The Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS) is a community legal centre based in South Brisbane. For 45 years, RAILS has provided free legal assistance and education in immigration and refugee law to people in Queensland. RAILS assists some of the most vulnerable people in our community, predominantly refugees, asylum seekers and people who have experienced family violence.

RAILS strives to empower them and help them find and remain in safety. RAILS is a member of Community Legal Centres Australia and is registered as a Charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for Profit Commission. RAILS genuinely values our staff and our workplace is ethical, supportive, positive and inclusive.

Overview

The Management Accountant provides guidance and high-level advice to RAILS’ Executive Director and Operations Director in complex financial matters. They assist the organisation to make informed decisions and achieve goals through financial analysis, forecasting and budgeting. This role is of fundamental importance to the sustainability of the legal services provided by RAILS and contributes to positively changing people’s lives.

About the role

Job Title: Management Accountant

Salary: Level 6 Social Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award. Salary sacrifice is available as RAILS has PBI status.

$108, 000 - $111, 000 or part- time equivalent

Responsible to: Operations Director

Direct reports: Nil

Days and hours: One day per week

Location: In person in South Brisbane is preferred. WFH will be considered.

Contract term: 30 June 2026, with the possibility of extension

Role responsibilities

The items listed are indicative and not exhaustive.

• Financial analysis
  • Cashflow analysis and recommendation of investment strategies
• Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Supporting the development of budgets, including RAILS’ annual budget, forecasting financial results and monitoring performance against targets.
• Cost Management
  • Identifying, recommending and supporting the implementation of cost-saving strategies, analysing expenses and managing costs effectively.
• Risk Management
  • Identifying and assessing financial and operational risks and developing strategies to mitigate them.
• Advisory
  • Advising management on financial implications of decisions, business strategies and risk management. Participating on Management Committee Finance Sub-Committee meetings.
• Systems, processes and policy
  • Making recommendations on system and process improvement and supporting the development of financial policies
• Reporting and audit
  • Providing support to RAILS reporting function as needed, including by reporting to QLeave. Supporting RAILS’ annual audit by liaising with the auditor and supporting the presentation of audit results to senior management and the Finance Sub-Committee.

Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of accounting principles and financial concepts.
• Understanding of the funding context in the community and not for profit sector.
• Demonstrated analytical skills to interpret financial data.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to brief management in complex financial matters
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems, analyse situations and develop solutions.
• Proficiency in the use of IT systems such as Microsoft (Outlook, Excel, Word, SharePoint and accounting software (MYOB preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently as part of a team, to follow directions and to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and constructively with colleagues.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the community legal assistance sector, the wider community and the socio-political environment in which RAILS operates.
• Commitment to social justice and RAILS’ mission and values.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

RAILS is committed to being a culturally safe and inclusive organisation and has policies in place to create and maintain appropriate work practices and a respectful work environment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and otherwise culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply for this role.

Please let us know if you would like us to share our Cultural Safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Policy with you before applying for this role by emailing [email protected] 

If you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or otherwise culturally and linguistically diverse and would like to speak to us about the role requirements and your application before applying, please email [email protected].

This recruitment process is strictly confidential and information about your application will not be shared with anyone outside of the organisation.

How to apply:

The preferred start date for the Management Accountant position is 1 July 2025. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible indicating their availability to start in the role. RAILS may conduct interviews and make a decision about the role before the advertisement close date.

RAILS will begin assessing applications on receipt.

To apply for this role please click the 'Apply Now' button.

Any questions about this position should be directed to [email protected]. We will be available to discuss further details about this position as required.

A position description is attached.