Practice Lead

HSQC Group is seeking an experienced Practice Lead with a strong background in Australian tax compliance and payroll to lead our local team in Wagga Wagga, NSW. This role will be instrumental in managing tax return preparation, payroll compliance, client advisory, and team leadership. The successful candidate will work closely with HSQC Group Executives to drive client service excellence, business growth, and operational improvements.

About the Organisation

HSQC Group is a national network of accounting and financial services firms. Founded in 2010 as a consulting business, we've grown to support over 40,000 clients with a team of 100 + professionals across accounting, financial planning, and insurance, with offices in the ACT, Sydney, regional NSW, and Queensland.

Position Overview

HSQC Group is seeking an experienced Practice Lead with a strong background in Australian tax compliance and payroll to lead our local team in Wagga Wagga, NSW. This role will be instrumental in managing tax return preparation, payroll compliance, client advisory, and team leadership. The successful candidate will work closely with HSQC Group Executives to drive client service excellence, business growth, and operational improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the tax and payroll team, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of tax returns and payroll services.

• Oversee preparation and lodgement of individual, partnership, company, and trust tax returns in compliance with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements.

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for a diverse client base, ensuring compliance with STP reporting, superannuation, PAYG withholding, and award obligations.

• Provide technical advice and support to team members on complex tax and payroll matters.

• Act as the primary client contact for tax and payroll-related queries, building and maintaining strong professional relationships.

• Identify opportunities to enhance client service delivery, improve workflow efficiencies, and support business growth initiatives.

• Support onboarding of new clients, ensuring smooth integration with internal processes and systems.

• Collaborate with HSQC Group Executives on strategic planning, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a positive, supportive, and professional workplace culture.

• Stay current with changes in tax legislation, payroll regulations, and relevant technology platforms.

What We're Offering

• A leadership role within a growing national group with the opportunity to influence team and business growth.

• Access to a supportive executive team and shared service functions (HR, IT, operations) to allow focus on leadership and client service.

• A stable and diverse client portfolio with ongoing opportunities to work across multiple industries.

• Career development prospects across accounting, advisory, financial planning, and other areas of the group.

• Flexibility to support work-life balance.

• Continuous training and professional development, including leadership coaching and the latest software tools.

• Competitive salary package aligned with experience, with performance-based incentives.

About You

• Minimum 7 years' experience in a senior tax and payroll role within an accounting practice or similar environment.

• Strong expertise in Australian tax return preparation across individuals, partnerships, companies, and trusts.

• Extensive knowledge of payroll processing and compliance including Single Touch Payroll (STP), superannuation, and PAYG.

• Proven leadership or people management experience, with ability to mentor and guide team members.

• Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping or equivalent qualification is required.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Commerce, or a related field is highly desirable (or working toward).

• Proficiency with cloud-based accounting and payroll platforms (e.g. Xero, MYOB, Reckon).

• Excellent communication skills with a client-focused approach.

• Strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and ability to manage competing deadlines.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across teams and locations