April Update: EOFY Prep, Payday Super, and a Happy Easter

Before we all "hop" off for the Easter long weekend, there is plenty to cover in this month’s update. While April usually offers a brief window to prepare for the end-of-financial-year rush, 2026 is already proving to be a busy period. With the countdown to Payday Super and new trust reporting requirements, professionals are already shifting their focus to the complex compliance and advisory challenges ahead.

In this edition, we explore significant industry shifts, including the Tax Practitioners Board’s (TPB) recent guidance on AI and the evolving focus on "cultural contribution" within the recruitment process. We also discuss practical strategies for managing mental health during peak compliance periods to ensure you remain grounded and supported heading into June 30.

The Market Pulse: April 2026

April is usually the calm before the EOFY storm, but this year feels different. Between new ATO reporting requirements and the looming 2026 Payday Super deadline, firms are already shifting into high gear. It isn't just about processing returns anymore; it’s about navigating complex advisory shifts and helping clients manage tighter cash flow margins.

• The Payday Super Countdown: With the 1 July 2026 start date approaching, the ATO has released a new ‘Payday Super checklist for employers’. This is a major advisory opportunity as clients look to adjust payroll systems and cash‑flow management to meet the requirement to pay super within seven business days of each payday.
• AI Transition: From "Hype" to "Audit": From ‘hype’ to ‘audit’: The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) has issued draft guidance on the use of AI by tax practitioners. As automation increasingly handles more junior‑level tasks, many firms are moving away from pure hourly billing toward value‑based pricing models.
• Trust Reporting Changes: New or enhanced reporting requirements for trust tax returns are coming this tax time. Firms need to be proactive with data collection for private‑wealth and family‑group clients well before 30 June.
• Federal Budget Speculation: With the May 2026 Budget around the corner, there is considerable market speculation about potential changes to CGT discounts, negative gearing, and the Division 296 tax on super balances over $3 million.

Blog Spotlight: Candidate Edition

Mental Health Strategies for Accounting Professionals in 2026

The accounting world isn't slowing down. With AI integration, shifting regulations, constant deadlines and the pressure on tax and audit professionals is at an all-time high. While firms are doing more to support wellbeing, the reality is that burnout remains a significant risk during peak compliance periods.

Our latest article explores five practical ways to stay grounded this year. We look at moving beyond the "hustle" culture by redefining what work-life balance actually looks like in a hybrid world. From setting firmer digital boundaries to using open communication with your manager before stress peaks, these are small shifts that make a long-term difference in your career.

[Mental Health Strategies for Accounting Professionals in 2026] 🕑 4-minute read

Blog Spotlight: Client Edition

How Diverse Is Your Accounting Team in 2026?

Diversity in 2026 has moved beyond simple demographics. Today, it’s about "cultural contribution" rather than just "cultural fit." While hiring for fit often feels safe, it can unintentionally lead to a team that thinks exactly the same way, which isn't ideal for solving complex tax or audit problems

In this article, we look at how leading firms are moving away from gut-feel hiring and toward structured, competency-based interviews. We discuss why inclusion is the missing piece for many firms, hiring a diverse team is one thing, but keeping them requires clear career pathways and genuine flexibility. If you want to attract top-tier talent this year, your approach to DEI needs to be more than just a policy on a website.

[How Diverse Is Your Accounting Team in 2026?] 🕑 4-minute read

Bonus Blog Spotlight for Candidates:

Should You Stay or Should You Go? Evaluating Your Accounting Career Move in 2026

Is staying for "stability" actually stalling your growth? As the 2026 market shifts heavily toward advisory and leadership, our latest guide helps you audit your current role. We provide a three-step career health check to determine if your firm is keeping pace with your ambitions, helping you decide if it’s time to "hop" toward a new opportunity or stay put.

[Should You Stay or Should You Go? Evaluating Your Accounting Career Move in 2026] 🕑 4-minute read

Poll Position:

Our Director. Steve Merritt , recently polled his network on the Victorian Government’s proposal to give employees a legal right to work from home two days a week. The feedback was one-sided, with 76% of people believing that applying this legislation nationally would be a positive move for the accounting industry. Only 17% saw it as a negative.

This overwhelming support shows that for most accounting professionals, flexibility is no longer a perk, it’s a fundamental expectation. It’s a clear signal to firms that a rigid office-only model is becoming a major hurdle for recruitment and retention.

Hot Jobs for April 🔥

Sydney 📍

SENIOR MANAGER – CFO ADVISORY & OUTSOURCED FINANCE | SYDNEY CBD | UP TO $200K 🔥

Lead a team and partner with high-growth SMEs on strategy and performance, offering future equity and a clear move away from pure compliance.

