Salary Range: $98,514 - $114,490 per annum + superannuation
Love a good spreadsheet, a balanced ledger, and a budget that behaves? Do you enjoy analysing data, preparing financial reports, and providing insights that support better decision-making? This role could be the perfect fit.
As Accountant with Warrumbungle Shire Council, you will play a key role in supporting strong financial governance, transparency, and informed decision-making across the organisation. You will deliver high-quality financial management, statutory reporting, and analytical support to ensure Council meets its legislative obligations while maintaining sound financial stewardship of community resources. Working closely with operational managers, executives, and finance colleagues, you will provide clear financial insights that support strategic planning, operational performance, and long-term sustainability.
This role is central to Council’s financial planning and reporting processes. You will coordinate the preparation of the annual budget and monitor performance throughout the year, providing variance analysis and recommendations to management. You will also lead the preparation of Quarterly Budget Review Statements (QBRS), ensure accurate monthly balance sheet reconciliations, and contribute to the preparation of Council’s annual financial statements in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice.
In addition, you will play an important role in audit coordination and statutory compliance, including the preparation and lodgement of returns such as BAS, FBT, payroll tax, and grant acquittals. Your ability to maintain strong internal controls, analyse financial data, and present clear insights will help support sound financial governance across Council.
This role suits a motivated accounting professional who enjoys partnering with stakeholders, interpreting complex financial information, and contributing to continuous improvement. You’ll join a supportive, experienced and collaborative team that values communication, shared knowledge and helping each other succeed - a team that is diverse in experience and background but united in their commitment to delivering reliable financial services to the organisation and the community.
If you are detail-oriented, analytically minded, and passionate about delivering accurate financial reporting that supports community outcomes, we would love to hear from you.
Please click here to view the position description.
This position can be located in Coolah, or Coonabarabran. Coolah is situated on the picturesque Coolaburragundy River and nestled in a valley of the Liverpool Range. The town is surrounded by undulating hills and fertile river flats and is an attractive service town for the surrounding agricultural district. Only an hour south east of Coonabarabran, close to major centres of Dubbo and Mudgee, and with the nearby Coolah Tops National Park offering rugged natural beauty and adventure, Coolah delivers the best of country living.
Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its magnificent landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.
Selection criteria include:
- Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline - this is essential.
- Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and financial analysis - this is essential.
- Strong understanding of Australian Accounting Standards and relevant legislation.
- Experience preparing or contributing to annual financial statements and audit processes.
- Demonstrated experience with BAS, FBT, payroll tax, and other statutory returns.
- High level skills in financial systems, spreadsheets, and data analysis.
- Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and commitment to financial governance.
- Well-developed communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.
It is a plus if you have:
- Previous experience working in Local Government or the broader public sector.
- Familiarity with the Local Government (State) Award, the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting, and the Local Government Act.
- Well-developed skills in motivation, negotiation, and team participation.
- Membership or eligibility for membership with CPA Australia or CA ANZ.
- Experience with Civica Authority, or similar enterprise financial systems.
- Experience in preparing grant acquittals and financial reporting for externally funded projects.
Benefits of working for Council
Council is committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including
- Great leave opportunities
- Long service leave after 5 years
- 1 RDO every 4 weeks
- Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
- Carer’s leave
- 3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year
- Purchase additional leave or cash out leave
- Deferred leave scheme – eg work three years at 75% of your pay and have the following year off at 75% of your pay!
- Support for training and professional development
- Formal training opportunities
- Access to thousands of free online training courses
- Weekly pay cycle
- Mobile phone allowance available if you bring your own device
- Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
- Hybrid work and flexible hours by agreement and subject to role requirements
- Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One
- Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available
- A generous relocation allowance may be available
- Generous uniform allowance
About Warrumbungle Shire Council
Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran.
With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.
At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government.
Applications close at 11.00 pm Monday 6 April 2026.
Interviews are expected to be held 16 April 2026. The final date will be confirmed with preferred candidates after applications have closed and shortlisting has been completed.
For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.
Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.