Senior Finance Officer (Parental Leave Contract)

About the role

Defence Bank is hiring a Senior Finance Officer for a 12-month parental leave contract in Melbourne, Victoria. Reporting to the Financial Controller, you will keep the bank's financial operations accurate and reliable, taking ownership of complex reconciliations, transaction verification, accounts payable and regulatory returns, while contributing to month-end accounting. The role also involves strengthening financial controls, improving processes and mentoring Finance Officers.

Key responsibilities

• Review and verify transactions processed through designated general ledger accounts
• Complete complex operational and transactional account reconciliations, including those processed through third-party systems
• Manage accounts payable end-to-end, including invoice coding and payment authorisation
• Prepare and lodge monthly, quarterly and annual returns with relevant third parties
• Contribute to month-end accounting and support the wider Finance team
• Monitor the Finance Processing inbox and respond promptly to enquiries and tasks
• Maintain accounting processes, internal controls and accurate documentation
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate finance processes
• Build relationships with internal teams, external banks and third-party providers
• Support and mentor Finance Officers
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations and bank policies

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related discipline
• Previous experience in an administration, accounting or finance environment
• Strong knowledge of accounts payable and accounting systems
• Experience reviewing and improving processes and procedures
• Ability to learn and use new finance systems
• CPA or CA qualification, or progress towards them, highly regarded; mentoring experience desirable but not essential

Required skills

• Advanced Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Strong analytical, reconciliation and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent attention to detail and written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities