Job Title: Financial Accountant
About the Role
This position plays a crucial role in supporting the Manager Financial Accounting & Assets in achieving Council's financial and asset management objectives. You will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely financial information and analysis, assisting with compliance and statutory reporting, and contributing to the enhancement of Council's financial systems, processes, and reporting tools.
Key Responsibilities:
* Maintain accurate and complete asset registers, including processing capitalisations, disposals, and depreciation in accordance with legislation and accounting standards.
* Assist with the financial reporting and processing requirements in asset management at month end and year end.
* Prepare annual financial statements and liaise with internal and external auditors.
* Coordinate and prepare statutory returns as required by regulatory bodies.
* Support budgeting, forecasting, and the preparation of operational and capital budgets.
* Collect and analyze data relevant to long-term financial and asset management planning.
* Contribute to the asset revaluation process and liaise with auditors and internal stakeholders.
* Assist the broader Finance team with other period-end processing and year-end financial close processes as required.
* Produce timely reconciliations of balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy and consistency within the general ledger.
* Ensure compliance with financial legislation, standards, tax regulations, and internal controls.
* Prepare audit documentation and respond to audit queries.
Requirements
We are seeking someone who shares our values of respect, accountability, courage, and resilience. The ideal candidate will have:
* Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, with progress toward CPA Australia or CA ANZ membership.
* At least two years' experience in financial accounting or asset management, preferably within a local government or regulatory environment.
* Strong understanding and application of Australian Accounting Standards, financial reporting obligations, and internal control frameworks.
* Strong self-motivation and organisation skills, the ability to exercise professional judgement, make independent decisions, and assist in policy and process improvements.
* High-level analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail, accuracy in financial data reporting, and quality assurance skills.
* Proficiency in financial systems and tools, including experience with ERP software and advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities.
* Ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and work autonomously and constructively in a team environment.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
* Demonstrated understanding of the issues impacting Torres Strait Islander people together with the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively.