ROLE DESCRIPTION January Title & Reporting Relationships. Manager Financial Accounting

Transcription

1 ROLE DESCRIPTION January 2017 Title & Reporting Relationships Position Title: Grade: Reports to: Direct Reports: Delegated Authority: Financial Accountant Tax Specialist SP18 Manager Financial Accounting Nil This position holds a financial delegation of $2,000. The position holder is authorised to enter into any contracts in relation to the duties of the position up to this specified limit in accordance with the Council s procurement policy. Purpose of the Group and the Position: The Corporate Services Group comprises: Finance; Communications; Customer Services; Information and Communications Technology and Democracy Services. The Group has responsibility for providing the strategic management and robust effective operation of all financial management, information and technology management including communication networks; communication/media relations; and customer and democratic services functions for the Council. Within this Group the Financial Accountant s role works within the Finance Team to provide high quality, timely, effective advice and support across the organisation including to Elected Members, Committee s and Community Boards to ensure we are able and informed to deliver on Community Outcomes. Internal Contacts: External Contacts: Financial Controller Group Manager Corporate Services Chief Executive All Group Managers Organisational Development Manager Manager Financial Accounting Manager Financial Planning and Performance Rates Manager Finance staff Business Improvement Manager Business Improvement Team Activity Managers Institutional Banks Local Government Funding Agency Systems consultants and suppliers Auditors Inland Revenue Department JD Financial Accountant January 2017 Page 1 of 6

2 Insurance Advisors External Advisors/Consultants SOLGM ICAANZ Local Authorities KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND OUTCOMES In the current local government environment the Council must be well positioned and supported to meet the current and future needs of communities for good quality local infrastructure, local public services and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for businesses and households. Our behaviours demonstrate our commitment to build and maintain an organisation that is acknowledged and respected for its Open for Business approach. We do this by being: Caring we understand our customers needs, share information and work as a team; Dynamic we bring a can-do attitude to make it happen; and Effective we get it right and deliver consistent, value for money services. Staff will be aware of political sensitivities, support equal employment opportunities, and demonstrate an understanding of the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi on the operations of a local authority. Technical The Financial Accountant will work with the Manager - Financial Accounting to support the Financial Controller and Group Manager Corporate Services in the provision of financial leadership to the Council. This is a senior role within Finance responsible for: Financial systems, reporting and ensuring compliance with all finance related legislative and statutory requirements (eg taxation, statutory reporting, Statistics New Zealand Returns) Working collaboratively with the Business Improvement Team to ensure complete and robust process documentation is completed and/or kept and process efficiency is optimised. Financial risk management, ensuring all controls, financial policies and procedures are implemented, monitored and reviewed in line with best practice Ensuring all reporting, transactions processing are delivered in a timely and customer focused manner. Preparation and delivery of financial components of Reports to the Council, Community Boards, and Council Committees. Financial Accounting Assist with the provision of NZGAAP advice to colleagues and internal customers where appropriate. Complete Council s monthly balance sheet reconciliation process. Provide such other financial support, advice or projects as required by the Manager Financial Accounting from time to time that is within the expected knowledge, skills and abilities of the Financial Accountant s role. Prepare Journal entries to record financial transactions. Tax compliance Responsible for Council s taxation compliance processes. Review, assist and ensure timely execution of all Council statutory taxation obligations (e.g. PAYE, GST, WHT and FBT etc.). Review of Council s monthly GST and quarterly FBT returns and submission by due date. Ensure all tax related payments to the IRD are made by due date. Development of a robust schedular tax deduction process and monthly JD Financial Accountant January 2017 Page 2 of 6

3 submission of details to payroll. Assist management with staff tax awareness and the setup of tax policies. Assist management with the execution and monitoring/reporting on Council s taxation strategy and annual performance report to the Audit and Risk Committee. Asset Management/Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable Ensure that all Council expenditure is approved, correct for payment and is correctly coded and authorised within financial delegations. Monitor purchasing procedures and ensure that all Council expenditure is committed in accordance with Council purchasing policies. Review reconciliations of the Council s Fixed Asset Register. Provision of accurate and timely information for inclusion in the Fixed Asset Register, monitoring and managing control and reporting. Provision of financial information & advice for input into Activity and/or Asset Management Plans. Prepare and review monthly balance sheet reconciliations Overview and monitoring of financial transactions systems, processes and procedures to ensure effective and appropriate service levels are agreed and met. Council Controlled Organisations Assisting with the review of CCO Annual Reports and SOI Working with the management in the preparation of these documents. Processes and Procedures Ensure that staff with financial delegations are aware of the Council s accounting policies and procedures and that these are consistently applied and regularly monitored and reviewed. Maintain, monitor and review Council s financial internal control systems to ensure effective processes are established and maintained and are up-to-date to meet the standards set by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand, Ernst Young and the various Parliamentary Acts which the Council is required to comply with. Working collaboratively with the Business Improvement Manager and the wider Business Improvement Team to ensure complete and robust process documentation is completed and/or kept and process efficiency is adequately reviewed and optimised where necessary. Financial Systems, Reporting and Monitoring Ensuring the continued development and improvement of the financial systems to meet management needs. This includes working with the Business Improvement Manager and the wider Business Improvement Team. Assisting the preparation and completion of the financial sections of the Council s Annual Report and Quarterly Financial Reports for the Council and Committees. Review of monthly financial reports for use by the Senior Leadership Team, Finance Team and budget managers. Monitoring financial transactions and activities and report on exceptions on a monthly basis. Monitoring and reviewing Council s financial internal control systems to ensure that effective processes are maintained and are up to date to meet the standards set by the ICAANZ, the Office of the Auditor General and the various Parliamentary Acts which the Council is required to comply with. Managing financial systems so they are efficient and fit for purpose. Project work on managing upgrades and enhancements, proactively reviewing systems and providing leadership on further systems implementations Working with the Financial Controller and Manager Financial Accounting to provide financial leadership to the Council. JD Financial Accountant January 2017 Page 3 of 6

