Challenger Limited is an ASX-listed investment management firm managing $123.9 billion in assets (as at 30 June 2025). Life with us is fast moving and always exciting. Together we’re driving to deliver our vision to provide our customers with financial security for a better retirement.
We achieve this goal by providing a work environment where people from diverse backgrounds, with a range of skills and experiences can contribute and succeed.
Senior Financial Accountant – Group Finance Team
Sydney CBD | Hybrid (3 days office / 2 days WFH)
We’re searching for a Senior Accountant who brings a proactive, can‑do attitude; someone generous with their time, collaborative and comfortable getting their hands dirty to understand the story behind the numbers.
You’ll look after Challenger Group Services (CGS) and be an important part of the ASX listed Group financial control team.
If you are keen to explore automation, systems improvement and discover how AI can elevate financial control, you’ll fit right in. With genuine visibility, responsibility and a runway to Finance Manager level, this role places you right at the heart of Challenger’s finance engine room.
About the role
This is an enterprise level financial control role focused on Challenger’s main Group operating and service entity centred on timely, accurate and complete financial accounting, whilst developing a deep understanding of the Group’s multi‑entity structure, intercompany flows and corporate cost allocations.
You’ll take full ownership of CGS financial control while supporting broader consolidated Group reporting, challenging assumptions and explaining movements in corporate expenses with clarity and confidence. Your data will be the building block for our Group Business Performance team’s monthly financial analysis for the Group CFO.
You’ll support two accountants, providing mentorship and acting as a role model as they continue developing their skills and taking on more responsibility. You’ll also step in for the Finance Manager during absences, maintaining continuity across month end and key deliverables.
Because CGS is highly visible, we’re looking for someone who is confident, curious and comfortable challenging assumptions - someone who brings fresh thinking and seeks better ways of doing things, rather than relying on prior‑period conventions
Your key responsibilities will include:
Corporate Accounting (Core Focus)
Own the day‑to‑day accounting for Challenger Group Services, including accruals, expenses, prepayments and cost allocations.
Analyse corporate expenses, identify key drivers and clearly explain movements.
Understand and refine intercompany flows and allocation methodologies to improve clarity and accuracy.
Be the subject matter expert for corporate costs and the first port of call when there are queries on them.
Build strong working relationships with senior stakeholders across the business.
Multi‑Entity, Intercompany & Consolidation
Build your consolidation capability by preparing key Group journals and understanding how multi‑entity results fit together
Review cross‑entity activity and key balance sheet checks to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Understand how CGS results feed into Group consolidation and reporting.
Group Reporting & External Reporting
Drive month‑end reporting for CGS.
Prepare disclosures for the ASX Group Interim and Annual financial reports.
Communicate the reasons for variances clearly and confidently to senior leaders.
Audit & Governance
Prepare audit workpapers and respond to auditor queries succinctly.
Contribute to board paper inputs and broader governance requirements.
Prepare Board papers for Group corporate entities as and when required.
Process Improvement & Team Contribution
Drive practical improvements across accounting processes.
Use tools such as Workiva, Workday and Microsoft Copilot to streamline and automate tasks.
Pitch in across Group Financial Control - flexibility and team support are key.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed
You're a qualified accountant (CA/CPA) with ~3+ years PQE in financial control, commercial accounting or large‑corporate audit. You’re organised, forward‑thinking and responsive - a great team contributor who is generous, collaborative and willing to step in wherever needed.
You will bring:
Solid working understanding of IFRS and financial controls.
Experience with multi‑entity structures, intercompany flows and corporate cost allocation.
Intermediate Excel capability (SUMIF, VLOOKUP, pivot tables) and working with large datasets.
Strong attention to detail, a curious mindset and problem‑solving capability.
Confidence preparing reconciliations and telling the story behind the numbers.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
A strong communicator and natural relationship builder who thrives in a dynamic environment where they will partner with and influence senior leaders.
Able to challenge constructively, push back when needed, and remain resilient and professional under pressure.
A growth mindset, curiosity and resilience - comfortable asking questions, learning quickly and navigating ambiguity.
Desirable
Experience in financial services or accounting for mortgages/financial instruments is beneficial but not essential.
Additional Info
This team is high performing and has a strong track record of developing future Finance Managers, offering genuine progression pathways, exposure to senior stakeholders, and the chance to shape key deliverables across the Group.
You’ll enjoy hybrid working, a supportive and inclusive culture, and access to benefits that help you thrive personally and professionally.
Why Challenger?
At Challenger, we’re small enough to be agile, but big enough to accelerate bold ideas. We support your growth and development, offering flexibility and a culture that values your unique contributions.
Competitive discretionary bonus scheme
18 weeks paid parental leave for all new parents
Challenger Day – one extra day off every year in recognition of the effort our people make.
Additional support leave (fertility, gender affirmation)
Extra superannuation contributions
Employee share plan
Employee Assistance Programme
Subsidised on-site café and central location near Martin Place Metro
Access to free onsite yoga, mindfulness and pilates classes.
Fitness Passport
Access to annual free flu shots & skin checks
https://www.challenger.com.au/about-us/careers/our-benefits
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Challenger's employee value proposition guides how we work: Grow and realise your potential, supporting each other, stronger together and making things happen. Our culture encourages curiosity, considered thinking and meaningful contribution, with opportunities to build a broad and rewarding career.
We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace where people of all backgrounds, identities and ways of thinking can thrive, and promoting flexible working to support work-life balance.
Challenger is proud to be a Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, a Family Friendly Workplace and recognised as a Bronze Employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), the national benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
Job type:
PermanentPosting Close Date :
04/03/2026
