Assistant Accountant/ Financial Accountant

Western Queensland PHN (WQPHN) is one of seven Primary Health Networks across Queensland, and 31 nationally funded by the Australian Government, which has a supportive, innovative and collaborative organisational culture. Our goal is to improve the integration of primary care services to create seamless health care in our shared communities across almost one million square kilometres of Western Queensland.

WQPHN is a commissioner of health services who works closely with all health service providers across the region to identify where there are gaps in primary health care, and commissions local providers to cost-effectively provide those services, building a sustainable and integrated system that places the patient at the centre of care.

The Assistant Accountant / Financial Accountant plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and integrity of the organisation by overseeing various accounting and financial activities, providing high-quality financial support to the Senior Financial Controller (SFC), Senior Management Team (SMT), and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). By applying astute corporate governance principles, this role ensures the maintenance of accurate and reliable financial records that comply with internal policies and processes, as well as applicable legislation, in order to mitigate any risk and protect the reputation of the WQPHN.

The role is responsible for the following key functions within WQPHN:

• Reviewing and assisting the Accounts Officer with the accounts payable function including checking, coding and processing invoices and reimbursements for payment in MYOB consistent with the financial delegations policy and appropriate approvals, including uploading invoices and updating milestones in Open Windows.
• Reviewing and assisting the Accounts Officer with the timely and accurate processing of end-to-end payroll including salary packaging, leave management and superannuation
• Reviewing and assisting the Accounts Officer with the monthly BAS/PAYG preparation and lodgment
• Preparation of month-end processes
• Support SFC in the preparation of monthly management reports and other Briefing Notes for board meetings
• Assist the SMT and CEO as required on finance matters (including insurance and lease management, through the SFC).
• Preparation of the quarterly Rubric report including information for the finance dashboard on Commissioned Service Providers
• Assist the SFC with:
• Conducting financial analysis to provide insights into the company's performance and identify areas for improvement. This may include variance analysis, profitability analysis, and financial modelling.
• Monitoring cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity for the organisation's operations while optimising the use of financial resources.
• Coordinating and providing support for internal and external audits, including preparing audit schedules and responding to auditor inquiries.
• Writing of briefing notes as required for SMT and Board meetings
• Demonstrate compliance with ethical, professional, legal, financial, and employment obligations, finance policies as approved by the Board, and with WQPHN QMS policies and procedures.

The successful candidate will possess: 

• Vocational or tertiary qualifications in accounting, bookkeeping and/or a minimum of four years’ experience in an equivalent position including payroll and salary packaging processing.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare clear and concise business communication documents including reports, agendas, minutes, letters, and general correspondence.
• Advanced proficiency with MYOB and proven proficiency in Microsoft Office (including SharePoint), and other office productivity and accounting tools, with aptitude to learn new software and systems.
• Financial analysis experience, enabling assisting the SFC to use financial data to provide recommendations to support business decisions.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, manage conflicting deadlines and demonstrate effective problem-solving skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal communication skills to build and maintain relationships with the ability to respectfully engage with WQPHN colleagues and stakeholders.
• Experience working in the not-for-profit health sector and/or Commonwealth-funded organisations is highly regarded.

Ideally, this critical role will be based within the WQPHN region in Longreach, Mount Isa, Winton or Roma; however, applicants are welcome to apply from across the state. Hybrid work from home arrangements also apply. The remuneration package for this role includes attractive tax-exempt salary packaging options. 

WQPHN is committed to undertaking all work within a culturally inclusive, sensitive and safe framework that supports Reconciliation. The WQPHN Reconciliation Action Plan shows our commitment and dedication to embedding reconciliation initiatives into our everyday work.

Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged for all WQPHN positions.

Applications should include your current resume accompanied by a cover letter explaining your candidacy for the role.

Applications close at 9am on Monday 3 June 2024.