This is a permanent position commencing ASAP
The Financial Accounting and Reporting Branch coordinates the Department’s statutory financial reporting obligations, including quarterly whole-of-government reporting, annual financial statements and other external reporting requirements. The Branch supports accounting governance by advising on accounting treatment and improving processes and reporting quality.
The Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly capable professional who is excited to lead a high‑performing team and is driven by continuous and improvement and thrives in a dynamic and forward thinking team environment. The Principal Financial Accountant provides senior technical leadership in the coordination and delivery of statutory and external financial reporting obligations. You will prepare and review complex financial reports and disclosures, support the annual financial statements process and quarterly reporting requirements, and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, legislation and whole-of-government reporting frameworks.
You will provide specialist advice on accounting treatment and financial reporting issues, contribute to the resolution of complex matters and support effective audit outcomes. The role works closely with internal stakeholders and external agencies to ensure reporting integrity and alignment of financial information across systems and outputs. You will also mentor staff, support capability development and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen reporting quality, governance and business processes.
Professional Benefits
We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include:
- 12% employer contributed superannuation.
- Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including; working from home or remote, flexible working hours and part-time arrangements
- Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave
- Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance
- Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments)
Want to know more?
Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Trish Fraga-Diaz, Director Financial Services on (08) 9264 5187 or emailing Trish.Fraga-Diaz@education.wa.edu.au
We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).
Equity and Diversity
We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.
Eligibility
To work in this role, you must:
- hold relevant tertiary qualifications in an accounting or related discipline and eligibility for membership of a professional accounting body
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
- consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Application Instructions
Apply online in two easy steps:
Step 1: Select Apply for Job
Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.
Step 2: Attach your documents
Your application should include:
- A CV of up to four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
- A two (2) page covering letter detailing your suitability for the role, with consideration of the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
2. Demonstrated substantial experience in preparing and consolidating accrual financial statements in a large organisation.
3. Demonstrated highly developed conceptual and analytical skills, including the ability to provide innovative solutions to complex problems and perform complex financial modelling.
4. Demonstrated substantial knowledge and understanding of legislation, accounting standards, government policy and emerging issues relating to financial management and statutory reporting, including a thorough understanding of the Australian equivalent to the International Financial Reporting Standards and Treasurer’s Instructions.
5. Demonstrated highly developed skills and experience in providing leadership and managing people effectively.
The remaining criteria will be addressed at a later stage of the process.
It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.
Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.
For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.
Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1025118
Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 9 February 2026.
