POSITION DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 POSITION DESCRIPTION Job Title: Responsible To: Position Purpose: FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT Finance and Corporate Services Manger This job exists to: 1) To provide high quality, accurate and timely financial and business advice 2) To ensure statutory requirements are met and best financial and business management practices are followed 3) Provide sound financial and business advice and policy aid decision making throughout Council 4) To ensure the provision of high quality internal and external customer service. Date: August 2011 Organisation Context: Chief Executive Finance & Corporate Services Manager Financial Accountant Important Functional Relationships: External Ratepayers/Residents Government Departments Professional Advisors Local Authorities Bay of Plenty Regional Council Key Result Areas: Internal Elected Members Executive Team Managers Committees/Groups Professional Business & Community Groups Iwi and hapu The position of Financial Accountant encompasses the following functions or Key Result Areas: Financial Planning Financial Advice and Analysis Analysis Monthly and Quarterly Reporting Annual Reporting 1

2 The requirements in the above Key Result Areas are broadly identified below: Jobholder is accountable for 1 Financial Planning Responsible for Council s financial planning requirements (Annual and Long Term). 2 Undertaking the collection and analysis of data for preparation of Council's financial planning processes 3 Development and maintenance of Monthly and Quarterly Reporting Jobholder is successful when Financial forecasts (including cashflow forecasts) are accurate, timely (statutory and internal timeframes) and readable to its intended audiences (both financial and non-financial people) Financial planning, modelling and analysis reflect Council s strategic and policy direction and the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA), in particular section 100 Financial forecasts comply with all statutory requirements, Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting Standards Appropriate financial models are developed and maintained to ensure integrity and reliability Council s auditors are involved in the long-term financial planning processes at timely intervals to ensure a high level of accuracy and quality Council receives a no tag audit report. Collection and analysis of data for preparation of Council s financial planning processes is undertaken Internal customers are well informed of what is expected of them for the development of financial forecasts to inform financial planning processes Accurate and up-to-date information is available within the agreed timeframes. Monthly and Quarterly reports are delivered to the Management Team and Elected Members within agreed timeframes Monthly and Quarterly reports for all Councils operations are accurate and comprehensive Monthly and Quarterly reports are well structured and understandable by the intended audience Individuals responsible for providing information for the reporting process are well informed of what is expected of them Monthly and Quarterly reports comply with statutory requirements, Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting Standards Monthly and Quarterly Reports clearly monitor progress against established plan Monthly and Quarterly Reports are reviewed and analysed, and issues / discrepancies are clearly identified and disclosed. 2

3 Jobholder is accountable for 4 Development of Council s Annual Report and facilitating the Annual Audit of Accounts 5 Examining new initiatives and advising the Management Team on request with regard to: Availability of financial and other resources. Viability / minimum cost expectations. Cost/benefit analysis. 6 Treasury Management Cashflow Investments Liabilities 7 Providing business and financial advice to the Management Team and other Members of staff 8 Personal Development Develop and maintain professional knowledge and contacts. 9 Health & Safety Provide leadership through a commitment to the organisations Health and Safety standards Ensure that Organisations Health and Safety Policy and Procedure are compiled with within your area Develop any appropriate Health and Safety procedures required specifically for your area. Jobholder is successful when The Annual Report for the Council s operations is accurate, comprehensive and delivered within internal and legislative timeframes. The Annual Report is well structured and understandable by the intended audience. Individuals responsible for providing information for the Annual Reporting process are well informed of what is expected of them (for example, consolidating reports from other Managers). The Annual Report complies with all statutory requirements, in particular the LGA, Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting Standards. Council s auditors are involved in the Annual report development processes at timely intervals to ensure a high level of accuracy and quality. Audit process operates smoothly. Council receives a no tag audit report. Decision making regarding new initiatives is supported by accurate financial information. Timely and accurate financial modelling and analysis supports policy development and decision making. Management Team and Team are aware of the resource implications of the projects they are involved in. Council s investments and liabilities are managed in accordance with Policy Appropriate cashflows are maintained to support the implementation of the Annual and Long Term Plan. Internal customers are satisfied with the quality of information and advice received Advice given is sound and based on generally accepted accounting practice. Undertake sufficient training to complete institutes professional development hours Attend, and where opportunities present issues relevant to Local Government and the Council Maintain register of development undertaken. Work place accidents are maintained within industry standards Proactively support Organisations Health and Safety Contribute to the development of Health and Safety policies as appropriate in order to provide a safe workplace. Other duties expected of position holder Undertake any necessary training to ensure preparedness for a Civil Defence Emergency Fulfil allocated Civil Defence responsibilities in times of civil emergency Actively participate in Council s health and safety programme Adhere to Council s personnel policies as stated in the Employee Handbook Participate in organisation s Personal Performance and Development Programme Participate in the organisation s business improvement programme Undertake such other duties and functions as may be requested of you by your Manager Note The above performance standards are provided as a guide only. The precise performance measures for this position will need further discussion between the jobholder and manager as part of the performance management process. 3

4 Person Specification: Knowledge/Experience High level of understanding of accounting concepts, standards and business processes Experience in contributing to the implementation of strategic and business plans, policy, procedures and practices Ability to develop and interpret policies and procedures Excellent written communication skills (including the ability to make financial and business information understandable to those outside of the profession) Highly developed interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to relate to staff at all levels and an ability to develop working relationships Ability to analyse and evaluate information from a range of information source in order to make key decisions and / or recommendations affecting people, policy or procedures Ability for critical thinking using logic and rational assessment to test, validate, and verify information, data, assumptions and ideas Excellent organisational skills Key Job Competencies Team person Leadership Motivated Energy and enthusiasm Initiative and integrity Confidence Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with a wide range of people Willingness for ongoing development Well organised Flexible 4

5 Manager Date Position Holder Date 5