Accounts Officer

As one of Australia’s largest providers of human resources solutions, Chandler Macleod has a proven track record of connecting top talent with meaningful work across the public sector. We are currently seeking an experienced  Accounts Officer  to join our Federal Government client based in Canberra for an initial four-month assignment, with strong potential for extension.

About the Role Reporting to the Assistant Director, Financial Operations, the successful candidate will lead, supervise, and develop a small finance team across Treasury, Accounts Receivable, and Accounts Payable functions. You will provide strategic and technical advice to ensure operational excellence and compliance with whole of Government financial policies.
This role will suit a motivated professional with a strong understanding of government financial frameworks, exceptional leadership skills, and experience in high-volume financial environments.
Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day Treasury, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable operations.
• Supervise and mentor a small team, ensuring high performance and continuous development.
• Provide expert technical advice on financial processes and compliance.
• Deliver quality assurance, invoice processing, reconciliations, validations, and reporting.
• Interpret and apply legislation, including the PGPA Act and Commonwealth financial frameworks.
• Lead process improvement initiatives and update internal financial procedures.
• Manage workload prioritisation and ensure service delivery standards are met.
• Maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships, delivering responsive and factual advice.
• Prepare and approve end-of-month financial activities including journals, reconciliations, and reporting.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience supervising Treasury, Accounts Payable or Accounts Receivable functions.
• Demonstrated experience in financial operations within the Australian Public Service.
• Strong knowledge of PGPA Act and Whole of Government financial compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency in financial systems such as TechnologyOne, CBMS, Expense8 and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to operate in high-pressure and changing environments with a strategic mindset.
• A continuous improvement approach with demonstrated success in implementing change.

• Must hold a current Baseline Security Clearance