Location: Cowra, NSW
Salary: $109,961 – $123,762 + 12% Super (Relocation assistance available)
Work Type: Full Time, Permanent
Public Sector People on behalf of Cowra Council
Drive financial performance, strengthen compliance and lead core finance functions in a diverse and community-focused regional council.
Public Sector People are proud to partner with Cowra Shire Council to recruit an experienced Management Accountant. This pivotal role oversees Council’s financial sub-systems, including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and management reporting, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely financial outcomes.
You will be embedded across the organisation, partnering with multiple departments to support budgeting, reporting and financial decision-making in a complex service delivery environment. You will lead a small, experienced team and play a key role in maintaining strong audit outcomes, improving processes and ensuring financial operations run efficiently and effectively.
Cowra is a thriving regional town in Central NSW, on the banks of the Lachlan River, just four hours from Sydney and within easy reach of Bathurst, Orange and Canberra, offering a strong sense of community and excellent lifestyle.
About the Role
Reporting to the Manager – Finance, you will be responsible for:
- Support long-term financial planning and budget development strategies
- Assist in preparing and monitoring Council’s budget and financial performance
- Communicate financial objectives and partner with stakeholders to deliver analysis and performance insights
- Ensure compliance with statutory reporting, taxation, grants and regulatory requirements, including external liaison
- Oversee the integrity, accuracy and reconciliation of financial ledgers, systems and internal controls
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards, legislation and reporting frameworks
- A degree in Accounting, Commerce or a related discipline
- Demonstrated experience in management accounting and financial reporting, ideally within local government or similar
- Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to support and guide a team
- Strong knowledge of Australian accounting standards, compliance requirements and taxation
- Experience with payroll and financial systems, with advanced Excel capability
- Excellent attention to detail, time management and organisational skills
- Work across all areas of Council, with broad exposure beyond a siloed finance role
- Join a financially stable, well-managed council with a supportive leadership team
- Opportunity to influence finance processes and drive operational improvements
- Clear future career progression opportunities within local government
- 35-hour week with a 9-day fortnight (RDO every fortnight)
- Relocation assistance available
- 4 weeks annual leave and 3 weeks sick leave
- Long service leave after 5 years
- Health and wellbeing programs, Fitness Passport and EAP
- Paid parental leave
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
Ready to lead a critical finance function and make a meaningful impact across Council?
Contact Esme Lynch at Public Sector People on 0413 282 765 or email esme@publicsectorpeople.com.au for a confidential discussion.
Applications close: 11:59pm Monday 4th May 2026
Please note, recruitment activity may commence prior to the closing date
