Gellung Warl is the new First Peoples’ representative body established through Treaty in 2026.
Join us as our Accountant and be part of our journey!
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
Overview
Gellung Warl – meaning ‘tip of the spear’ in Gunaikurnai language – is a First Peoples’ rGellung Warl – meaning ‘tip of the spear’ in Gunaikurnai language – is a First Peoples’ representative and deliberative body, underpinned by Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority.
Gellung Warl is established as a statutory corporation under the Treaty Act. It is made up of three arms that work together:
- the First Peoples’ Assembly, the political decision-making arm
- Nginma Ngainga Wara, an independent government oversight and accountability arm and
- Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna, an independent mechanism for ongoing truth-telling.
Gellung Warl is guided by the Ngarrakeetoong Martongakeeyt (Community Vision) and is answerable to Community through the Larbargirrar Gnuurtak Tulkuuk (Community Governance and Answerability Framework), which sets out how Gellung Warl engages with and is answerable to First Peoples in Victoria.
Gellung Warl’s underlying purpose is to promote collective self-government, self-determination and empowerment of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, including by:
- by representing First Peoples in Victoria and exercising decision making powers in relation to First Peoples in Victoria
- representing First Peoples in Statewide Treaty negotiations with the State, including undertaking ongoing Statewide Treaty negotiations, and supporting Traditional Owner treatymaking
- providing for ongoing truth-telling and healing
- advising the Parliament and the State government in relation to matters that affect First Peoples and holding the State government to account in relation to its commitments to, and the impact of its actions on, First Peoples.
Walk with us and make history!
The Role
The purpose of this role is to provide high-quality finance and accounting support that enables the effective operation of Gellung Warl and supports organisational priorities and Treaty outcomes. The role supports the Finance team through the accurate and timely delivery of accounts processing, payroll, reconciliations, general ledger support, asset register maintenance, regulatory lodgements and financial administration, ensuring reliable financial information is available to support sound decision-making and compliance.
This role requires the ability to navigate a complex and culturally sensitive environment, ensuring financial processing, payroll administration and accounting support uphold Gellung Warl’s cultural authority, priorities and values while maintaining constructive relationships with colleagues, Traditional Owners, communities, stakeholders, Members and relevant internal and external partners.
As part of the Finance team, the Accountant provides practical support across all aspects of finance including but not limited to month end reporting, business partnering, reconciliations, financial records, regulatory lodgements, budget support, accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, working closely with the Chief Financial Officer and relevant internal stakeholders to ensure finance services are timely, accurate and aligned with organisational priorities. The role helps ensure Gellung Warl’s financial operations are well managed and delivered in support of broader organisational and Treaty objectives.
Accountabilities
Core
Ensure decisions and actions align with Gellung Warl’s governance framework, operational requirements and statutory obligations.
Engage respectfully with Traditional Owners and uphold cultural authority in all interactions.
Provide high-quality accounting and finance support to assist informed decision-making and effective delivery of organisational priorities.
Work collaboratively across Gellung Warl to support financial administration, payroll processing and alignment of finance activity with organisational priorities.
Maintain constructive working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, Members and service providers to support effective finance outcomes. operations.
Specific
Month end reporting including balance sheet reconciliation
Business partnering with ELT to set out and manage their budgets
Ensure the fixed asset register is maintained and reconciled to the general ledger.
Manage accounts payable and receivable processes, including reviewing invoices, banking, credit card expenditure and reconciliations.
Track expenditure on a weekly basis and investigate any abnormalities
Assist with external audit requirements and the preparation of supporting documentation.
Provide operational and budget support to the Chief Financial Officer, including support for financial systems, policies and procedures for financial planning.
Processing (on an as needs basis) accounts payable, payroll, meal allowances and mileage
Provide sound practical and procedural financial advice and support across a range of activities and tasks in line with Australian Accounting Standards, Financial Management Act and Standing Directions.
Manage competing requests, demands and priorities and monitor workflow to achieve effective outcomes.
Assistance with tax, super and other regulatory lodgements
Provide financial documents and information to relevant stakeholders when requested.
Support the maintenance of general ledger integrity and identify issues or anomalies requiring follow-up.
Contribute to the reliable provision of financial support and information used in the formulation of reports and budgets.
Promote and support the achievement of Gellung Warl’s core values and contribute positively to its reputation through high-quality finance practice.
Undertake other duties consistent with the role’s classification and purpose as directed.
Key Selection Criteria
Subject Matter Expertise
- Demonstrated experience in financial accounting and administration, including month-end reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, general ledger maintenance, and fixed asset management.
- Proven ability to provide accurate financial information, support budgeting and forecasting activities, monitor expenditure, and contribute to the preparation of reports that support sound organisational decision-making.
Financial Policies, Governance and Compliance
- Sound understanding of Australian Accounting Standards, financial management principles, taxation, superannuation, audit requirements, and other relevant legislative and regulatory obligations.
- Proven ability to maintain financial integrity through accurate record keeping, reconciliations, internal controls, and the secure management of sensitive and confidential financial information.
Planning, Problem Solving and Delivery
- Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritise and manage competing demands while delivering accurate and timely financial services in a deadline-driven environment with minimal supervision.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify discrepancies, investigate anomalies, implement corrective actions, and continuously improve financial processes and outcomes
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Skills
- Proven ability to build trust, influence outcomes, and maintain productive relationships with senior leaders, staff, auditors, service providers, and other stakeholders, effectively navigating complex and politically sensitive environments while upholding organisational priorities and values.
- Highly developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication styles for diverse audiences, convey complex financial information clearly, and work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to achieve high-quality organisational and financial outcomes.
Cultural Capability
- Passionate about being part of reform to benefit First Peoples in Victoria.
- Ability to work respectfully with First Peoples, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities.
- Demonstrated understanding of cultural safety and culturally responsive practice.
- Ability to build respectful, collaborative and culturally informed relationships.
- Commitment to Gellung Warl’s values and organisational purpose.
Experience & Qualifications
- Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal communities and organisations within Victoria.
- Demonstrated skill and capacity to work effectively and with integrity in the context of a Victorian First Peoples’ Representative Body.
- Experience working in a statutory body highly desirable
- Demonstrated experience in the application of financial concepts, including invoice management, procurement, payroll and budget support in a medium sized organisation.
- Experience in BAS reporting and lodgements is highly desirable.
- Experience managing payroll requirements is highly desirable.
- Experience with month end, reconciliation, fixed assets, accounts payable and accounts receivable is highly desirable.
- Minimum 2-5 years’ experience working as an accountant required
- Business administration or accounting qualifications required.
- As part of our commitment to child safety and in line with the Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic), all roles within Gellung Warl require a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).
Salary & Term
- This role is a parental leave cover and is fixed term for 9 months.
- This is a part-time position – 30.4 hours per week
- Salary from $116,413 – $129,961 FTE + superannuation
Location
This role extends its reach across the Melbourne region with some regional travel as required.
How to apply
If you are ready to take on a challenging role and make a significant impact, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any other supporting documents to [email protected]
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Note that interviews may commence prior to application close dates as suitable applications come through so job may be filled before close date.