Experienced Accountant (Retail - Food & Grocery)

About Us

Foodies Market The Downs IGA is a leading name in the food and grocery retail sector, managing complex inventory, high-volume transactions, and strict compliance requirements. Due to the highly specialised nature of our operations, we require an Accountant (ANZSCO ******) with proven experience in the food and grocery industry, preferably within a retail environment dealing with perishable goods, stock control, and shrinkage management.

About the Role

Reporting to the CFO, this role is critical in creating synergies across financial management, inventory control, and cost optimisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for enhancing profitability by improving inventory and shrinkage control, monitoring wages, preparing budgets, and conducting variance analysis to ensure financial efficiency. Regular follow-up meetings with store and department managers will be required to drive financial accountability and cost control measures.

This is a full-time, permanent role based at our Head Office in Balcatta. The candidate may be required to work from store location/s occasionally to conduct financial audits, stock assessments, and performance reviews with store teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Oversee financial operations, ensuring compliance with retail-specific accounting and taxation regulations
2. Manage inventory costing, shrinkage control, and financial forecasting in a high-volume grocery retail environment
3. Prepare and analyse financial statements, tax returns, and compliance reports with a focus on GST, PAYG, BAS, Superannuation
4. Conduct financial risk assessments related to perishable stock, supplier agreements, and retail margins
5. Implement and monitor cost control measures specific to grocery stock management and wage control
6. Create budgets, conduct variance analysis, and provide financial insights to store/department managers to improve operational efficiency
7. Manage accounts payable, receivable, and payroll, ensuring compliance with relevant award rates and employment laws
8. Liaise with external auditors, financial institutions, and suppliers to maintain compliance and profitability

Essential Skills & Experience

1. Minimum of 1 year of accounting experience in the food & grocery retail industry (2+ years preferred)
2. Proven expertise in inventory management, stock shrinkage analysis, and supplier payment cycles
3. Past experience in retail management is highly advantageous
4. Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
5. CPA or CA qualification (or working towards it) is advantageous
6. Strong knowledge of Australian taxation and compliance requirements for the retail grocery sector
7. Advanced proficiency in retail-focused accounting software (Triumph ERP or similar is highly desirable) and POS-linked financial reporting systems
8. High-level analytical skills, particularly in identifying financial risks related to food wastage, promotions, and supplier negotiations
9. Ability to work independently and manage financial operations in a fast-paced, high-turnover retail environment

Why Join Us?

1. Specialised role requiring deep industry knowledge—only suitable for experienced grocery retail accountants
2. Opportunity to work in a highly structured and compliance-driven environment
3. Competitive remuneration package for the right candidate

This role is highly specialised and requires direct experience in the food & grocery retail sector. Applicants without this background will not be considered.

How to Apply

1. If you meet the above criteria and have direct experience in food & grocery retail accounting, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your industry-specific expertise.