GM Group Accounting
Sydney, AU / Wellington, NZ / Auckland, NZ
Finance – Accounting /
Permanent /
Hybrid
How you’ll make an impact
As the GM Group Accounting, you’ll be a senior leader within our global Finance team, specifically overseeing the core accounting operations. You will be instrumental in ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of our month-end close processes, driving continuous improvement through the strategic adoption of technology and AI, and fostering a high-performing team culture. You will be a key influencer and leader in cross-functional projects, ensuring seamless collaboration across the business.
What you’ll do
- Lead and optimize the month-end close process for all group entities, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and timely completion of financial statements and reports.
- Drive efficiencies and continuous improvement across all group accounting functions by leveraging technology, automation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions.
- Provide strong, engaging, and motivating leadership to a team of 15, including 3 direct reports. Foster a culture of accountability, development, and high performance.
- Act as the lead for cross-functional projects impacting the accounting function, collaborating effectively with other departments (e.g., FP&A, Tax, Billing, Procurement) to achieve shared objectives.
- Oversee Accounts Payable operations, ensuring efficient processing, accurate recording, and timely payments. Be the accounting team lead for integration of Xero’s recent $4 Billion acquisition of world class SMB payments player, Melio.
- Influence key stakeholders across the business and executive levels on accounting policies, processes, and strategic initiatives.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of general ledger accounts and financial data.
- Develop and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance.
- Contribute to the strategic direction of the wider Accounting team and Finance function.
Success looks like
- Month-end close processes are consistently completed efficiently, accurately, and on time.
- Significant improvements in accounting efficiency and accuracy are achieved through the successful implementation of technology and AI.
- You foster a highly engaged, skilled, and high-performing group accounting team.
- You successfully lead and influence outcomes in key cross-functional projects.
- Accounts Payable operations are streamlined and effectively managed.
- You live by the Xero values and help foster our culture. You build strong relationships with members of the finance team and wider business.
What you’ll bring with you
- Critical Competencies
- Ability to work with speed and urgency, demonstrating a proactive approach to meeting deadlines and adapting to fast-paced environments.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proven problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with a proven ability to influence.
- Willingness to be involved as an active member of the Xero team.
- Experience
- Significant experience (15+ years) in senior finance or accounting roles, with significant experience in group accounting and month-end close processes.
- Proven experience in driving efficiency improvements through technology adoption and process automation (including AI).
- Demonstrated experience in leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Extensive experience leading and participating in cross-functional projects.
- Appropriate qualification, for example, Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent.
