Commercial Business Partner (Management Accountant)

Date: 19 Aug 2026

Location: Emerald, Queensland, Australia

Company: Kestrel Coal

About Us: 

We are Kestrel - one of the world’s largest producing underground coking coal mines, delivering around 7 million tonnes of high-quality metallurgical coal annually to global steelmakers.

But what truly sets us apart is our culture.  It’s not uncommon to walk down the breezeway and strike up a conversation with our CEO or Executive Leaders.  We believe that great ideas come from anyone, and we empower our team members to bring their insights forward - knowing they’ll be heard, valued and that the path from idea to implementation is refreshingly short.

We strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected and supported.  Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, at Kestrel, you’ll find opportunities to grow, contribute, and have meaningful impact.

With a mine life to 2033 and reserves to 2046, we’re planning for a future that’s safe, sustainable, and full of opportunity - for our industry and our people.  We’re proud of where we’ve come from, and even more excited about what’s ahead.

 

About the role: 

 

We’re looking for a driven and confident management accounting professional to join our Commercial team on site in Emerald as a key business partner to the operation. You’ll work closely with operational leaders across site, providing accurate, timely and practical financial support across budgeting, forecasting, cost modelling, month-end reporting, capital tracking and continuous improvement of financial systems and processes. The role is highly hands-on and gives you the opportunity to build a strong understanding of the operation while contributing directly to commercial performance.

We’re looking for someone who is driven, commercially minded and confident working with a broad range of stakeholders. You’ll be part of a small, high-performing team where you’ll have the support of experienced professionals, while being expected to take ownership of your work, operate with a high degree of independence, ask the right questions and constructively challenge where appropriate. This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to deepen their understanding of mining operations, broaden their commercial capability and make a visible contribution to site performance.

This residential role offers flexibility, with the option of a Monday to Friday or 9-day fortnight roster.

Why you’ll love working here:

  • A permanent role on a site with a strong future – long mine life and room to grow.
  • Monday to Friday or a 9-day fortnight, the choice is yours.
  • Great pay and perks - Including competitive incentives, housing and relocation support potions and salary packaging.
  • Health-first mindset - With our award-winning Health Program and subsidised private health insurance.
  • Supported to grow - We’ll back your development through tailored programs like our award-winning ‘Unleashed’ Leadership Program and study assistance.
  •  A culture that walks the talk - Respect, agility, commitment and collaborating as one, aren’t just values - they’re how we operate, every day.

 

In this role, you will support Kestrel by: 

  • Partnering with operational leaders to strengthen financial understanding, improve cost ownership, identify risks and opportunities, and provide constructive commercial challenge to support decision-making.
  • Leading the preparation, development and ongoing monitoring of budgets, forecasts, cost models and capital expenditure plans.
  • Managing month-end reporting processes, ensuring the accuracy of financial results and delivering clear, meaningful commentary and management reporting.
  • Taking end-to-end ownership of financial performance across assigned departments, proactively identifying cost pressures, forecast movements and areas for improvement.
  • Driving continuous improvement across budgeting, forecasting, reporting and broader financial processes and systems.
  • Supporting core accounting and capital activities, including capital project applications, capitalisation, asset disposals, commitment reviews and financial queries across site.

 

While our ideal candidates will meet the following criteria, we understand that not everyone will tick every box – if you’re interested in the role and believe you can add value, we encourage you to apply.

  • Degree-qualified in Accounting, Business, Commerce or a related field.
  • CA/CPA qualified.
  • Demonstrated senior-level management accounting and business partnering experience, ideally within mining, resources or heavy industry.
  • Strong experience across budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and operational and capital cost management.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and provide commercial challenge and decision support.
  • Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with large, complex datasets.
  • Experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate financial information for non-financial leaders.
  • Proactive, commercially minded and confident working independently and taking ownership in a hands-on environment.
  • Well organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

 

A Place Where You Can Be You:

At Kestrel, we’re building a workplace where everyone can thrive. Inclusion is active, and equity is intentional - not a KPI.

We celebrate people from all cultures, communities, and identities, and we’re committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where you can be yourself.

We welcome applications from everyone - including First Nations people, women and candidates from culturally diverse backgrounds. 

If you need adjustments or support through the application process, just let us know - we’re here to help.

 

How to apply:

Ready to take the next step?  Hit the Apply Now link to send us your resume. 

Got questions?  Reach out to:  recruitment@kestrelcoal.com

Applications close:  18 September 2026.

Please note:  We may progress suitable candidates before the closing date – so don’t wait too long!

 

What to Expect from the Recruitment Process:

At Kestrel, we’re focused on building the right team – people who bring energy, integrity, and the skills to make a difference.  Our recruitment process is designed to help both you and us make informed, confident decisions.

From your first enquiry to final offer, you’ll be supported by a dedicated in-house recruiter – someone who’s part of the Kestrel team and who understands the role and the workplace.

The process typically involves initial conversations, two-way interviews and a site visit so you can get a real feel for working at Kestrel.  We also conduct pre-employment checks including criminal history screening, medical assessments, work rights and qualification verifications, and reference checks.

We’ll keep the process clear, respectful and timely – and we’re here to support you at every step.