4 Liaise with Auditors to ensure the Annual Report and Debenture Trust Deed attains an unqualified audit opinion and all management points are resolved satisfactorily. Ensure all relevant accounting standards are appropriately adopted, provide technical leadership within the team and contribute to wider Sector working groups or provide submissions as appropriate with standard setting bodies. FUNCTIONAL KEY RESULTS Legislative Compliance Keep up to date with legislation/amended legislative frameworks and be able to demonstrate the application of such changes (in work and or communicate them to others) Project Management Effectively manage assigned projects to ensure on time and within budget, monitor and report regularly to manage risk and provide updates to key stakeholders Ensure documentation is current, available as required and is prepared using Council standard templates/documentation Ensure Council processes and procedures are complied with Customer Service Maintain a professional, courteous, and helpful attitude to all customers (internal and external) ensuring communication is accurate, succinct and in a manner which promotes customer service excellence. Maintain confidentiality at all times. Teamwork Participate willingly and positively in the orientation and training of new staff in specific areas, providing coaching/buddy support as required Provide a contribution to or participate in any projects and initiatives within the Group/organisation where the opportunity arises Participate in initiatives and contribute suggestions as to improvements and/or efficiencies to enable on-going quality improvement. Fully participate as a member of the team undertaking all tasks maintaining positive working relationships with other staff members and internal and external customers. Financial Management Ensure all financial activity is conducted in accord with current policy and procedures Ensure you work within your financial delegation Monitoring and Reporting Review, monitor and report on activity or projects as required by management. Ensure any written reports are produced using Council standard templates and are provided within the required Peer Review timeframes Relationship Management Build and maintain effective professional working relationship with all key stakeholders From time to time, the position holder may be required to perform other duties in conjunction with the role and which are reasonably within their experience and capabilities. JD Financial Accountant January 2017 Page 4 of 6

5 Personal Key Results Demonstrate commitment to organisational values through behaviour that is consistent with our Caring, Dynamic and Effective Open for Business approach to customer service; Establish and maintain effective and efficient working relationships with all stakeholders; Contribute positively and effectively to the operation of the team and the Group as a whole; Take responsibility for your own self development in order to enhance skills and knowledge applicable to current and future positions; and Exhibit behaviours consistent with the understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and its application for the Council. Health and Safety All employees have a responsibility to work towards keeping a safe and healthy work environment by practising safe work methods, identifying work place hazards and using appropriate safety equipment. This includes but is not exclusive to demonstration of the following: taking all reasonable steps to ensure your own safety at work, and that no action or inaction of yours while at work causes harm to any person; reporting any hazards you become aware of in the workplace; observing all safety policies, procedures and precautions, including wearing and using the protective clothing and equipment; notifying your manager/group Manager/H&S Advisor immediately if you have an accident/incident/near miss at work and completing the required forms within 24 hours; notifying your manager/group Manager/H&S Advisor within 24 hours of filing any ACC claim for a work related accident or gradual process injury, and provide your manager/group Manager/H&S Advisor with copies of relevant medical information specific to your claim; At the discretion of the Council, as part of a rehabilitation programme, you may be required to return to work to undertake such alternative duties as are available and are as reasonably within your capability and level of fitness as determined in consultation with a registered medical practitioner. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Experience Completed or working towards a professional ICAANZ qualification. Demonstrated experience in interpreting and applying Accounting Standards. Demonstrated experience in tax compliance and governance processes. Experience in improving financial processes, policies and procedures. Experience in implementing and monitoring a first class internal control environment. Demonstrated proficiency with systems experience in one or more accounting software systems. Competent user of MS Office, in particular MS Word and MS Excel to advanced level. Demonstrated analytical and conceptual problem solving of complex issues providing innovative and creative solution based outcomes. Effective interpersonal skills with a demonstrated commitment to customer service and capability to work with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation. Ability to coach and lead less experienced team members. Good communications skills both oral and written, including ability to write concise and clear reports. JD Financial Accountant January 2017 Page 5 of 6

6 Demonstrated effective organisational skills and time management with ability to prioritise work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Hold a current & valid NZ Driver s License. OTHER INFORMATION Civil Defence Duties All staff of Kāpiti Coast District Council may be required to undertake Civil Defence duties in the event of an emergency. (Training will be given as appropriate.) The Council likewise recognises the staff member s need to ensure their family s needs are adequately catered for. Performance Review Performance in this position will be assessed in terms of an agreed performance plan. Chief Executive... Date... JD Financial Accountant January 2017 Page 6 of 6