Accountant

National Food Institute (NFI, RTO 3821) is a Registered Training Organisation in the vocational education sector, delivering quality workplace-based training and assessment across food processing, warehousing, transport and logistics, driving operations, business and leadership, and horticulture. We work closely with community-minded employers and schools — including school-based traineeships suitable for all students — and our work is backed by state and federal government funding programs that make a real difference to the people and businesses we train. Learn more at www.nationalfoodinstitute.com.au.

Our management team runs on EOS (the Entrepreneurial Operating System), and everything we do is guided by our core values:

• Can Do — we deliver on our commitments, professionally and reliably
• Excellence — we build lasting relationships by understanding the needs of everyone involved
• Expertise — we bring deep industry knowledge to deliver learning that’s genuinely relevant

About the Role

This is a broad, hands‑on accounting role with real influence. You’ll manage the day‑to‑day financial operations of NFI while contributing to strategy as an active member of a senior management team that runs on EOS. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Directors, you’ll be trusted with genuine autonomy — including bank signatory authority.

We’re not looking for someone to simply keep the books. We want a proactive improver — someone who embraces AI and modern tools, spots opportunities to streamline and integrate systems across the business, and drives them through to done.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare accurate financial statements and board reporting, comparing actual performance to forecast and budget
• Ensure compliance with ATO and ASIC requirements, including BAS lodgement and annual tax returns
• Lead annual budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and performance tracking
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll (including superannuation and leave)
• Manage accurate claiming of DAAWS and federal and state government funding income
• Coordinate internal and external audits and maintain strong internal controls
• Provide analysis and advice on costs, pricing, and margins to improve operational efficiency
• Proactively improve and integrate finance systems and processes across the business, using AI and automation where it adds value
• Liaise with the Board, regional managers, external agencies, bookkeeper, and company accountant
• Contribute to company direction as part of the senior management team, driving continuous improvement

Skills & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in accounting, with solid experience in accounting practices and management reporting
• Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with boards, managers, and external agencies
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to agreed timeframes
• Strong systems skills, with demonstrated capability using AI tools to improve how work gets done
• A proactive, continuous‑improvement mindset — you look for better ways to run and connect systems across a business, not just maintain them
• A collaborative leadership style and a willingness to embrace change; experience with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) is a plus
• Experience in the RTO or education sector is advantageous but not essential

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