Is your Finance team stretched thin? An Assistant Accountant could be the key to boosting efficiency and accuracy in your financial operations!
Typically reporting to the Finance Manager, Financial or Senior Accountant, an Assistant Accountant performs a range of accounting tasks that support the wider Finance team. These tasks vary depending on the size of the company but are crucial for the smooth running of financial processes.
This guide equips you with practical insights, red flags to avoid, and strategies that convert interviews into long-term success stories.
Looking to hire? Contact us today to connect with top Assistant Accountant candidates.
Want to know how Assistant Accountants are positioning themselves in today’s job market? Check out our Resume Guide to see what stands out on candidate CVs.
Assistant Accountants are the engine room of your finance team. They handle core accounting processes and provide critical support to senior finance staff.
An Assistant Accountant's typical role may include:
Assisting with the preparation of the General Ledger close for month-end including
Completion of Bank, General Ledger, and Balance Sheet reconciliations
Overseeing or assisting with the Fixed Assets Register.
Managing transactions between company entities.
Preparing FBT, GST, and BAS returns for manager review.
Supporting the broader team as needed.
In smaller companies, the role of Assistant Accountant can also involve Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll.
An Assistant Accountant contributes far beyond data entry:
By handling routine tasks, they free up senior staff to focus on higher value work and/or strategic initiatives.
Their attention to detail minimises errors in financial records.
As your business expands, they provide essential support to manage increased financial activity.
Hiring isn’t just about checking technical boxes. Here’s what to prioritise:
Want a deeper understanding of what Assistant Accountants actually do day-to-day?
Whether you're exploring the role for the first time or looking to understand candidate motivations better, check out our dedicated page for job seekers. It covers:
👉 Explore the Assistant Accountant Job Info Page
By incorporating these assessments, you ensure you’re selecting a candidate who can thrive in your specific financial environment.
Discover top Assistant Accountant Candidates today
Read our Employers Guide To Interview Questions
Making the wrong hire can be expensive - and demotivating to the wider team. Watch for:
Lack of systems exposure
Job-hopping without compelling rationale
No clear examples of contribution to month-end or process improvement
Poor communication during interviews
Move beyond the resume. These questions uncover both technical aptitude and mindset:
How have you contributed to the month-end close process?
Describe a time you identified and corrected a financial error.
What systems have you used — and what’s your proficiency level?
How do you prioritise tasks during peak reporting periods?
What motivates you to stay in an Assistant Accountant role?
Salary Range: $75,000 – $90,000 plus Superannuation.
Offering a competitive salary is essential to attract and retain top talent in today's market. Be prepared to discuss career development and professional support, as ambitious candidates value opportunities for growth.
Here’s how we help Sydney-based businesses hire top-tier Assistant Accountants:
Define Role Scope – Align on skills, experience, team culture
Talent Sourcing – Access to a curated candidate network
Screening – Role-fit and soft skills interviews
Shortlisting – Only the most suitable talent gets presented
Onboarding Support – Seamless candidate integration
By asking a range of situational, behavioural and competency-based questions (more examples here), you can further understand a candidate’s suitability for your Assistant Accountant role
A high-performing Assistant Accountant isn’t just a junior employee - they’re the foundation of financial accuracy. With a clear recruitment strategy and the right screening techniques, you can confidently build a resilient finance team.
Post your vacancy or speak with one of our specialist recruiters today. We’re here to help you build your team - one smart hire at a time.
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