Position Description

Transcription

1 Position Description Position Title Senior Accountant Position No 7004 Directorate Department Appointment Type Corporate Services Finance Permanent Full Time Classification Band 7 Occupant Location Kyneton - all employees may be directed to move either permanently or for temporary periods to other offices within the Shire due to operational requirements. Date September 2014 OFFICE USE ONLY Manager Signed Date / / Manager Org. Development or Co-ordinator HR Signed Date / / Director Signed Date / / Employee Signed Date / / Position Objective To take the lead role in the delivery of accounting services, in particular the completion of external and internal financial reporting, general ledger control, preparation of the annual budget and accounting support for Council management and staff.

2 Organisational Values Macedon Ranges Shire Council is committed to an organisational philosophy in which respect, care, honesty & openness are core values & responsibility, accountability and confidentiality are aspired to at all times. Key Responsibilities and Duties 1. Statutory Reporting, Financial Statements & Other Returns Manage the production of statutory, financial and other related statements and returns including: o Annual financial statements in compliance with current accounting standards and the Local Government (Performance Reporting and Accountability) Act 2014 and the Local Government (Planning and Reporting) Regulations 2014 o Victorian Grants Commission return o Australian Bureau of Statistics returns o Financial Performance Indicators Manage the external audit engagement in their review of the annual accounts Assist the Manager Finance with production of Quarterly Report to Council which includes financial statements 2. Management Reporting and Analysis Provide accounting/financial support for the Managers and staff across Council Assist in the Manager Finance in the completion of the monthly financial report Provide analysis and interpretation of accounting related issues, reports and returns. 3. General Ledger Control Co-ordinate the month end close of accounts including the review of financial results to ensure their accuracy, the processing of accruals and accounting adjustments. Ensure that information contained in the General Ledger complies with applicable accounting standards and meets the reporting requirements of the Council Maintain the reporting structures within the finance system

3 Co-ordinate the completion and review of all balance sheet account reconciliations. Ensure that reconciliation discrepancies indentified as part of the reviews are followed up and rectified. Monitor and ensure the accuracy of Council s financial reserves 4. Asset Accounting Co-ordinate and maintain asset balances in the General Ledger Ensure assets reconciliations to the sub-ledger are completed regularly and any reconciliation items are followed up and rectified. Ensure the recording of depreciation, acquisitions and disposals in accordance with accounting standards and Council policy. Review and enhance asset related policies and procedures as appropriate In conjunction with the Assets & Operations Directorate ensure asset revaluations are completed in accordance with accounting standards. Ensure that changes to valuations are reconciled and that there is sufficient supporting documentation. 5. Budget Preparation and Maintenance Assist the Manager Finance in the preparation of Council s Strategic Resource Plan, annual budget, and mid-year budget review. Assist the Manager Finance the maintenance of budget and forecast information in the financial system. Assist the Manager Finance with financial modelling, including long-term financial planning. 6. Other Keep across new or changed regulations relating to Statutory, accounting or other obligations and ensure Council s compliance. Oversee internal financial controls including: The review of changes to Payroll and Accounts Payable master files. The review and sign off the fortnightly payroll and accounts payable runs.

4 Occupational Health and Safety and Risk Management Create, maintain and foster a safe work environment at all times. Ensure that staff follow safe work practices, procedures, instructions and rules at all times. Perform all duties in a manner that ensure personal health and safety, and that of others in the workplace and the general public. Regularly inspect own immediate work environment and report all hazards or incidents that can cause harm or that represent a threat to public safety. Ensure compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations at all times. Follow up on hazard corrective actions. Ensure compliance with Council s Occupational Health & Safety and Risk Management Policies and Procedures. Support the return to work plan for any injured worker designated to return to work within the Team Leader s work area Emergency Management and Response This is one of a number of positions which may be called upon to assist the Council to meet its legislative obligations in respect to disaster response and recovery. The incumbent will, therefore, be required to: Participate in the development and implementation of Council s Emergency Response and Recovery Plans as directed. Participate in emergency response and recovery training as directed. Work with Council s Emergency Management Team to ensure that all essential services across Council are supported in the event of an emergency. Record Keeping This position is responsible for ensuring that all staff in their area are aware of, and adhere to, the Records Management Policy.

