About Cowra & Council Cowra is located within beautiful Central NSW on the banks of the Lachlan River. It is approximately one hour from the regional hubs of Bathurst and Orange, two hours from Canberra and four hours from Sydney. The town is situated at the intersection of three state highways: the Mid-Western Highway, the Olympic Highway and the Lachlan Valley Way, making it a central hub for travel, freight and logistics. Covering 2,810 square kilometres, the Shire includes a number of small villages which feed into the Cowra township and contribute to the Shire's agricultural and cultural growth. These villages include Billimari, Darbys Falls, Gooloogong, Morongla, Noonbinna, Wattamondara, Woodstock and Wyangala. Cowra is a town with deep historical ties to Japan and is regarded as a centre for peace. Its public identity became a part of World War II history with the Cowra Breakout of 1944. This tragic event in the town’s history led Cowra to focus on promoting the values of friendship and reconciliation, something which the town still projects today. Not only is Cowra a historical town, it is a town with a love for food and wine. It is surrounded by vineyards and rich grazing farmlands with quality restaurants and cafes, and also includes endless water and camping opportunities with Wyangala Dam only a short drive away. Cowra is a growing community with a number of primary and high school education options, health centres, sporting clubs, community groups and limitless weekend activities. It is the perfect place to raise a family, study, work or retire. Cowra Council employs over 200 full time equivalent staff. Our vision is to be a leading, innovative and creative community, proud of our place in history and offering opportunity with the best of country living. The region enjoys a range of economic, social, educational and health services with a welcoming community that embraces new members from all backgrounds. We strive to provide, maintain and extend Council services to improve the quality of life for residents throughout the Shire. We aim to actively lead, facilitate and foster sustainable development and wealth generating opportunities through agricultural, industrial, commercial and tourism growth. About the Opportunity Are you an experienced and motivated accounting professional looking to make a difference in your local community? We are seeking a Management Accountant to join our dedicated finance team and play a key role in managing Council’s financial operations, reporting, and compliance. Reporting to the Manager - Finance, this position will be responsible for the coordination and oversight of key financial functions across Council, ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial data. This position provides leadership across accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll while also delivering high-quality financial reporting and compliance outcomes. Duties will include but not be limited to: Communicate the financial objectives of the Council to all Council Business Units. Assist in formulating long term financial planning and budget development strategies and policies. Assist in the development and preparation of Council's budget. Partner with and provide support to key stakeholders to undertake commercial analysis and identify performance solutions. Assist in evaluating budget performance and financial management accountability across all units. Liaise with relevant government bodies/departments and industry peers in satisfying Council’s financial management obligations, taxation, grant and regulatory requirements. The preparation and timely lodgement of all statutory returns, reports and reconciliations Coordinate and oversee the completeness, accuracy, reconciliation, reliability and integrity of Councils financial ledgers. Coordinate and oversee integrated information systems to ensure data integrity and adherence to Council’s internal controls. Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant international and Australian accounting standards and practice, legislation, council policies and prescribed corporate and external reporting frameworks. About You The successful applicant will have: A degree in accounting, commerce, or a related field. Demonstrated experience in management accounting and reporting, ideally within local government or a similar environment. Strong knowledge of Australian accounting standards and local government accounting principles. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills. High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Effective communication and leadership skills, with the ability to lead and support a small finance team. Advanced computer literacy, particularly in financial systems and Microsoft Excel. Why Join Us? Be part of a collaborative leadership team committed to innovation and continuous improvement. Enjoy a supportive workplace culture, attractive remuneration, and flexible work arrangements (a hybrid work environment may be considered for the right candidate). Located in a vibrant regional setting with strong community values and excellent lifestyle opportunities. The appointment will be in accordance with the Local Government (State) Award and Cowra Shire Council's policies and conditions of employment. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and join our team that values safety, innovation and community, we'd love for you to apply! The Benefits Benefits of working at Council include: Fortnightly rostered day off (RDO) Four weeks of annual leave per year Access to long service leave after five years Three weeks sick leave per year Corporate wellbeing programs, including fitness passport and health and wellbeing initiatives including two (2) health and wellbeing days per year. Employee benefits program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Paid parental leave In addition, we value work-life balance and offer opportunities for training and professional development. Position Description Please click on the link for a full copy of the Position Description. For further enquiries please contact Director - Corporate Services - Alan Dalton (02) 6340 2007. How to Apply Before you apply for this position, please read the position description carefully to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position. You will be required to answer questions relating to the selection criteria on the online application below. Your answers will be accessed and rated, so please ensure you take time in providing your answers and give examples of demonstrated experience when requested. You will also be asked to attach your current resume which should include two employment related referees. Please note that you cannot submit your application without attaching your resume. A cover letter is not mandatory but may be added if so desired. Candidates must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise at time of application. Applications Close: 5.00pm Sunday 16 November 2025