Apply here: Senior Manager - CFO Advisory & Outsourced Finance 📩

DIRECTOR – TAX, ACCOUNTING & BUSINESS ADVISORY | NORTH SYDNEY | UP TO $300K 🔥

High-level leadership role with a clear 12-month pathway to equity following a partner's retirement. You’ll focus on strategic advisory for HNW families and SMEs within an integrated wealth management model.

Apply here: Director - Tax, Accounting & Business Advisory 📩

BUSINESS SERVICES & TAX MANAGER | NORTH SYDNEY | UP TO $170K 🔥

Lead a team of five and manage a $1.5M portfolio of SMEs, focusing on corporate restructures and tax advisory within a flexible, hybrid working environment.

Apply here: Business Services & Tax Manager 📩

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR – BUSINESS SERVICES & TAX | SYDNEY CBD | UP TO $220K 🔥

Globally connected firm with a strong focus on the healthcare sector, offering a leadership step-up to manage high-value private groups and mentor a social, collaborative team.

Apply here: Associate Director 📩

CLIENT DIRECTOR – BUSINESS ADVISORY | SYDNEY | UP TO $220K 🔥

Senior leadership role with a clear partnership track within a longstanding firm, focusing on high-level advisory for ATO Top 500/5,000 clients and complex private groups.

Apply here: Client Director 📩

AUDITOR INTERMEDIATE TO ASSISTANT MANAGER | CHATSWOOD | UP TO $135K 🔥

Supportive team focused on the NFP and Aged Care sectors, offering five extra wellness days and a hybrid model for those looking to skip the CBD commute.

Apply here: Audit Intermediate to Assistant Manager 📩

SENIOR MANAGER – BUSINESS SERVICES & TAX | SYDNEY CBD | UP TO $190K 🔥

Step into a high-impact leadership role with a defined pathway to Partner, managing a complex private business portfolio with no timesheets and a strong advisory focus.

Apply here: Senior Manager - Business Services & Tax 📩

CORPORATE FINANCE ASSISTANT MANAGER / MANAGER | SYDNEY | UP TO $170K🔥

Mid-sized, partner-led advisory firm focused on complex M&A, valuations, and due diligence for private businesses and family groups.

Apply here: Corporate Finance Assistant Manager / Manager 📩

SMSF MANAGER | SYDNEY CBD | UP TO $160K 🔥

Lead an established portfolio of 250 funds as the primary client contact within a collaborative firm offering technical depth and hybrid flexibility.

Apply here: SMSF Manager 📩

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR – BUSINESS SERVICES & TAX | PARRAMATTA | UP TO $200K 🔥

High-level leadership role within a fast-growing firm offering a clear path to Director and a 50/50 mix of complex tax advisory and compliance for private family groups.

Apply here: Associate Director - Business Services & Tax 📩

MANAGER – BUSINESS SERVICES & TAX | SYDNEY | UP TO $160K 🔥

Join an ex-Big 4 partner-led boutique firm focusing on complex tax structuring and strategic advisory for HNW families, featuring a strong investment in AI and automation technology.

Apply here: Manager - Business Services & Tax 📩

CLIENT DIRECTOR – BUSINESS ADVISORY & TAX | SYDNEY CBD | UP $240K 🔥

Strategic 2IC role managing a $1M+ portfolio of SMEs and family groups, offering a direct pathway to Partnership and flexible hybrid working arrangements.

Apply here: Client Director 📩

INTERMEDIATE TO MANAGER (TAX & AUDIT) | NEWCASTLE | UP TO $150K 🔥

Multiple openings for motivated tax and audit professionals looking to join high-performing public practice firms across the Newcastle and Central Coast regions.

Apply here: Intermediate to Manager | Accounting, Tax & Audit 📩

Melbourne 📍

INTERMEDIATE TO MANAGER – ACCOUNTING, TAX & AUDIT | MELBOURNE CBD | UP TO $160K 🔥

Flexible opportunities for Tax and Audit professionals at all levels seeking clear career pathways, CA/CPA study support, and expert help with salary negotiations.

Apply here: Intermediate to Manager | Accounting, Tax & Audit 📩

Brisbane 📍

BUSINESS SERVICES SENIOR MANAGER | BRISBANE CBD | UP TO $180k + PACKAGE 🔥

Lead a team and manage a portfolio of SMEs and family groups within a culture-focused firm offering high-level advisory and direct partner exposure.

Apply here: Business Services Senior Manager | Private Clients & Advisory 📩

For more jobs, visit our website: Hedley Scott Recruitment

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Spread the love and refer them to Hedley Scott Recruitment! We're always looking to connect with talented accounting and finance professionals, and we value your recommendations.

If you refer a friend who gets placed in a new role, we'll show our appreciation with a Westfield gift card worth up to $1000! Simply have your friend mention your name when they contact us, or fill out our referral form here: 🔗 Refer A Friend

Sharing is caring, and it could be rewarding for both you and your friend!

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