Finance Officer job in Accounting in Melbourne

Finance Officer | Part time | 6 month contract

Key Responsibilities

Manage end-to-end payroll processing on a regular cycle
Oversee Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions, including invoicing, reconciliations, and payment processing
Maintain accurate financial records
Liaise with internal stakeholders to resolve payroll and finance queries
Support the Head of Finance with ad hoc reporting and finance administration
Work closely with a small, established finance and HR team to ensure smooth day-to-day operations

Key Requirements

Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll processing
Solid background in AR/AP functions within a fast-paced environment
Proficiency in Xero - MUST
Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
Ability to work autonomously
Excellent communication skills and a proactive, adaptable approach

Key Benefits

Flexible part-time working arrangement
Competitive hourly rate
A supportive, close-knit team environment

If you have the relevant experience and are interested please click apply or email caitlin.wilcox@perigongroup.com.au

The Changing Role of the Finance Manager

September 2, 2026

The role of the Finance Manager is changing. Traditionally, Finance Managers have been responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and compliance. Today, organisations increasingly expect them to do much more: influence strategy, support commercial decisions and lead finance transformation. For businesses hiring their next finance leader, the question is no longer simply whether someone can manage the numbers. Can they help the business make better decisions? 5 capabilities shaping the next generation of Finance Managers 1. Commercial thinking Finance Managers are increasingly expected to move beyond reporting what happened and help shape what happens next. That means understanding the broader business, challenging assumptions and translating financial insights into commercial recommendations. In Australia, Hays has identified commercial acumen as one of the most important capabilities for senior finance leaders, highlighting the growing importance of finance professionals who can operate as true business partners. 2. FP&A and strategic planning Forecasting and budgeting remain core responsibilities, but today's Finance Manager needs to think in scenarios. Strong FP&A capability allows finance leaders to identify risks, model opportunities and give leadership teams a clearer view of what lies ahead. 3. Technology and transformation Automation, AI, data and ERP transformation are changing how finance teams operate. Finance Managers don't need to be technologists, but they do need to understand how technology can improve processes, reporting and decision-making. According to Hays, 51% of organisations in Australia's Financial and Insurance Services sector report skills gaps, reinforcing the challenge businesses face in finding professionals with the right combination of technical and future-focused capabilities. 4. Communication and influence The modern Finance Manager needs to communicate with more than the finance team. Whether presenting to executives, partnering with operations or challenging a commercial decision, they need to turn complex financial information into clear, actionable insights. Technical expertise gets the conversation started. Communication and influence help move it forward. 5. People leadership As finance functions become more strategic and multidisciplinary, Finance Managers are also becoming increasingly important people leaders. The ability to develop talent, lead change and build high-performing teams is becoming just as important as technical capability. Hiring for what comes next The best Finance Manager for an organisation isn't necessarily the person with the longest list of technical credentials. It is the person whose capabilities match where the business is going. For a growing organisation, that might mean commerciality and FP&A. For an ASX-listed business, it could be reporting, governance and stakeholder management. For a business undergoing transformation, technology and change leadership may be critical.