SOUTH GIPPSLAND WATER POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION: Financial Accountant Classification: Band 7 ID Officer Section Department Award Finance Administration SGW CA This position operates within South Gippsland Water s Policies and Procedures with an emphasis on: 1) Ensuring public safety by observing and reporting all potential public liability risks 2) Ensuring the security and maintenance of property and reporting any known security issues or risks. South Gippsland Water requires a total commitment to the following principles: Environment To act in a responsible manner in all matters where the environment is impacted by South Gippsland Water's operations. OH&S Ensure reasonable care is taken for own Health and Safety as well as other staff members and ensure no one is affected by workplace activities or omissions and comply with the Corporation s OH&S policies and procedures. Quality Management Act at all times to maintain and secure SGW assets, ensuring they meet their service delivery objectives efficiently and effectively, by reporting all potential risks and adhering to SGW policies and procedures. Freedom to Act The position reports to the Manager Finance and Corporate Services and is primarily responsible for assisting the Corporate Accountant & Finance Team in producing financial and accounting information. All accounting information is to present a true and accurate record of the Corporation's financial situation at all times. Primary Objectives The position is primarily responsible for the timely financial and statutory accounting requirements of the Corporation including accurate reporting and analysis of financial results.
Duties Maintain and operate the General Ledger, including Subsidiary Ledgers, in accordance with the approved Chart of Accounts & relevant accounting standards. Maintain an accurate asset register in accordance with relevant regulations and accounting standards. Prepare timely depreciation schedules based on an up to date asset register. Prepare monthly reconciliations on allocated balance sheet accounts and key revenue and expense accounts. Prepare monthly Capex Reports for management & the Board including review of WIP accounts. Prepare monthly and quarterly Finance reports & forecasts for management and the Board. Maintain and operate the Chameleon Financial Budgeting, Forecasting and Reporting Software ensuring GL transactions are captured and reported accurately and that reporting, budgeting and forecasting is continually improved with the changing needs of the Corporation. Prepare daily bank reconciliations and assist with the Daily Cash Flow & Treasury requirements of the Corporation in accordance with relevant policies and approval process. Prepare reports for submission to various government agencies including DSE, DTF, ESC etc. Prepare monthly BAS and Payroll tax submissions. Assist the Finance Manager and staff in the preparation of the annual operational, capital expenditure & revenue budgets in accordance with long term business strategies. Assist in the preparation of FBT for review and lodgment. Analyse trends in Revenue, Expenses, Capex, Debts and Major Customers and report to the Finance Manager any such trends and recommendations. Liaise as required with team leaders and Managers to provide advice and guidance on budget variances. Provide support to the Accounts Payable and Receivable functions, assisting to correct sub ledger and general ledger variances when required. Manage central Corporation contracts, e.g. Electricity and Leases Assist in education sessions for all staff in relation to topical accounting policies & procedures, the budget process and financial progress and results at least every six months. Work closely with the other areas to provide advice, training, assistance to Corporation staff in respect to financial requirements and procedures as required
Build strong internal networks & relationships and contribute to the broader direction of the Corporation Demonstrated commitment to the Corporations Values & behaviors and ensure that the activities of the finance department are aligned to these values. Continually review and challenge existing processes and policies in relation to best practice and ongoing suitability for the Corporation. Ensure the Finance Manager is well briefed on any financial & accounting issues that arise. Become conversant with the workings of the various Acts, Regulations, By Laws and Legislation applicable to the accounting and financial reporting requirements of the Corporation. Carry out other duties related to finance and accounting as required. Ensure reasonable care is taken for own Health and Safety as well as other staff members and ensure no one is affected by workplace activities or omissions and comply with the Corporation's OH&S Policies and Procedures. Attend relevant meetings, conventions, and seminars as approved by the General Manager of Corporate Services. Accountability and Extent of Authority / Judgement and Decision Making The position operates within Corporation policy and approved Corporate Plan frameworks with responsibility to: Ensure all work, projects and assignments are completed within the required timeframe. Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of accounting information and system. Make on the job decisions on a daily basis with some reference to the Finance Manager as required. Ensure that the Corporation's accounting system is accurate and complies with Accounting Standards. Assist in the production of complete, timely and accurate financial information in line with State Government legislation, regulation, standards and/or guidance. Carry out duties in accordance with Corporation environmental policies procedures to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and guidelines. Specialist Knowledge and Skills Knowledge and skills in the following areas are required: Financial Accounting including processing journals, accruals, reconciliations of sub and general ledgers. Accounting knowledge including GST, FBT, payroll tax, asset accounting. Knowledge and experience in Occupational Health and Safety issues and current legislative requirements.
Management Skills The incumbent requires, and should be able to demonstrate: Time management skills with the ability to set individual priorities, coordinate and Manage concurrent tasks, plan and organise tasks and set work schedules to ensure objectives are met within the prescribed timeframe and to maintain work output in times of increased workloads. An ability to plan, program, coordinate and manage projects to achieve established objectives and goals. Flexibility in approach to work methods, compliance with tight deadlines and ability to adapt to changing priorities and unforeseen increased workloads. Decision making and negotiation skills with the ability to anticipate and respond to situations in a decisive and effective manner. Problem solving, interpretation, reasoning and judgment skills with an ability to identify problems and improve systems, procedures and processes. Inter-personal Skills The position will be required to: Demonstrate communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to liaise across all levels both internally and externally.. Provide a high standard of professionalism when dealing with members of the public and customers. Key Selection Criteria The requirements of the position are: Must have a current Victorian drivers licence. Tertiary qualification in Business (Accounting) 5 years minimum experience in a Financial Accounting role Experience in financial and management reporting Experience in preparing BAS and payroll tax returns, FBT desirable Knowledge of month end transaction processing Intermediate MS Excel skills Knowledge of asset accounting and asset register maintenance desirable Knowledge of databases desirable e.g. table construction / variables / mapping
The undersigned agrees that this Position Description is an accurate summary of the requirements of the job. Employee:... Date:... Employer:... Date:...