Accountant - Finance Operations (Australian Businesses)

Join Our Team at S&B Private – Colombo Office

About the Opportunity

If you're an accountant who wants real ownership of a finance function and the opportunity to work directly with Australian business owners and CFO’s, this role is for you.

S&B Private is the Colombo office of a growing Australian Chartered Accounting practice based in Melbourne, Australia. We are building a team of talented accountants who want front office experience, genuine career development, and a workplace that backs them for the long term.

In this role, you will work as a core member of the finance team for an Australian business. That means end to end responsibility for your client including daily transactional work and reconciliations through to month end close, management reporting, and process improvement involvement. You will have the opportunity to work directly with finance managers, CFOs, and business owners in Australia and becoming a trusted member of their team.

Learning is built into how we work. We run weekly technical training sessions covering Australian accounting standards, tax, and finance best practice solutions. Training has always been at the forefront of what we do at S&B Private. As your experience grows, you will have the opportunity to research and present your own topics to your peers.

You will also contribute to projects involving finance automation, AI assisted workflows, and technology improvements, helping Australian businesses build smarter and more efficient finance functions.

Why S&B Private

At S&B Private, everyone is front office. You will be embedded into the finance operations of Australian businesses and treated as a valued team member, not a back-office resource.

We offer:

• Study support for CA Sri Lanka, ACCA, CIMA, CTA
• Weekly training covering Australian accounting, tax, and best practice finance operations
• Hands on involvement in finance automation and AI assisted process improvement projects
• Mentorship from senior accountants and directors personally invested in your growth
• Structured, performance based career progression with a clear pathway forward
• Above market remuneration reviewed regularly based on performance
• Hybrid working - 3 days in office, 2 days from home
• Working hours: 7:00am - 3:30pm SLT, aligned to Australian business hours
• A professional, collaborative, and genuinely supportive team culture
• Medical insurance coverage for you and your immediate family
• Regular social events, celebrations, and activities that make coming to work something to look forward to

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Day to Day Finance Operations

• Accounts payable - processing invoices, managing supplier payments, and reconciling creditor accounts
• Accounts receivable - raising invoices, following up collections, and reconciling debtor accounts
• Bank reconciliations - daily and monthly, across multiple accounts and entities
• Payroll processing and reconciliation in coordination with Australian payroll requirements including single touch payroll (STP) reporting
• Maintaining accurate and up to date general ledger records

Month End & Reporting

• Perform month end close procedures including accruals, prepayments, and journal entries
• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports for Australian business owners and leadership teams
• Conduct variance analysis and provide clear, meaningful commentary on financial performance
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow monitoring

Process Improvement & Technology

• Identify opportunities to improve finance processes, controls, and reporting workflows
• Contribute to automation and AI assisted projects that improve efficiency across the finance function
• Work with tools such as Xero, MYOB, NetSuite and modern cloud based finance platforms

Compliance Support

• Support BAS and IAS preparation
• Assist with payroll tax calculations, reconciliations, and state based lodgements across Australian jurisdictions
• Support superannuation compliance including SGC calculations and reconciliations
• Prepare supporting workpapers, reconciliations, and schedules as required

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline
• Part qualified or currently studying toward CA Sri Lanka, CPA Australia, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent
• Minimum two years' experience in a broad accounting or finance operations role
• Exposure to Australian, UK, or international accounting standards is an advantage, though not essential as structured training is provided
• Comfortable working across the full finance function, from transactional processing through to management reporting
• An interest in technology, automation, and how AI is reshaping finance
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast paced environment
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong excel skills

Benefits

Benefits at a Glance

• Above market salary package, reviewed based on performance
• Study support program for professional qualifications CA / ACCA / CIMA / CTA
• Structured Australian accounting and business finance training program
• Exposure to finance automation and AI tools
• Hybrid working - 3 days office, 2 days remote
• Working hours 7:00am – 3:30pm SLT
• Annual leave, medical leave, and Sri Lankan public holidays
• A close knit, high performing team that celebrates wins together
• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage