Financial Accountant

Financial Accountant | Construction

Full-Time | On-Site | Universal Group

About Us

We're a family-run construction company where decisions move quickly and people are trusted to own their work. You'll have direct access to leadership and see the immediate impact of what you do. We expect high standards and deliver on our commitments. In return, you'll be backed by a team that shows up and a leadership group that's accessible when you need them.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a reliable Financial Accountant to manage our books, payroll, and reporting. You'll ensure our financial records are accurate and our compliance obligations are met, so leadership can make informed decisions with confidence.

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

• Month End Close

Payroll & Compliance

• Lead weekly payroll processing

• 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 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

• Thrive on accuracy | You take pride in maintaining precise financial records

• Stay organised | You manage competing priorities and deadlines efficiently

• Communicate clearly | You can explain financial matters clearly to directors, contractors, and suppliers

• Take ownership | You identify issues and resolve them without needing to be asked

• Think ahead | You anticipate challenges and address them before they become problems

Requirements

Essential

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline.

• 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

• Experience with month-end processes

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 want to work somewhere your contribution is noticed, we are excited to hear from you.

Apply now and become a key part of Universal Group’s growing success.

If you have any questions email

• 🧾 Managing financial processing
• 💼 Leading payroll processing
• 📊 Preparing financial reports

• 💰 Financial processing & accuracy
• 📊 Payroll & compliance
• 📈 Reporting & oversight
• 🏗️ Construction or trades industry experience
• 📜 Familiarity with BAS, GST, and superannuation compliance
• 🕒 Understanding of payroll legislation and timesheet systems