Senior Financial Accountant, Australia

The Senior Financial Accountant at Pacific Life Re will focus on delivering external reporting requirements for the Australia Finance team. Key responsibilities include preparing month-end and quarter-end financial statements across various accounting bases, managing tax compliance, and overseeing internal and external audit processes. You'll also handle monthly balance sheet reconciliations and support intercompany reconciliations, ensuring accurate reporting to Group Finance.

To be considered for the Senior Financial Accountant position at Pacific Life Re, candidates should hold a recognized professional accounting designation (like CPA, ACA, or ACCA). A minimum of 3 years of accounting experience focusing on financial reporting and analysis is required. Strong analytical skills, experience with general ledger systems, and familiarity with various accounting frameworks, including IFRS and US GAAP, are also essential.

Success as a Senior Financial Accountant at Pacific Life Re relies on robust analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent time management, and a deep understanding of technical accounting. Proficiency in general ledger systems and BI tools, along with advanced Excel skills, will be crucial. Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships within team environments are vital, especially since the role requires collaboration across various global teams.

Pacific Life Re fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every employee is valued for their unique attributes. As a Senior Financial Accountant, you'll experience a blend of hard work and fun, with opportunities for team-building events and regular social activities. The company is dedicated to promoting a healthy work-life balance and actively supports employee well-being through various initiatives.

Yes, as a Senior Financial Accountant at Pacific Life Re, you will enjoy a variety of employee benefits including Group Income Protection, subsidized gym memberships, and access to the Employee Assistance Program. Additionally, the company provides opportunities for community involvement, including fundraising and volunteering.

When answering this question, highlight specific financial reporting experiences you've had, particularly any that align with US GAAP or IFRS. Emphasize your ability to manage the month-end close process and how you've ensured accuracy in financial statements. Concrete examples can demonstrate your adept handling of complex reporting requirements.

Be sure to mention any accounting software you've used, such as SAP AFO or PeopleSoft, and discuss your proficiency with BI tools and Excel. Explain how you've leveraged these tools to streamline reporting processes and improve financial analysis, illustrating your technical capabilities that directly relate to the job.

You should explain your strategy for managing competing priorities. Discuss techniques such as using a calendar for deadlines, regular check-ins with team members, and breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable actions. Sharing a specific example of how you've successfully managed multiple deadlines will make your response more impactful.

Focus on your previous experience with internal and external audits. Discuss how you have prepared documentation, coordinated timelines, and communicated with auditors. Highlight specific strategies you’ve employed to ensure compliance with regulatory reporting and how you plan to apply those lessons to the Senior Financial Accountant role.

Discuss industry-specific challenges such as regulatory compliance, changes in accounting standards, or emerging technologies impacting financial reporting. Your awareness of these challenges demonstrates your depth of understanding and forward-thinking approach, which is critical in the accounting field.

Your answer should demonstrate your problem-solving approach. Describe how you would investigate discrepancies, gather information, collaborate with team members for insights, and implement corrective actions. Mentioning how you keep detailed records will show your thoroughness and attention to detail.

Share the resources you utilize to stay informed, such as professional accounting organizations, webinars, or ongoing training programs. Highlighting your commitment to continuous learning shows that you’re proactive about your professional development and that you can bring the latest best practices to the Senior Financial Accountant role.

Discuss attributes such as strong analytical skills, thorough understanding of accounting principles, attention to detail, and effective communication. You can also mention the importance of being adaptable and collaborative as these traits can lead to a more cohesive and successful finance team.

This is a great chance to highlight your interpersonal skills. Provide an example where you collaborated with other teams, emphasizing the project's goal, your role, and the outcome. Stress how your ability to communicate effectively and build relationships across departments led to the success of the initiative.

Discuss the rigorous processes you would implement, including timeline management, documentation, and regular follow-ups with tax advisors. Highlight your understanding of tax regulations, as well as your commitment to meticulous record-keeping, showcasing your dedication to compliance in the Senior Financial Accountant role.