Financial Accountant
Job No:
PEAK433
Location:
Cooktown
- Pivotal Senior Finance role
- Unique Opportunity to Leverage your Career in Tropical North QLD
- Up to $90K + 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 3-5years experience with the ability to supervise Accounts Receivable and the Rates Officer and play a strong role in assisting the CFO on a range of deliverables.
The objectives of the role include:
- Accurate and timely financial reporting within Council, ensuring statutory obligations are met and effective controls are in place.
- Development and implementation of strong month end processes, including reconciliations, journals, monthly financial reporting, and cash flow forecasting.
- Oversight of the Rates function.
- Providing support to staff in the use of Council's financial management system Authority.
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 qualified Accountant you will be able to demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to providing a high level of service and continuous improvement in previous roles. Renowned for your “can do” proactive approach you have the capability to adapt to changing priorities and the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
The candidate we are looking for will possess the following qualifications and skills:
- Recognised tertiary qualifications in Accounting or Commerce.
- Minimum 3+ years' experience in a similar role desirable.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of Accounting practices and principles
- Ability to interpret and apply legislation relevant to the role.
- Demonstrated experience developing annual financial statements
- Demonstrated experience in managing competing priorities to deliver work to a high standard
- Ability to use your initiative to recommend alternative solutions and strategies.
Consideration will also be given to candidates who are ‘self-starters’ capable of getting things done and meeting deadlines for deliverables who are ready to step up to this level. Experience working with or for State or Local Government would be highly regarded but not essential.
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 motivated 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.
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.
How to Apply
Before you apply for this position, please read the position description 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.