Senior Bookkeeper/ Payroll specialist

Purpose Accounting is a boutique financial management and advisory company dedicated to the not-for-profit sector. For over 11 years, we've partnered with organisations making a real social impact, helping them strengthen financial management and strategy so they can focus on what they do best.

Our team is a carefully curated mix of specialists, many of whom are CPA/CA qualified, with deep experience in the sector. We share a genuine passion for supporting non-profits and work in a highly collegiate, supportive, and flexible environment where innovation and professional growth are encouraged.

This role is based in Sydney. 

We are seeking a Senior Bookkeeper, with significant payroll expertise, to join our growing team. Our bookkeeping service clients are small to medium enterprise not-for-profit organisations across Australia (turnover $0.5m to $10m) in a range of fields such as: homelessness prevention; children's education; new migrant and refugee services; Aboriginal organisations; disability; the arts; the environment and various other causes.

In this role you will support clients with remote payroll and wider bookkeeping services, via the Xero platform, including:

• Processing end to end payroll, including salary packaging, super, PAYG and Single Touch Payroll.
• Full function Accounts Payable and Receivable.
• Month end reconciliation of bank accounts and credit cards.
• Preparing BAS and super.
• Preparing month-end journals, financial reports (budgeting and forecasting) and financial analysis.
• Prioritising work according to client requirements, operating under pressure to meet deadlines. Includes juggling work across multiple client portfolios, and working in an agile manner, being responding flexibly to changing circumstances.
• Working closely with our Accountants and Senior Accountants.

We are seeking a candidate who:

• Is a qualified Bookkeeper (you will have a Diploma in Bookkeeping or Accounting, or relevant university qualification)
• Has experience in a consulting or practice environment (working in a bookkeeping or accounting firm, and/or serving multiple clients /customers in parallel)
• Has significant previous payroll experience, including  delivering high volume /complex payrolls (ideally involving the application of employment Awards in a payroll context)
• Is experienced in bookkeeping (including AP/AR);
• Is proficient in Xero, including Xero payroll
• Has experience in preparation of BAS, IAS and superannuation

Desirable:

• Experience in the not-for-profit space is desirable but not essential.
• Experience working with the Employment Hero payroll software

We genuinely care about your career, wellbeing, and future. Here's what you can look forward to:

Flexibility & Work–Life Balance

• Enjoy true flexibility, with the option to work from home most days once you've settled in.
• Additional wellbeing and cultural leave (9 extra days annually for full-time staff).
• Paid day off on your birthday to celebrate in your own way.

Career Growth & Development

• Financial support and study leave for your professional development.
• Paid membership and license fees covered.
• Clear progression pathways, whether you want to become a qualified Accountant, manage clients, or grow into leadership.
• Internal promotions based on your strengths, with opportunities to shape your role as you grow.
• Regular training, mentoring, and team development days with high-achieving colleagues.

Rewards & Recognition

• Eligibility for annual discretionary bonus when core objectives are met.
• Varied and diverse role where your contributions are valued.
• Company-sponsored lunch on your chosen office day each week.

Security & Purpose

• Be part of a growing organisation with offices expanding nationally.
• Work with clients who make a real difference in the community, aligning your career with meaningful work.

If you are a highly motivated individual looking to take the next step in your career, then we would love to hear from you  Please submit your application via the "apply now" or email any questions to