Senior Accountant - International Student Colleges

About the role

Up Education is an Australasian dual-sector education group delivering foundation, vocational and higher education to domestic and international students. This permanent, full-time Senior Accountant position reports to the Finance Director and covers the financial accounting and reporting of the group's international student-focused colleges in Australia. The role oversees month-end close, balance sheet integrity, revenue recognition and compliance, and provides day-to-day leadership to the transactional finance team.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and support the transactional finance team across accounts payable and receivable, ensuring accurate, timely processing and effective financial controls.
• Coordinate the month-end close and prepare monthly management accounts, P&L analysis and financial commentary.
• Maintain balance sheet integrity through reconciliations, journal entries, accruals and prepayments, and resolve outstanding items.
• Oversee revenue recognition and reconcile student and enrolment data to financial records.
• Support audits, tax and compliance, including Australian GST, BAS, FBT and financial statements.
• Work with Finance and college leadership to improve financial processes, reporting and efficiency through automation and continuous improvement.

Required profile

• At least 5 years of financial accounting experience, with a recognised accounting qualification (CA/CPA preferred).
• Experience supervising a small transactional finance team and managing high-volume transactions.
• Knowledge of Australian GST, BAS and FBT requirements.
• Experience in higher education or vocational education is advantageous but not essential.
• Subject to a Ministry of Justice check.

Required skills

• Month-end close, balance sheet reconciliations, general ledger management and P&L analysis.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, attention to detail and problem-solving.

What we offer

• Salary aligned to experience and reviewed annually.
• A supportive team environment with ongoing training and development.