Senior Accountant

Partale

Senior Accountant supporting trust accounting, payroll, reporting, and treasury for Watson Webb, a boutique Sydney law firm. Managing financial operations and performance analysis across the practice.

Posted 8/18/2026full-timeSydney • 🇦🇺 AustraliaSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Trust Accounting, including managing Accounts Payable and Receivable, payroll processing through Xero, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Proficient in financial reporting, budgeting, and maintaining accurate financial records while supporting legal practice performance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Trust Accounting ManagementXero ProficiencyFinancial ReportingAccounts Payable and ReceivablePayroll Processing

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial Accounting PrinciplesBank ReconciliationMonth-End Closing EntriesBudgeting and ForecastingPayroll ComplianceLegal Practice ManagementData AnalysisJournal PreparationCash Flow MonitoringStatutory Reporting

Soft Skills

Attention to DetailExcellent CommunicationOrganisational SkillsProactive ApproachCollaborative Mindset

Tools & Technologies

XeroMYOBMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office SuiteCRM Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

CA QualificationCPA QualificationBachelor's Degree in CommerceBachelor's Degree in BusinessBachelor's Degree in Accounting

Industry Keywords

Professional ServicesLegal SectorFinancial ComplianceTrust Accounting RegulationsPayroll TaxBASPAYGFBT

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Process and maintain Trust Accounting transactions and records in accordance with regulatory requirements
Maintain electronic and hard-copy trust accounting records
Review, prepare and post journals, adjustments, and month-end closing entries
Perform bank reconciliations across multiple accounts and investigate discrepancies
Manage and process Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable transactions
Monitor cash flow and maintain accurate financial records
Support debt collection, follow-up, and recovery processes
Process client payments and assist with treasury management
Prepare, process, and reconcile weekly payroll through Xero
Manage employee reimbursements, leave entitlements, superannuation, and payroll adjustments
Ensure payroll compliance obligations are met accurately and on time
Assist with revenue and expense budgets and forecasting
Prepare internal financial and management reports
Assist with BAS, PAYG, FBT, Payroll Tax, and annual statutory reporting
Maintain and support accounting functions within Legal Practice Management and CRM systems
Prepare legal practice performance reporting for Partners and Lawyers
Support development and enhancement of business reporting capabilities
Prepare monthly reporting packs and performance analysis
Work closely with the leadership team across trust accounting, payroll, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, treasury management, and legal practice performance reporting

Requirements

What you’ll need

Relevant accounting experience, ideally within a professional services environment
Strong understanding of financial accounting principles, reconciliations, reporting, and month-end processes
Experience managing Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, payroll, and general ledger activities
Experience using Xero, MYOB, or similar accounting platforms
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the broader Microsoft Office suite
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate work
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business, Accounting, or a related discipline is listed as a differentiator, not a required qualification
CA or CPA qualification is listed as a differentiator, not a required qualification
High numeracy and analytical capability
Experience or genuine interest in the legal sector
Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive financial information
Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
Proactive approach and willingness to take ownership of outcomes
Collaborative mindset and ability to build internal stakeholder relationships
References and evidence of right to work in Australia required during the interview process

Benefits

Comp & perks

Supportive and collaborative team culture
Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities
Opportunity to play a meaningful role in the continued growth and success of the firm
Workplace where your contribution is genuinely valued and recognised
Exposure to a broad range of accounting and finance responsibilities