Senior Bookkeeper

Headquartered at the trendy end of Pakington Street, Newtown (Geelong), PAL is an established yet progressive practice that was born from a desire to do things differently. And now, we’re looking for a Senior Bookkeeper to join our team and keep the financial wheels turning smoothly for our clients.

Not local? No worries. We offer hybrid flexibility, and if you’re keen to make the Geelong or Surf Coast lifestyle your own, we can help with that too.

So, join us in our mission to make accounting feel way less beige, way more human, and yes… even a little fun.

👋 A bit about us

We’re a values-led, Geelong-based accounting and advisory firm helping small business owners win at life (and the tax game).

Our work spans compliance, tax planning, structuring, SMSF, and business advisory. But we’re not just about ticking boxes - we care about building great businesses, lasting relationships, and a team that actually likes working together.

We’re growing, and we’re proud of what we’re building:

-       No egos

-       No corporate fluff

-       No missing dinner because someone’s “circling back” at 6:45pm

If that sounds like your kind of place, keep reading.

🧩 About the role

This is not your average bookkeeping gig. At PAL, you’ll be more than a processor. You’ll be a trusted go-to for clients, making sure their books, BAS, and payroll are accurate, compliant, and stress-free.

We’re looking for someone who is detail-driven, confident with Xero, and proactive about solving problems before they become dramas. You’ll have the support of our accountants and admin team, but you’ll also own your work and run your client files with confidence.

And when we say flexible, we mean it. Want to work during school hours only? We can make that happen. Prefer a hybrid arrangement? No problem. We’ll work with you to build something sustainable.

Core responsibilities

• Manage your own portfolio of bookkeeping clients (reviewed only for complex matters)
• Deliver accurate bookkeeping, BAS, IAS, and payroll end-to-end with 100% accuracy, or close to.
• Stay current with ATO regulations and make sure all compliance lodgements are correct and timely
• Take ownership of ATO dealings on GST/BAS issues, troubleshooting and resolving matters efficiently
• Reconcile accounts, process transactions, and prepare reports in Xero like a pro
• Set up new Xero files, train and support clients so they feel confident too
• Identify missing transactions, errors, or opportunities in client files and proactively resolve them.
• Build strong client relationships through clear, timely communication and proactive support
• Work efficiently within job budgets
• Collaborate with accountants and admin team to deliver smooth, accurate outcomes for clients

🌟Why join us?

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✅ Flexibility: flex leave, school-hours only, hybrid options, part-time/full-time considered.

✅ No grind culture: high standards, yes. Burnout, no.
✅ Learning environment: mentoring, career progression, and training support.

✅ Career runway: own your role with a view of growing a team around you.

✅ Team culture: jolly trolly Fridays, quiz breaks, footy tipping, team lunches, and more.

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🔎 What we’re looking for

Must-haves:

• Minimum 5 years bookkeeping experience (public practice preferred)
• Expert knowledge of GST, BAS, IAS, and payroll
• Confident using Xero (and keen to keep learning add-ons)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to self-review
• You’re a pro at communicating over email and over the phone with clients
• Currently based in Australia with full working rights
• Strong alignment with our team values and vibe

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Bonus Points

• BAS Agent registration or eligibility
• Experience with FYI Docs or similar practice software
• Ability to train clients on Xero and related systems
• Someone who brings positive energy, accountability, and collaborates easily

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💰 Salary:

$70-85K+ (negotiable based on experience)

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👉 Ready to chat?

Apply now by emailing Katherine, our People & Experience Manager, at katherine@palaccounting.com.au your CV and a quick note on why this sounds like the right move for you.

We can't wait to meet you.

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