Accounts & Payroll Assistant

Accounts & Payroll Assistant | Construction

Full-Time | On-Site | Universal Group (BC & OTJ)
About Us

Salary: $70k - $80k (Pending on Experience)

We’re a dynamic, family-run group of construction businesses that move fast, think smart, and back our people.
If you’re looking for a place where you can make a real impact , not just push paper, you’ve found it.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a sharp, reliable Accounts & Payroll Assistant to become the financial backbone of our BC and OTJ teams.
This isn’t a data-entry role; it’s a position of real ownership and precision.

Your mission? Keep our books accurate, payroll seamless, and reporting airtight. You’ll make sure every dollar, docket, and payslip is exactly where it should be, giving our directors total confidence in the numbers.

Reports to: Head of Finance

Schedule: Monday–Friday, full-time

What You’ll Own

Financial Processing & Accuracy

• Reconcile daily transactions and payments across both entities

• Code invoices and bills correctly under the Chart of Accounts (labour, subcontractor, materials, etc.)

• Maintain clean, accurate records across all ledgers in Xero

• Assist with quarterly BAS preparation and ensure GST tracking is correct

• Support superannuation payments and verify contribution accuracy

Payroll & Compliance

• Lead weekly payroll processing for BC and OTJ crews

• Cross-check hours worked using diaries, site texts, and Excel payroll registers

• Maintain and update payroll records for compliance and internal reporting

• Assist with remittances, super, and leave tracking

Operational Support

• Monitor and manage the accounts inbox, routing invoices, receipts, and statements to the right folders

• Help process supplier payments and chase missing paperwork where required

• Maintain material registers and ensure orders align with job records

• Provide light scheduling and data support to help BC stay on top of crew movements

Reporting & Oversight

• Prepare accurate reconciliations and weekly financial summaries

• Flag discrepancies early and help resolve issues before they escalate

• Keep all accounting data structured, compliant, and audit-ready

You’re the Right Fit If You

✔ Take ownership | You don’t just process tasks, you see what needs fixing and make it happen
✔ Thrive on accuracy | You take pride in clean ledgers and balanced books
✔ Stay organised | You can juggle payroll, invoices, and reconciliations without missing a beat
✔ Communicate clearly | You work well with directors, trades, and suppliers alike
✔ Think ahead | You spot problems before they happen and plan around them

Requirements

Essential

• 3 + years of experience in bookkeeping, accounts, or payroll

• Strong working knowledge of Xero (or willingness to learn fast)

• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

• Strong Excel and reconciliation skills

• Proven reliability and ability to self-manage workload

Bonus

• Construction or trades industry experience

• Familiarity with BAS, GST, and superannuation compliance

• Understanding of payroll legislation and timesheet systems

Why Join Us?

Real Impact | Your work directly drives how our business runs day-to-day
Growth Potential | Career pathways across multiple companies within the group
Stability | Full-time role in a trusted, long-standing construction business
Family Culture | You’re valued here, loyalty and initiative are recognised
Autonomy | We hire smart people and trust them to get the job done

Ready to Take Ownership?

If you’re detail-driven, dependable, and ready to take control of a role that truly matters, we want to hear from you.
Apply now and become a key part of Universal Group’s growing success.

• ⚖️ Reconciling transactions
• 💰 Processing payroll
• 📈 Preparing financial reports

• 📚 Bookkeeping experience
• 💻 Xero proficiency
• 🔍 Attention to detail
• 🏗️ Construction industry experience
• 📊 BAS and GST knowledge
• 📝 Payroll legislation understanding