Principal, Accounting

The Principal is a senior leadership role within the accounting practice, responsible for driving strategic growth, leading client relationships at the highest level, and contributing to the overall direction and success of the firm.
The Principal is a key commercial leader in the Accounting team, accountable for business development, client acquisition, key account management and retention, while delivering high‑value advisory services to complex and high‑net‑worth clients. The role leads client negotiations, oversees major engagements, and acts as a trusted advisor to clients and internal stakeholders.
This role can be located in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Practice Growth
Contribute to the strategic direction and growth of the accounting practice
Actively drive business development initiatives, including identifying, pursuing and converting new client opportunities
Develop and maintain a strong professional network, referral channels and market presence
Lead and influence practice‑wide initiatives, innovation and continuous improvement
Support revenue growth through advisory‑led engagements and strategic client expansion
Client Leadership, Key Accounts & Negotiation
Act as relationship owner for key and strategic client accounts, including high‑net‑worth individuals and complex business groups
Lead commercial negotiations, scope discussions and fee arrangements with clients
Build long‑term, trusted advisory relationships with business owners, executives and family groups
Lead high‑level advisory conversations, strategic planning engagements and business reviews
Represent the firm in complex client matters and sensitive discussions
Ensure exceptional client experience, retention and advocacy
Advisory, Accounting & Taxation Expertise
Provide senior‑level technical and commercial advice across taxation, structuring and business strategy
Oversee and review complex financial statements and income tax returns
Ensure compliance with taxation legislation, accounting standards, professional obligations and ATO requirements
Act as a Supervising Tax Agent, ensuring technical accuracy, compliance and risk management
Apply advanced expertise in areas including:
Self‑Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs)
Division 7A
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) concessions
Business structuring and succession planning
Quality, Risk & Governance
Maintain rigorous quality control and risk management standards across all client engagements
Ensure adherence to internal policies, professional standards and regulatory requirements
Review and sign off work in line with delegation and authorisation frameworks
Proactively identify and manage technical, compliance and reputational risk
People Leadership & Capability Development
Provide strong, visible leadership to Associates, Managers and team members
Develop future leaders through coaching, mentoring and capability building
Lead performance management, succession planning and talent development
Foster a collaborative, accountable and high‑performance culture
Model the firm’s values, leadership behaviours and professional standards
Qualifications
10+ years’ experience in business services, taxation, and financial reporting within a Public Practice environment
Demonstrated success in business development, client acquisition and relationship management
Proven experience managing large, complex and high‑value client portfolios
Strong track record in leading advisory engagements and strategic client outcomes
Extensive technical expertise, particularly in SMSFs, Division 7A and CGT concessions
CPA or CA qualification
Certificate of Public Practice (CPP)
Registered Tax Agent, with experience acting as a Supervising Tax Agent
Relevant tertiary qualifications in Accounting or a related discipline
Strong commercial acumen and strategic mindset
Proven ability to win, retain and grow clients
High‑level negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills
Confident decision‑maker with sound judgement and integrity
Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on advisory input
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About Focus Partners Australia
Focus Partners Australia, the Australian business unit of Focus Partners, offers integrated capabilities in wealth advice, accounting, lending, insurance and related services from its offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Guided by a client-first ethos, Focus Partners Australia leverages the global expertise, platforms and capital strength of Focus Financial Partners to deliver holistic, fiduciary guidance across strategic planning, portfolio management, insurance, credit and tax. By fusing local insight with world-class resources, Focus Partners Australia helps its clients protect, grow and transition their wealth at every life stage.