Overview
Reporting to the Manager Financial Reporting & Operations, the primary outcome for this role is to provide leadership of, and be the authority on, month-end accounting and reconciliations (including CBMS reporting and maintenance). The role also oversees Tax compliance, statutory reporting preparation including attendance to audit queries, transaction review and approvals, and management of appropriations of the Bureau. You will play a crucial role in managing and optimising the financial accounting operations function in a Commonwealth setting, including designing, implementing, and maintaining effective operational policies and internal control over the aforementioned functions in a Commonwealth Government context.
The role includes all aspects of financial reporting (both monthly and End of Financial Year (EOFY)). It requires a strong reconciliation and data quality mindset with solid knowledge of accounting standards and Commonwealth Government reporting and disclosure requirements.
You will also require a sound understanding of GST and FBT concepts and an ability to interact with the Commonwealth government Tax support area (GTMS). An understanding of the frameworks that bring the financial accounting results together (including procure to pay cycle) is essential.
The occupant will bring confident communication skills, expertise in Commonwealth government financial frameworks, deep understanding of financial accounting, and strong leadership skills.
Key duties
* Lead a team to manage the financial operations for the Bureau, operating under broad direction, and deliver the defined work outcomes.
* Ensure transactions and processes comply with accounting principles and Commonwealth government financial frameworks (i.e. PGPA Act).
* Manage the month-end process (including preparation of journals and reconciliations) ensuring established deadlines are met.
* Attend to the Monthly CBMS actuals process.
* Oversee the treasury function for the Bureau, ensuring bank accounts are managed and reconciled, funds are available as required, and appropriations are efficiently and effectively managed.
* Oversee and review the monthly BAS and annual FBT processes.
* Review and approve various drawdowns, payments, and effort capture submissions.
* Prepare statutory financial reports, notes and accompanying schedules and reconciliations. Manage EOFY model financial accounts and attend to Audit requests where required.
* Develop and maintain key stakeholder relationships, providing financial accounting and reporting advice.
* Provide regular and ad hoc training on financial activities including financial accounting, reporting, and relevant system training.
* Engage in systems and process improvement initiatives.
* Act as the main point of contact for addressing inquiries related to financial reporting (financial accounting and general ledger), statutory reporting, GST and FBT compliance and advice, appropriations management, and ERP administration (Currently SAP and SAP Concur).
* Develop policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency and compliance of the function.
* Comply with all Bureau health and safety policies and procedures, and take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your conduct.
Eligibility
* Tertiary accounting qualifications in commerce, accounting or a related field are highly desirable, with relevant professional qualifications such as CPA Australia or CA Australia preferred.
* Extensive experience in Financial Accounting and Reporting with knowledge of Commonwealth Government financial frameworks, specifically appropriations.
* Experience managing FBT and GST functions.
* Demonstrated experience in leading and developing a team and building a team-based performance-focused culture.
* Demonstrated ability to think critically, set clear objectives, and contribute to business improvement strategies.
* Strong communication skills and ability to develop relationships and effectively communicate accounting concepts to non-finance staff.
* Demonstrate sound judgement, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities across financial and business deliverables.
About the Bureau
The Bureau of Meteorology is Australia's national weather, climate and water agency. We provide data, information, knowledge, insight and wisdom to help Australians prepare and respond to natural environment realities, including droughts, floods, fires, storms, and other events. We operate under the authority of relevant legislation and work with partners across Government and key sectors.
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