5 Organisational Relationships Reports to Finance Manager Internal Contacts All management and staff across Council External Contacts Internal & External Auditors Government Departments - State & Federal Victorian Grants Commission Other Local Government Authorities Professional/Industry Bodies Software Vendors Accountability and Extent of Authority Accountable for all tasks outlined under key responsibilities and duties including external financial reporting and the interpretation and application of accounting standards and the financial requirements of the Local Government Act. Development of accounting and asset policy and procedures Accountable for provision of specialist accounting advice to Council Management and staff. Judgement and Decision Making Make decisions on all matters which are within the responsibility of the position and within any delegated authority, legislative requirements, established policy or recognised standards. Guidance not always available within the organization Specialist Knowledge and Skills Extensive knowledge of accounting standards, theory and principles. Sound knowledge of budgeting and other financial practices Advanced spread sheeting skills. Proficiency with financial systems. Knowledge of GST legislation Detailed understanding of external audit processes

6 Management Skills Ability to manage time, set priorities, achieve objectives and meet deadlines within budgetary constraints and whilst maximising organisational resources. Ability to implement procedures, monitor progress and evaluate results. Ability to be flexible and apply practices to satisfy the needs of changing circumstances. Well developed leadership, problem solving and motivation skills. Interpersonal Skills Excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent time management skill and ability to meet deadlines Ability to work in and contribute to a team environment. High level of customer services skills. Ability to discuss and resolve accounting and financial issues with internal and external counterparts. Qualifications and Experience Degree or Diploma qualification in Accounting/Commence and eligibility for membership to an Australian Professional Accounting Body. Extensive accounting experience including external and internal financial reporting, budgeting and general ledger control with medium to large organisation(s). Detailed knowledge of current Australian Accounting Standards.

7 Selection Criteria 1. Degree or Diploma qualification in Accounting/Commence and eligibility for membership to an Australian Professional Accounting Body. 2. Extensive accounting experience including external and internal financial reporting, budgeting, asset accounting and general ledger control with medium to large organisation(s). 3. Detailed knowledge of current Australian Accounting Standards 4. Proficient in the use of financial systems and MS Excel 5. Excellent communication and problem solving skills and a proven ability to meet deadlines. 6. Willingness to undertake National Police Check. Conditions of Employment Employment conditions for all employees are in accordance with the current certified agreements at this council and employment contract or industrial agreement, organisational policies and procedures as amended. Current certified agreements pertaining to Macedon Ranges Shire Council employees are: Macedon Ranges Shire Council Enterprise Agreement 2013 Local Government Early Childhood Education Employees Agreement 2009 Arrangements specific to your employment and work place will be explained to you during the recruitment process. For further details Enterprise Agreements can be downloaded from You will be responsible for the duties as outlined in this position description and any such duties, which could be reasonably asked of a person in this position, as designated to you by your supervisor.

8 Application Process The selection process has been designed to ensure that all eligible applicants have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills and suitability for the position. The selection process may include skills tests or work samples where appropriate, reference checking, psychological profiling, a medical examination or police check. Appointment to positions within Macedon Ranges Shire Council is on the basis of merit. Key Selection Criteria The position description should be read very carefully as this describes the core duties and requirements of the position and outlines the criteria used as a basis for selecting the most appropriate person for the job. Unless specified it is mandatory to address the key selection criteria. We recommend that rather than stating you can meet each criterion; give specific examples illustrating particular skills which will enable us to determine how well you meet them. More Information The Contact Officer s name is stated on the Job Advertisement. If you have any queries, please contact this person so your questions can be addressed promptly. Speaking to the contact person may assist you in your decision on whether to apply for the position. Privacy Statement - Recruitment Personal and Health Information will be collected by Council during the recruitment process. The Personal and Health Information will be used solely by Council for this purpose. Council may disclose this information to other organisations if required by legislation. The applicant may apply to council for access to and/or amendment of the information after finalisation of the appeals process. Information relating to unsuccessful applicants may be destroyed by Council after 12 months from this time. Requests for access and/or correction should be made to Council s Privacy Officer.

9 Canvassing of Councillors and Council Officers Canvassing of Councillors and Council Officers, either indirectly or directly that may influence the outcomes of this application may be deemed a disqualification. Where to Send Applications Applications will be kept strictly confidential and should be addressed to Macedon Ranges Shire Council P O Box 151 KYNETON VIC 3444 Please address the key selection criteria in your application.