1. TITLE: Accountant

2. LEVEL: Level 8

3. DEPARTMENT/SECTION: Corporate Services

4. POSITION OBJECTIVES:

4.1 Objectives of Position:

To provide sound financial and information technology management of Council’s operation.

4.2 Within Section:

Responsible for day to day accounting requirements including the maintenance and production of accounting records and reports in compliance with statutory requirements, Council policies, and accounting standards.

Direct and control finance staff.

4.3 Within Organisation:

Liaise with other staff on matters associated with financial control and budget management.

Keep the Manager Corporate Services informed on all matters relevant to proper management of Councils finances.

Provide financial advice and information to Council and senior staff for the management of the Council.

5. REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB:

5.1 Skills:

• Highly developed accountancy skills;
• Highly developed computer skills;
• Well developed time and personal management skills;
• Developed Human Resource skills;
• Well developed verbal and written communication skills;
• Well developed public relations and interpersonal skills;
• Well developed team development and leadership skills;
• Sound decision making skills;
• Developed problem solving and conflict resolution skills;
• Sound innovative skills;
• Developed budgeting and financial management skills.

2. Knowledge:

• Detailed knowledge of information technology including computer systems and software operations;

• Well developed knowledge of Local Government accounting standards and other statutory requirements;

• Sound knowledge of Council's organisational structure and function;
• Working knowledge of local community;
• Sound knowledge of Local Government practices and procedures;
• Knowledge of contemporary financial management practices and techniques.

5.3 Experience:

• At least 3 years experience in an accounting and/or financial administration position;
• At least 2 years experience in preparation of annual financial reports and organisational budgets.

5.4 Qualifications and/or Training:

• A tertiary qualification with a major in accounting;
• Participation in ongoing professional development;
• Hold a current "A" Class Licence.

6. KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure compliance of Council's accounting practices with the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations, the Local Government Act 1995 and Australian Accounting Standards, in particular AAS27;

• Oversee preparation of monthly financial reports for presentation to Council or appropriate Committee;

• Prepare quarterly financial reports for presentation to Council;

• Prepare the annual financial reports for certification by the Principal Accounting Officer;

• Monitor preparation of monthly bank reconciliations;

• Supervise Finance section staff including the allocation of annual leave and the control of rostered days off in accordance with Council Policy;
• Preparation of Council's Annual Budget and forward financial plans;

• Monitor performance against budget estimates and prepare a draft quarterly budget review for the perusal of management;

• Identifying surplus Council funds for investment in accordance with Council Policy;

• Responsible for all day to day operations of computer systems including installing new software and initiating new systems when appropriate. Make recommendations to the Manager Corporate Services and management in general, in relation to computer systems performance in respect of both hardware and software;

• Monitor payroll preparation and clarify payroll calculations prior to payment;

• Implement and maintain appropriate costing systems to assist other divisions and sections with financial information and statistical data for management and statutory purposes;

• Make recommendations to the Manager Corporate Services in relation to staffing levels and selection of staff;

• Act as authorised cheque signatory in accordance with Council Policy;

• Responsible for improving and maintaining the integrity of systems and procedures for adequate control of the Council's financial resources, including procedures for purchases, payroll, stores management, rates and other debtors;

• Provide responses to audit queries in conjunction with Manager Corporate Services;

• Develop goals and objectives in conjunction with Manager Corporate Services and other Corporate Services staff;

• Any other duties consistent with the level of this position and the principles of broad banding.

7. ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

1. Responsible to: Manager Corporate Services

7.2 Supervision of: Revenue Clerk

Payroll Officer

Administration Assistant/Purchasing Officer

Expenditure Clerk

Customer Services Officers – Tom Price & Para

Finance Officer

7.3 Internal and External Liaisons:

Internal: Chief Executive Officer

Manager Corporate Services

Other Managers

Other Staff

External: Creditors/Debtors

Ratepayers

General Public

Other Shires/Town Councils

Computer Support (Authority etc)

Government Departments

8. EXTENT OF AUTHORITY:

• Operates under broad direction of the Manager Corporate Services within established guidelines, procedures and policies of Council as well as statutory provisions of the Local Government Act and other legislation and accounting standards;
• Signs orders for purchase of goods and services in accordance with Council Policy;
• Act as authorised cheque signatory in accordance with Council Policy.

9. SELECTION CRITERIA:

Essential:

• Highly developed accountancy skills;
• Highly developed computer skills;
• Well developed time and personal management skills;
• Developed Human Resource Management skills;
• Well developed verbal and written communication skills;
• Well developed public relations and interpersonal skills;
• At least 3 years experience in an accounting and/or financial administration position;
• Well developed team leadership skills;
• Developed budgetary and financial management skills;
• Detailed knowledge of information technology;
• Well developed knowledge of Local Government accounting standards and other statutory requirements;
• Hold a tertiary qualification with a major in accounting;
• Hold a current "A" Class Licence;

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of local community;
• Sound knowledge of Council's organisational structure and function;
• General knowledge of Local Government accounting requirements.

16 February, 2000

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