Senior Bookkeeper

About Esparq Ventures 

Esparq Ventures is a Indigenous-led venture builder driving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander economic development across Northern Australia. We're dedicated to shaping the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses as key contributors to community transformation and economic resilience. Our mission focuses on nurturing early-stage ventures with high potential for social impact, helping them become significant players in their sectors. Known for our 'belly-to-belly' approach, we immerse ourselves in organisations for the long term to build resilient businesses. 

We assist entrepreneurs and community organisations in building capacity, accessing shared services and affordable capital, and turning ideas into impactful realities. Our goal is to foster deep understanding, build trust, and leverage the strengths of our diverse communities, ensuring robust growth and success for every business we partner with. 

Having been founded just over 18 months ago, we’ve already built a strong presence across Northern Australia - supporting more than 25 Indigenous enterprises to start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. 

Esparq is a lean, early-stage organisation with a collaborative, low-ego culture. Everyone chips in across tasks and wears multiple hats as needed. We’re looking for someone who’s comfortable in a dynamic environment and eager to contribute to a team where flexibility, initiative, and mutual respect are key. Our team is small but deeply committed, and we’re building something bold - a new model for Indigenous economic development that prioritises relationships, cultural integrity, and long-term impact over quick wins. 

About the role 

We're looking for a reliable and detail-oriented Bookkeeper (with hybrid skills) to support a growing number of Indigenous-led businesses and organisations across Northern Australia. In this role, you'll take the lead on day-to-day financial operations - from processing payroll and reconciling accounts to preparing BAS and managing cash flow - while also contributing to basic reporting and strategic planning alongside our Shared Services team. 

Working within the shared services team you’ll be working directly with clients, helping them stay on top of their financial obligations while building confidence in their systems and processes. Beyond the numbers - it’s about building trust, strengthening businesses, and creating real impact in community. 

This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives on structure, is motivated by purpose-led work and can travel frequently and with short notice as part of their role. If you're organised, tech-savvy, and passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and enterprises, we’d love to hear from you.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records for multiple clients (primarily in Xero) 
• Manage weekly payroll processing and ensure compliance with all statutory obligations 
• Prepare BAS, IAS, and other required taxation reports and reconciliations 
• Process accounts payable and receivable, including bank reconciliations and payroll 
• Conduct debtor management and collections as required 
• Develop and maintain cash flow projections, payment schedules, and cost control systems 
• Support clients with budgeting, cash flow tracking, and financial system improvements 
• Assist with month-end reporting and preparation of basic financial statements 
• Contribute to compliance support, and end-of-year financial tasks 
• Communicate directly with clients to respond to queries and gather documentation 
• Help refine internal systems, templates, and workflows for greater efficiency 
• Assist with general office administration tasks as needed 
• Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and organisations with cultural respect and care 
• Contribute to continuous improvement across the organisation 
• Occasional travel for face-to-face meetings with clients, team gatherings, or community-based work (primarily within Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait) 

Who we’re looking for 

We’re looking for someone with a solid foundation in accounting and a sharp eye for both detail and strategy. You’ll thrive in this role if you have: 

• Minimum Certificate IV in Bookkeeping (or higher qualifications in Accounting/Finance) 
• At least 5 years of relevant industry experience 
• Confidence working across accounting systems (e.g. Xero), with the ability to guide others in best-practice use 
• Solid understanding of BAS, IAS, ATO compliance, company structures/restructures, and tax planning 
• Strong time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities 
• A professional, self-managed approach with clear communication and interpersonal skills 
• Strong understanding of operational policy and governance connected to financial management 
• A strong client focus, with the ability to build trusted relationships 
• Experience in building a client base, networking, and generating referrals 
• A strategic mindset with the ability to zoom out and consider long-term outcomes for clients 
• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement systems: Xero, HR systems 
• Cultural competency and/or lived experience working with Indigenous clients, communities, or businesses – or a genuine willingness to learn and engage with respect 

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are deeply valued in this role. 

We value both formal qualifications and practical experience – if you're unsure if you meet every requirement but feel aligned with the role and our purpose, we’d love to hear from you. 

Role DetailsLocation: Work remotely from anywhere, with a preference for Cairns or Brisbane based applicants

Type: The role will be offered as Permanent Part-Time, 3 days a week

There may be flexibility to adjust hours over time depending on capacity

Salary: $85,000 - $100,000 per annum + superannuation, pro rata 3 days per week

Start Date: As soon as possible 

Why join us? 

• Flexible work arrangements that support balance and autonomy 
• Regular travel to remote First Nations communities and build genuine relationships on Country 
• Deep learning about First Nations enterprises across diverse industries and regions 
• Work alongside a passionate, values-driven team committed to making real impact 
• Be part of a growing movement that’s reshaping what economic development looks like in Northern Australia  

How to apply 

Please apply through the Ethical Jobs link. To be considered, please make sure you include both your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

If you’re interested but unsure if you meet every requirement, we’d still love to hear from you. 

We’ll be reviewing applications as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early.