast-growing startups and dynamic companies.
• Investment in employees’ careers and welfare.
• Work with global companies from the comfort of your own home.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed