Project Accountant

Company Description

With eight design studios spread around the world, chances are you’ve seen our work before.

We work across architecture, landscape architecture, interior design and urban design - a rich multi-disciplinary mix of skills and perspectives that unlocks the economic, social and cultural value of projects.

We combine our creative design expertise with capabilities in strategy, research, technology and experience design, and we regularly collaborate with experts and partners from further afield.

Through our work, we're trying to build a more inclusive, sustainable future for communities - and create a more socially and ecologically resilient world.

Job Description

Working together is essential to the timely delivery of quality design and is critical to our strong client relationships and ultimately creating places people love.

Embedded in each of our studios are members of the global Hassell Finance team, who help to partner with local leadership to deliver our projects with the best financial outcomes available. With talented team members integrated across the business, the team keeps Hassell running smoothly through partnerships with our studio Business Support teams.

We are looking for a Studio Accountant to support the leadership group of our Melbourne studio. Reporting to the Australian Finance Manager, you will be responsible for the financial management of our Australian business, in particular the Melbourne professional disciplines.  Your contribution and management of the Melbourne projects will support our local Managing Principal and more broadly, our principal group.

You will work in partnership with the studio’s leadership group and local Accountant to oversee the day-to-day finances of the business and control the local accounting processes, ensuring completion of month end reporting in an accurate and timely manner and working with our external partners to meet our regulatory requirements.

The role includes, but is not limited to:

• Assisting project leaders with the budgeting, forecasting and monthly revenue recognition of their projects.
• Timely management of the studio’s debtor and work in progress positions, including generating accounts receivable invoices.
• Debtor reporting, processing of cash receipts and credit control.
• Update and validate monthly forecasting in conjunction with the Principals/Team Leaders
• Management of the studio’s annual budgeting process, including tracking monthly actuals in line with the studios business plan.
• Project reconciliation and reporting as required.  Includes monitoring of consultant invoicing and inter-company projects.
• In house training of Team Leaders in timesheets, project costing system (workplan) and project financial reporting.
• Assisting Studio Manager/Principals/Team Leaders with financial and/or project reporting as required
• Monitor the orderbook, ensuring all projects meet audit requirements and liaise with external auditors annually (as required)
• Manage finance assistant in accounts payable duties
• Employee maintenance in the finance system
• Ensure timesheets are completed/approved and liaise with payroll
• Assist with ad hoc financial analysis when required.

About You: 

You are self-motivated, work effectively in autonomous and group environments, take pride and ownership in the work you deliver, and consistently strive for excellence/improvement.

Qualifications

• You are degree qualified in accounting, finance or a related discipline
• A minimum of 5–7 years’ experience in a similar role, preferably including some exposure to international markets.
• Working towards a CPA or CA qualification would be advantageous.
• Experience in the construction or design industry, or within a professional services organisation, would also be highly regarded.
• You will have experience using medium to large ERP accounting and reporting systems (Hassell currently uses Microsoft Dynamics 365).
• You have intermediate Excel skills and are familiar and comfortable with the Microsoft suite of products, including Word, Outlook and Teams.

Additional Information

Our team enjoys a wide range of benefits to support their development and well-being:

• Paid parental leave for both primary and secondary carers.
• Purchased leave policy
• A progressive flexible work policy that allows hybrid work, location flexibility and work pattern flexibility.
• Inter-studio transfer opportunities. Wellbeing benefits.
• Development and training opportunities, including access to online training programs and our People Coach program.
• Study assistance.

Hassell is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity. We demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation and cultural safety by fostering inclusive environments that value the cultural identities, perspectives, and practices of all individuals.

We prioritise ensuring that everyone feels safe, included, and respected. Our local studios serve as primary hubs for in-person connection and collaboration, and we offer flexible and hybrid work arrangements. Hassell encourages sustainable work hours and actively supports the holistic health and well-being of our people.

We're a fast-paced and proactive practice, so we don't wait until applications close to review them.

Please note that we do not accept speculative candidates via agencies or third parties.