Studio Accountant – Project Accounting

About Woods Bagot – Architecture for Worlds Ahead

We design places that meet the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world. Our commitment to exploration, impact and community creates enduring, forward‑thinking outcomes, unlocking humanity’s highest potential.

With a global design culture devoted to creativity, resilience, and purpose – we ensure every project contributes to our client’s vision, inspiring future generations.

Woods Bagot is part of the 7C Network. The 7C Network is an integrated network of design and architecture companies that provides “Total Place Design,” a holistic approach to creating transformative environments. It combines capabilities from its constituent brands – including Woods Bagot, ERA-co, Impact Futures, and Customs Bureau – to offer services in placemaking, sustainability, architecture and interior design, and luxury concepts.

About the Role

The Studio Accountant is responsible for managing project and management accounting, financial accounting, and key studio administration activities. The role provides critical business and financial support to studio, project, and stream leaders, as well as project managers across the Brisbane and Perth studios.

Although based in Brisbane, this role also supports our Woods Bagot Perth Studio, contributing to strong financial performance, operational efficiency and informed decision-making across both locations.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Accounting, WIP & Month-End:

• Manage WIP and project accounting, including timesheet compliance, pre-WIP preparation, revenue and effort tracking, forecasting, and write-ups/write-offs (monthly, PTD and FAC).
• Partner with Project Managers and Studio Leadership to review project performance, assess risks, forecast resourcing and revenue to completion, and agree revenue take-up.
• Finalise month-end revenue, update BST (percentage complete), and review projects for revenue accuracy and write-off risk.

Forecasting, Pipeline & Capacity:

• Prepare and maintain monthly and mid-month forecasts for studio revenue, payroll, overheads, billing and variances.
• Maintain the Master Project Forecaster, internal sales pipeline, bid forecasts, and payroll forecast (including starters, leavers, leave, on-costs and adjustments).
• Analyse production capacity against sales pipeline and adjust forecasts accordingly.
• Review and update other cost forecasts in line with budgets and historical trends.
• Review forecasts with Studio Leadership and submit updates to dashboards and PE within reporting deadlines.

Timesheets & Data Integrity:

• Oversee weekly studio timesheet completion and accuracy.
• Review detailed project charges, resolve anomalies, and ensure correct allocation to projects and phases.

Reporting & Insights:

• Prepare and update studio dashboards and reporting packs, providing clear commentary on results, pipeline, lock-up, risks and project status.
• Present and discuss monthly results with Studio and Management Stream leadership.

Debtors, Billing & Cash Flow:

• Coordinate invoicing with Project Leaders and manage billing in BST.
• Actively follow up outstanding invoices with clients and internal teams to support timely collections.
• Provide regular updates on collections and debtors to Studio Leadership, Executive Team and Group Credit Manager.

Accounts Payable & Financial Administration:

• Process and code supplier and sub-consultant invoices, expenses, credit cards, petty cash and vendor requests.
• Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, settlements and payment terms where required.

Bids & Commercial Support:

• Support bid and opportunity processes, including MS03s, histograms and financial schedules.
• Provide commercial and financial analysis to support business strategy, negotiations and decision-making.

Group Finance & Compliance:

• Deliver accurate and timely monthly submissions to Group Finance.
• Respond to queries, ad-hoc requests and proactively escalate risks or issues.
• Lead quarterly WIP and doubtful debt reviews, including provisions and write-offs.

Budgeting, Planning & Audit:

• Lead the annual studio budgeting process and support business planning in line with Group requirements.
• Assist with annual external audits, ensuring compliance with accounting policies and accuracy of financial records.

Studio Support:

• Support Studio Chairs with the effective day-to-day financial and operational management of the studio.
• Prepare detailed studio reports for Executive Committee review.

About You

You are a confident and effective communicator with strong written and verbal skills, able to collaborate easily with others while also thinking critically and solving problems proactively. You are well organised, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively in a fast-paced environment. You bring a high level of attention to detail and follow through on commitments with care and rigour. You take initiative when working independently while also being a supportive and engaged team player. You understand the importance of professionalism and discretion, and are able to maintain confidentiality at all times.

You will be able to Demonstrate:

• Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Commerce required
• At least 5 years’ accounting experience
• Previous experience in a similar role with a professional services firm
• Experience in project accounting and project management
• Experience in using accounting/ERP software
• Strong understanding of accounting, invoicing and billing procedures
• Intermediate to advanced Excel and Word skills
• Certified CPA/CA, highly desirable
• Experience with BST an advantage

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit an up-to-date resume via the Studio Accountant LinkedIn job advertisement. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or names from agencies. All personal data collected by the firm will be kept confidential and only used for recruitment purposes.

Mandatory requirement: It is an essential requirement that at the time of applying for this position applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia (an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident).

Inspiration. Innovation. Inclusiveness. We are Woods Bagot.

Woods Bagot is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

At Woods Bagot, we are committed to creating an environment where difference is celebrated, valued and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong. We accept that none of us is smarter than all of us. We believe building a diverse workforce is the foundation to creativity and innovative design – it is only by working together that we can realise the potential of our people, clients and communities around us. Through our inclusive leadership and our truly global studio network of strategists, experience designers and scientists, you will find your voice and have the support and flexibility required to bring your whole self to work and build an exceptional career.