Financial Accountant

Financial Accountant

• Make a Difference and Build your CV with this Role!
• 3 Year Contract including 2 Bedroom Furnished Accommodation
• Up to 110K + Super + 5 weeks’ Annual Leave + Relocation assistance

About the Organisation 

The Wujal Wujal community is in the Cape York region on the banks of the Bloomfield River and is surrounded by high mountains, waterfalls, river tributaries and creeks. The area’s boundaries are the Cook Shire to the north and Douglas Shire to the south. They are located about 4 hours north of Cairns or 1 hour south of Cooktown by road. Wujal Wujal covers an area of 64 Hectares and the Shire has a tropical climate with both dry and wet seasons.

Located between two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Wujal Wujal is where the rainforest meets the reef – a haven for nature-lovers, photographers, and travellers. Population of the Wujal Wujal Community is approximately 280 people. Wujal Wujal is accessible by road via the coastal road across the Daintree River and by inland road. There is a private airstrip 20km from the Shire and flights in and out of Cooktown.

About the Position 

Reporting to the Corporate and Commercial Manager, the position will take responsibility for the efficient and effective delivery of all financial and accounting services to the Council in conjunction with the Manager. This includes long term financial planning, annual budgeting, annual financial reporting, and all management accounting including regular financial reporting for Council and Management. Overseeing the Wujal Wujal Financial Accounting team (3 people), you will be expected to lead these employees, ensuring effective working relations between all Department’s within Council.

Further details can be found in the CANDIDATE BRIEFING DOCUMENT

About You

If you are a proactive person with a strong work ethic, take pride and ownership in your contribution and want to be part of a growing and collaborative organisation this could be your next long-term role.  Council is seeking an individual who enjoys leading a team and who can provide sound financial management and advice whilst striving for continuous improvement.

Renowned for your communication, judgement, and financial management skills you also have strong time management and interpersonal skills.  Most importantly, you will be passionate about your career in finance and enjoy working at both strategic and operational levels to deliver a “first class” service to the business and have the drive and energy to ‘make things happen’ and to create order where it may not be evident.

For a motivated and/or aspiring Finance Manager this is a rare and exciting opportunity to work closely with the Corporate and Commercial Manager who has a strong finance background and to have your ideas listened to and be truly supported as you take ownership of this business function.

As a driven and energetic finance professional looking for their next career step. You will ideally have:

• Minimum three years' experience gained preferably within Local Government/public or private sectors and degree qualifications in Accounting plus CA / CPA
• Demonstrated ability and experience to deconstruct complex financial information into simple and understandable terms
• Experience in financial management including long term financial planning, budgeting, and preparation of annual statements
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• The confidence to lead a team of three to achieve agreed outcomes, operational goals and improve work culture
• Demonstrated experience to provide practical and legislatively compliant financial solutions to emerging and changing financial requirements
• The experience to review and develop new financial policies in line with Council and legislative requirements
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve positive outcomes

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?

This is an opportunity for a Financial Accountant to bring their energy, enthusiasm and focus to support this beautiful community and contribute to the long-term financial sustainability of Council.

The variety of work you will be involved in and the opportunity to work with different entities in State, Federal and other Councils will build your skills and experience to an extent not possible in larger organisations.  You will also make great contacts within the grants area, as you work to ensure Council is across feasible opportunities which deliver value to building the community. You will enjoy living and working in one the most geographical beautiful areas of Australia yet have all the benefits of several regional centres close by including Cairns, Cooktown, Port Douglas, Palm Cove, etc.

Lifting the capability of your staff who have already shown their willingness to respond to the time being invested in them will energise and motivate you as you assist them to realise their full potential.

The accommodation provided is in a setting that is unique compared to other communities and is in good condition. Wujal Wujal has an undulating topography which gives it character and with the river running along the bottom of the community it truly is a place of peace and tranquillity. The magnificent Bloomfield Falls are walking distance from the Financial Accountant's property.

A six figure salary will be negotiated with the successful candidate dependent upon experience plus superannuation, subsidised accommodation, a 4.5 day week and 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading and relocation assistance.

PEAK Services is working in conjunction with Wujal Wujal Aboriginal 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. 

How to Apply

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Once you have commenced your application you cannot save and continue at a later stage. 

Applications will close on Monday 9th October at 10pm.  Please ensure you leave adequate time to complete your application before the closing date and time. 

For a confidential conversation, please call Rona Horsfall at Peak Recruitment Services on 0438 943 854.