Analyst, Accounting Policy

About us 

The Department of Treasury and Finance provides economic, financial and resource management advice to help the Victorian Government deliver its policies. We strive for excellence in financial and economic management to improve the lives of all Victorians.  

The Financial Reporting Group has two distinct teams - Consolidated Reporting & Analysis and Accounting Policy.

The Consolidated Reporting & Analysis team plays a lead role in all whole of state budget and actuals financial publications.

The Accounting Policy team (the team for which this recruitment is undertaken):

• provides expert accounting advice on the State's major projects and transactions;
• manages the State's financial reporting framework (e.g. Victorian Financial Reporting Directions and Model Financial Statements);
• undertakes independent quality assurance on the Department's key products and publications; and
• manages relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.  

About the role 

In this fixed-term role reporting to the Manager, you will be required to:  

• Contribute to the maintenance of accounting and financial reporting policy frameworks and standards that support robust financial management and reporting practices across the Victorian Public Sector;
• Contribute to the identification of, and development of policy options, to new and emerging issues that impact on the Victorian financial reporting and accountability framework;
• Have good accounting knowledge and be relied on for advice on accounting and financial reporting issues;
• Independently research and apply your technical accounting knowledge in the formulation of options and recommendations on financial reporting issues;
• Provide guidance to peers and the broader Victorian public sector entities in the application of accounting standards, financial reporting policies and practices;
• Initiate and maintain relationships with peers and key stakeholders to ensure timelines are be met in the delivery of project, services or advices;
• Contribute to the quality assurance of the Department's products and publications; and
• Actively support and contribute to organisational goals, demonstrate organisational values and behaviours, and a commitment to personal and professional development.  This includes working co-operatively with other teams and supporting the team manager to meet the team's objectives. 

About you 

We are seeking applications from candidates with demonstrable experience in: 

• Financial skills: Good financial analysis skills and demonstrated experience in financial accounting and reporting. This includes the demonstrated ability to clearly identify the financial implications of budget and financial management issues in the provision of advice to management and peers.
• Technical accounting skills: Have a good understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, concepts and Australian accounting standards, including the demonstrated ability to independently research and apply technical accounting knowledge in the formulation of options and recommendations on financial reporting issues.
• Communication and advice: Proven ability to confidently and clearly convey ideas and information, demonstrating an understanding of the target audience when providing guidance to peers and stakeholders in the application of accounting standards, financial reporting policies and practices.
• Delivering solutions/continuous improvements: Demonstrated ability to identify, develop and implement innovative solutions and process improvements that increase the efficiency and effectiveness in delivering on the role and/or objectives of the team.
• Relationships/teamwork: Demonstrated ability to initiate and maintain relationships with peer and relevant stakeholders to ensure timelines are met in the delivery of a project, services or advice.  

Experience and qualifications 

Technical expertise

• Financial systems and Excel capabilities - Demonstrates an understanding of financial systems, and the ability to manipulate financial data or create reports for analysis in delivering business requirements and role expectations.
• Technical knowledge and experience - Has a good understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, concepts and Australian accounting standards, including the demonstrated ability to provide robust and well-researched advice and policy solutions.
• Financial analysis - Applying technical accounting knowledge to financial analysis: Demonstrates a good knowledge of accounting and principles of Government Finance Statistics in the analysis of issues and the provision of advice.
• Holds (or works towards) professional membership of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand or CPA Australia.

Leads effectively

• Aligns and Inspires Action - Integrates team member contributions and communicates how team objectives are aligned with the strategic direction of the Department.  Proactively generates enthusiasm and commitment around team objectives by describing the value that the team contributes to the Department. 
• Builds Capability - Shares knowledge and experience:  Proactively shares knowledge and experience to assist in building the capability and expertise of others.  Is approachable and is available to offer advice specific to professional development.
• Teamwork - Actively participates as a team member:  Collaborates with team members by sharing information and soliciting ideas.  Contributes to team meetings and activities.  Is supportive and encouraging and actively listens to all team members.

Delivers solutions

• Improves Quality - Buildings quality processes:  Identifies and improves ineffective activities within a process.  Introduces new or innovative ideas to processes that make improvements to the way we deliver outcomes.
• Thinks Strategically - Understands impact:  Considers the bigger picture to anticipate likely impacts on own work and that of others.  Demonstrates an understanding of the impacts of various courses of action on other areas of the Department and across government.

Engages for results  

• Builds Relationships - Builds strong networks and relationships within stakeholder organisations.  Identifies potential stakeholders, initiates contact and builds rapport
• Communicate effectively and Advisory/Influencing - Tailors communication:  Uses active listening techniques to ensure accurate understanding of stakeholder issues.  Tailors formal and informal communication to ensure it is appropriate for the target audience.
• Understand the business: Provides advice - Demonstrates a broader awareness of stakeholder environments including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.  Provides advice and solutions that reflect an understanding of stakeholder needs.  Monitors satisfaction levels and acts upon the results to improve service levels.

About our culture 

We aim to be a model employer providing an inclusive workplace that is understanding and respectful of differences such as gender, identity, race, disability or age. In addition, we are committed to supporting Aboriginal pathways between education and employment.  

The Department strives to create an environment that supports a flexible and adaptive workforce. All requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements.   

How to apply 

VPS employees and other JSE-eligible applicants are encouraged to apply on the Jobs & Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board. If during the recruitment process, you are identified as the preferred candidate for this role, you will be required to seek approval from your manager and Executive Director to undertake this role as a secondment. 

For more information about the position and key selection criteria, please refer to the position description. If you have specific questions regarding the role, please contact Siva Sivanantham at ***************@dtf.vic.gov.au or 03 7005 9***.   

To apply, select the ‘Apply Now' button and provide a copy of your resume and cover letter summarising your skills and relevant experience. Applications close at midnight, 6 June, 2024. If you require a copy of this advertisement in an accessible format, please contact the Careers team.  
 
Covid-19 Vaccination 
DTF is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act). To support this DTF has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DTF employees be fully vaccinated.