Management Accountant
Job No:
PEAK432
Location:
Cooktown
- Pivotal Senior Finance role
- Unique Opportunity to Leverage your Career in Tropical North QLD
- Up to $100K + Super + 5 weeks’ Leave + Relocation Assistance + RDO
About the Organisation
Cook Shire is the largest shire in terms of land area in Queensland, covering over 100,000 square kilometres and occupying 80% of Cape York Peninsula. Cooktown is 331km from Cairns (approximately 4 hours by car on the inland road). It is a vibrant area, from the main township of Cooktown to smaller outlying communities rich in indigenous history, agriculture, tourism and arts. About half of the Shire's 4600-strong population live in Cooktown, on the banks of the Endeavour River. Cook Shire is enriched by the unique contributions of its smaller communities, with Lakeland, a national leader in agriculture and Laura which is world-famous for its rock art. More information on Cooktown and Cape York Peninsula can be found HERE
Council has developed an organisational structure that maximises the effectiveness of service delivery to the community. The council comprises the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Leadership Team along with three departments:
- Organisational Business Services
- Community, Economy and Innovation
- Infrastructure Services
The Mayor, Chief Executive Officer and Directors form the Executive Leadership Team. The role of this team is to provide consultation on issues regarding the Council's strategic direction and long term planning.
As one of the largest employers in Cape York, Cook Shire Council supports this growing region and a diverse community of over 4,000 people. It is ranked in the top 10% of local governments across Australia so there couldn’t be a better time to come up and experience everything the region has to offer and work for a Council that is focused on continual improvement in everything it does for the community it serves.
Council are building a safe and inclusive culture where their people are empowered to deliver their best work. Embracing innovation and change, they continually strive to deliver a high-quality service across this vibrant, diverse, and iconic shire. They are passionate and energetic, working as one team to build a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable community. Coming off the back of their best tourist seasons - even COVID has not had the impact many other communities have experienced. Progress is important to them, and they make it a priority to invest in their people’s wellbeing, growth, and development.
For further information please access the Council website HERE
About the Position
Reporting to the CFO and working closely with the Executive Management team, this is a pivotal role that requires an experienced and astute Management Accountant to supervise Council's Finance Team (Senior Finance, AP, and Stores Officers) to deliver ongoing support and play a strong role in Council's future financial and asset management plans.
Whilst Council is up to date with statements and budgets – your task will be to bring a dedicated focus to the role and to be involved in managing the financial duties and requirements of Council.
Key responsibilities of the role include:
- Preparing forecasts and budgets within the prescribed timelines.
- Responsibility for the preparation, maintenance and enhancement of Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan and Model.
- Consulting with Business Unit Managers on their performance against budget and provide specialist financial management advice on budget control and forecast outcomes.
- Undertaking end of month processes in an efficient and timely manner.
- Providing ongoing training and support to staff on Council’s budgeting and reporting system.
- Participating in the capital planning process including the development of the annual capital works program and undertake monitoring and forecasting during the year.
- Preparing quarterly/monthly/fortnightly performance reports including detailed exception analysis.
- Responsibility for the development of the monthly reporting regime, quarterly performance reports, and the Annual Report.
- Undertaking regular (at least monthly) budget variance reviews, budget officer liaison and management reporting to ensure on-going corporate budget control.
- Reviewing, developing, and implementing financial systems, processes, financial models, and reports to provide reliable and useful financial information for the various departments and management.
- Maintenance of the Asset Register including asset categorisation, depreciation expense allocation and updating depreciation values.
- Monitor Assets (CAPEX) to ensure accurate records are kept and manage the processing of Asset Register transactions including, but not limited to, asset additions, renewals, disposals and revaluations.
- Participation in Council’s end of year process and production of the Annual Financial Statements (e.g., control of end of year cut-offs, ledger balancing, account analysis & summaries, asset reporting, budget variance reporting and editing).
Please click on the link to access a CANDIDATE PACK which includes staff benefits and other information you may find useful.
About You
As a skilled Management Accountant, you will be able to demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to providing a high level of service and continuous improvement in previous roles. Strong coaching skills together with senior experience in financial accounting, administration and governance are perquisites underpinned by a willingness to adapt to challenges and opportunities and to advocate a positive and constructive organisational culture. The candidate we are looking for will possess the following qualifications and skills:
- Relevant tertiary qualifications and strong experience in accounting are essential with the ability to manage Local Government financial reporting systems.
- Ability to operate financial accounting software in a Local Government environment.
- High level of problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to produce and analyse financial reports/data, including control and monitoring of data.
- Experience in the preparation and reconciliation of accounting information, financial statements, management reports and audit work papers
- Demonstrated understanding of compliance requirements for Goods and Services Tax (GST), Business Activity Statement (BAS) and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).
- Strong stakeholder managements skills and the confidence to deal with all levels of the organisation.
- Excellent time management, organisation, and planning skills with an ability to prioritise and manage your own time and meet critical timeframes.
- Sound knowledge of current best practice standards in relation to financial management, risk management and customer service requirements.
The position will be based in Cooktown and in addition to an attractive remuneration package including relocation assistance, you will be genuinely supported to find suitable accommodation given the tight market across the eastern seaboard currently.
Why This Role?
If you enjoy an inclusive and collaborative environment, want to be part of change in an organisation and enjoy seeing your efforts result in enabling people to realise their potential, you will relish the chance to leverage your career into local government if you have not already done so.
Whilst Cooktown may not be somewhere you have previously considered living and working - for someone further along in their career you will have your ideas supported and a genuine opportunity to further expand your skills. Regardless, you will join a cohesive and high functioning team and the experience will undoubtedly enable you to realise any future career aspirations. This could be simply to have a meaningful role you own or to leverage yourself further in time.
Reporting to the CFO, you will be able to make the role your own and actively take the reigns of something that will continue to underpin the way Council strives to reduce costs and continue driving for greater efficiencies across the finance function.
If you are looking to move away from the constraints of working in a large city or simply looking to leverage your current experience - then this is a great role and opportunity to have a ‘sea change’ and join a progressive Council where you can truly make your mark and continue developing and importantly broaden your career. As a permanent employee an attractive salary commensurate with your experience will be negotiated, a monthly RDO and other benefits including support around securing appropriate accommodation (Council will provide landing pad accommodation for the first 3 months to give you a chance to find something appropriate), 5 weeks annual leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, locality allowance, relocation assistance and salary packaging.
If we have piqued your interest and you would love to live and work in the tropics – then call to discuss what could be a genuine, career enhancing opportunity.
How to Apply
Before you apply for this position, please read the candidate briefing document carefully to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position. You will be required to answer a few questions that relate to the criteria on the online application below. Please note that you cannot submit your application without attaching your resume. A cover letter is not mandatory but may be added if so desired. When uploading your Resume or documents please ensure file names should only include 'A-z', '0-9', '.' and '-' characters.
PEAK Services is working in conjunction with Cook Shire Council exclusively on this position. We offer local government expertise across a wide range of professional fields, providing tailored solutions for councils and other similar organisations. We work with our clients to deliver meaningful outcomes in the recruitment and contracting services.
PLEASE NOTE: Once you have commenced your application you cannot save and continue at a later stage.
Applications will close on Wednesday 2nd February 2022 at 10pm
For a confidential conversation, please call Rona Horsfall at Peak Recruitment Services on 0438 943 854.