Office Administrator and Bookkeeper

Australian Book Review (ABR) seeks an Office Administrator and Bookkeeper. Founded in 1961, ABR is Australia’s premier literary magazine. It is an independent, not-for-profit monthly magazine, governed by an independent Board, managed by a small, skilled editorial and management team, and committed to the publication and promotion of creative and critical writing of the highest standard.

Georgina Arnott is the Editor and CEO and Sarah Holland-Batt is Chairperson of the Board.

ABR publishes reviews, essays, commentaries, interviews, and new creative writing. The magazine is national and increasingly international in readership, authorship, distribution, events and partners. It is available in print and online.

About the role

ABR is seeking an experienced Office Administrator and Bookkeeper for 3-4 days per week.

The successful candidate will be paid at between $70,000 – $80,000, pro rata, depending on experience. In addition, they will receive superannuation at 12% of their salary.

This role will be performed on the premises, although there may be some flexibility for remote work from time to time. ABR is based in Southbank, Victoria.

Applicants must have an unrestricted right to work in Australia.

The successful candidate will possess strong financial and business literacy, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and be conscientious, hard-working, diplomatic, and highly organised. The primary functions of the role are maintaining ABR’s databases and accounts.

These tasks require attention to detail, personal integrity, and a firm grasp of accounting principles. This is a diverse and stimulating role, working in a small team, but also entailing broad engagement with stakeholders including contributors, editors, interns, subscribers and donors. Some understanding of the cultural environment in which ABR operates would be advantageous.

The Office Administrator and Bookkeeper reports to ABR’s Editor and CEO and will work with ABR’s Treasurer when required.

Key tasks:

• Maintain accurate financial records and manage daily bookkeeping
• Handle accounts payable and receivable, including invoicing, supplier payments, and receipts
• Respond to phone and email enquiries
• Reconcile bank accounts and financial statements
• Process payroll, including superannuation, tax and leave entitlements
• General ledger maintenance
• Update and maintain spreadsheets and databases to support invoicing, staff and contributor payments, and subscriptions
• Prepare up-to-date subscription lists on a monthly basis
• Contribute to the development of orangisational financial documents, including an annual budget and quarterly financial reports
• Provide administrative support as needed, including with partner organisations
• Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, tax regulations and other statutory requirements
• Collaborate effectively with internal team members and external stakeholders while working independently

Key criteria:

1. Proven experience in bookkeeping and accounts management (experience with Xero or Reckon would be advantagenous but is not essential), including invoicing and financial reporting;
2. Strong attention to detail and excellent numerical, analytical and organisational skills;
3. Strong understanding of financial compliance, BAS, super, and payroll;
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a polite and professional manner when responding to phone calls and dealing with stakeholders;
5. Proven ability to work independently and respond effectively to direction;
6. A capacity and interest in working collaboratively across a small team;
7. Eagerness to improve systems, including through the adoption and integration of new software platforms; and
8. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.

Desirable but not essential:

9. A familiarity with Australian Book Review, or previous experience in the arts or media sectors; or
10. Prior experience working in the non-for-profit sector.

ABR welcomes all applicants. If you do not possess all the attributes listed here but think you could bring relevant skills and capacities to ABR, please consider applying. ABR is committed to maintaining an inclusive, respectful, positive, and effective workplace. Applicants should address the key criteria, state why they would like to work for ABR, and include a resume with contacts details for at least two referees. Please send your application to ABR Editor Georgina Arnott at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line ‘ABR Office Administrator and Bookkeeper’ by 6pm on Monday 14 July. 

ABR Peter Rose Editorial Cadet

Australian Book Review (ABR) is delighted to launch the Peter Rose Editorial Cadetship to honour Peter Rose’s extraordinary contribution to the training of publishing professionals during his quarter century at ABR and to extend this tradition of mentorship into ABR’s exciting next phase. The Peter Rose Editorial Cadetship is generously supported by ABR’s Patrons.

Founded in 1961, ABR is Australia’s premier literary magazine. It is an independent, not-for-profit monthly magazine, governed by an independent Board, managed by a small, skilled editorial and management team, and committed to the publication and promotion of creative and critical writing of the highest standard.

Georgina Arnott is the Editor and CEO and Sarah Holland-Batt is Chairperson of the Board.

ABR publishes reviews, essays, commentaries, interviews and new creative writing. The magazine is national and increasingly international in readership, authorship, distribution, events and partners. It is available in print and online.

About the role

The Cadetship is a part-time (0.8 FTE), twelve-month position, commencing in late July or early August. The Cadet will be paid at $60,000, pro rata, and receive superannuation at 12% of their salary. There is an option for this role to be performed full time if the candidate possesses the requisite interest and experience in philanthropic and development work.

The Cadet will join the magazine at a dynamic time in its long history and will be part of a small, hard-working team committed to publishing high-quality literary journalism and creative writing. Digital publishing will be a priority for the Cadet.

The Cadet will report to the Editor, Georgina Arnott, and will work in the ABR office in Southbank, Melbourne. Key responsibilities will include digital publishing, the ABR Podcast, social media, and editing and proofreading. There is much scope for making a diverse creative   contribution to the magazine.

Applicants must have proficiency in digital technology. Experience in the publishing/magazine/media sector would be an advantage. Applicants must demonstrate familiarity with ABR (its content, style, and  ethos). We also look for candidates with knowledge of, and interest in, literature and the arts.

Applicants must have an unrestricted right to work in Australia.

The successful candidate must have completed a university degree or diploma in at least one of the following  disciplines: Arts, Journalism, Publishing & Editing, Media & Communication, or possess relevant working experience.

Responsibilities will include: 

• Editing and proofreading
• Publishing content on the ABR website
• Assisting with social media
• Managing the ABR Podcast
• Assisting with ABR Arts
• Helping to attract paid advertisements
• Some administrative duties

Optional responsibilities for this role to be performed in a full-time capacity:

• Philanthropic and development administration

Key criteria:

The successful candidate will possess the following attributes:

• An interest in and knowledge of books, writing, the arts, and ideas, and a passion for strengthening cultural criticism and public conversations
• Excellent writing and/or editing skills and a commitment to developing these further
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and an ability to work across a range of varied tasks in a busy office environment
• Experience with software including Adobe suite (InDesign, Photoshop), Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), CMS software (Joomla or others)
• Proven ability to work independently and respond effectively to direction
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the proven capacity to work collaboratively in a small team
• Familiarity with engagement through the strategic use of social media, advertising, and EDMs, and a capacity to perform these tasks diligently and proficiently
• Eagerness to extend ABR’s advertising client base
• A familiarity with Australian Book Review and its operations

Optional:

• An understanding of and commitment to ABR’s patrons, private and government funding programs, and a capacity to perform administration to support these programs with accuracy, sensitivity, and high levels of professionalism

ABR welcomes all applicants. If you do not possess all the attributes listed here but think you could bring relevant skills and capacities to ABR, please consider applying. ABR is committed to maintaining an inclusive, respectful, positive, and effective workplace.

Applicants should address the nine key criteria (and, if relevant, the optional tenth criterion), state why they would like to work for ABR, and include a resume with contacts details for at least two referees and a sample of their writing. Please send your application to ABR Editor Georgina Arnott at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line ‘ABR Editorial Cadetship Application’ by 6pm on Monday 21 July.