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Form of work Position Description
Financial Accountant
Reports to: Manager Finance & Facilities
Directorate/Department: Business Services/Finance & Facilities
Number of direct As per Organisational Structure
reports:
Employment Type: Full-Time / Permanent
Salary/Award Level 4 – Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services
Classification: Industry Award 2010
Community Living Australia has charitable status for Fringe
Benefits Tax purposes and is therefore able to offer taxation
benefits through salary sacrifice
Position Purpose
The Financial Accountant is a key member of the finance team and is responsible for day-to-
day operations and preparation of statutory lodgements, month and year-end accounts.
This role will provide support to the Manager Finance & Facilities and act as a
supervisor/mentor to the wider finance team in managing workloads and financial priorities to
meet day to day financial outputs.
Principal Duties
Assist the Manager Finance & Facilities with the supervision and mentoring of the
Finance Team to complete tasks efficiently and effectively, providing direction when
necessary
Provide training and advice to staff on accounting practices and the use of systems
and databases
Coordinate the “month end” process and prepare financial information including
processing accrual journal entries and reconciling balance sheet accounts, in
accordance with monthly internal reporting timeframes
Maintain the fixed assets register and lease accounting
Provide back-fill support across all finance functions to cover leave or to alleviate
workload
Assist with general enquiries from all stakeholders on finance related matters
Manage organisational bank accounts
Assist the Manager Finance & Facilities with statutory compliance requirements
Assist the Manager Finance & Facilities with treasury management
Assist with budgeting, cash flow, forecasting, monthly management account
preparation and ad hoc reporting as requested
Assist with the maintenance of financial systems including general ledger maintenance,
updates, balancing, reconciling and control processes
Assist in the preparation and uploading of periodic budget reviews and forecasts
Contribute to the continuous improvement of systems, transactional processing,
procedures and processes that support the timely and accurate recording and reporting
of financial information in accordance with organisational policy and robust internal
control practices
Maintain a high customer focus and emphasis on client service delivery in the carrying
out of all functions.
Participate in or independently undertake projects or tasks as directed
Assist the Manager Finance & Facilities with Tenders, audit requirements and/or
relevant financial projects
Develop, motivate and lead staff, fostering a positive workplace culture where staff feel
engaged, empowered and supported.
In conjunction with the Manager Finance & Facilities coordinate recruitment and
performance appraisals of the Finance Team
Work collaboratively with peers and colleagues, across the organisation, to achieve
organisational objectives
Apply WHS legislation and create and manage a safe work environment
Champion organisational values and culture to ensure the affiliated behaviours are
demonstrated across the organisation
The responsibilities as specified above may be altered in accordance with the changing
requirements of the position.
Core Competency/Capability
(NDS CSS 4)
These six core competencies are the capabilities that need to be demonstrated in order for
the incumbent to be functional in their role and links to the NDS competency framework
Sector & organisation purpose & values
A thorough practical working knowledge of human rights based approaches, the
individual and community context, and sector and organisation purpose and values.
Within the team is able to articulate and integrate sector and organisation approaches
and values.
Leadership & teamwork
An enhanced working knowledge of a human rights based approach and the individual
and community context, and sector and organisation purpose and values. Encourages
sector and organisation approach and values in other team members.
Communication
A skilled team member, acting as a resource on a regular basis, providing coaching and
feedback. Shares knowledge and information with less experienced staff. Varies own
schedule, contacting senior staff only to seek specialised help or notify progress or
work.
Customer relations
Works with customers to explore and resolve their practical needs, expectations and
goals. Uses understanding of relevant service delivery theory and has operational
knowledge of supports and services available. Is flexible and suggests alternatives and
gathers information to enable effective referral. Undertakes service
liaison/communication with customers during complex problem resolution. Understands
confidentiality and diversity aspects. Understands and assists with building and
maintaining relevant stakeholder relationships.
Personal accountability
Adheres to organisation policies & procedures and all relevant government legislation
and standards. Encourages others. Understands and interprets complicated standards
which require variations to procedures. Adopts a professional approach to own
accountability and influences others. Supports safe work practices. Recognises
responsibility in maintaining own organisation’s image and reputation and assists other
staff.
Innovation
Meets responsibilities using a resourceful and creative approach. Seeks opportunities to
innovate within the context of the role. Solves problems requiring the practical
application of theory. Understands why risk mitigation and continuous improvement are
important and can convey this to less experienced staff.
Skills & Experience
To perform this role successfully the incumbent must be able to satisfactorily demonstrate the
following key qualifications, experience and skills
Academic or Professional Qualifications
Bachelor Degree in Accounting
Desirable – CPA/CA affiliation (or working towards)
Skills and Delivered Performance
Strong accrual accounting and reconciliation skills
Ability to interpret and explain financial reports including balance sheet, profit and loss
and cash flow
Experience in maintaining a fixed asset register and lease accounting
Experience in maintaining and preparing supporting documentation for external audit
review
Solid understanding of finance functions including accounts payable, accounts
receivable, banking and general ledger management
Ability to lead, mentor and develop finance staff
Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team, contribute to a culture of teamwork and
take a shared responsibility for achieving results in a customer service environment
Experience in providing advice, support and assistance to staff and management on a
range of finance processes
High level experience in the use of computer software packages (in particular Excel)
and systems appropriate to a financial management and accounting environment
Proven ability to work without direct supervision, to cope with high volumes of work,
deal with competing demands, meet strict deadlines and organise activities to provide
efficient services
Affinity with nonprofit organisations and respect for their philosophy and values
Demonstrated commitment to continual professional and personal development
Special Requirements (Essential)
Have and maintain a current Australian Class 1 Drivers Licence for duration of
employment
Obtain and maintain a DHS General Employment Probity Check
Participate annually in the performance appraisal process to establish performance
objectives and KPI’s ongoing
Travel to service regions, sites and locations (as required)
Private use of vehicle – adhering to the conditions and requirements of the Motor
Vehicles (Use of Private Vehicle) Operating Procedure
Work across multiple worksites and/or relocate to other worksites (within reason) as
required
Attend meetings, training and professional development as required
Some out of hours work may be required
Mandatory Vaccination – proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and (as directed
by CLA, Government Direction or law) other diseases
