Communities at Work

• Canberra
• Full-Time

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to join Canberra's largest Not-For-Profit in a senior capacity that can guide and influence the financial decisions of the organisation. This role will gain access to a range of employee benefits including:

1. Public Benevolent Institution Salary Sacrifice, potentially increasing your tax-free threshold by a further $18,550. 
2. Access to discounted childcare across our 27 Canberra locations.
3. $250 per year reimbursement for Healthy Activities.
4. Discounts from our partners, Microsoft, JB Hi-Fi and Morgans Group.
5. Annual WPI increases

This is a technical management role within the Finance team that reports directly to the Financial Controller. The Senior Accountant is required to work with a high degree of autonomy in the end-to-end management of the organisations finance function with little oversight by management. The role requires a self-motivated individual who can exercise judgement to seek improvements, efficiencies and troubleshoot financial and operational matters.

Excellent analytical skills with a strong knowledge of accounting principles are required.  Responsibilities include revenue and expense management as well as balance sheet reconciliations and grant management. This role is also required to maintain regular rolling forecasts, capturing operational updates for a range of programs. A high level of interaction with Program Manager/Directors is required - hence the ability to communicate financial data to non-finance personnel is also required.

The Senior Accountant will be primarily responsible for the financial management of grant funded and fee for service programs including an ACT independent school. The Senior Accountant will also oversee the whole organisation management of capital projects, asset registers and compliance with AASB standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

Finance and Technical

• Accurate and timely maintenance of the general ledger, including coordinating the month-end process and ensuring all balance sheet reconciliations are completed and correct,
• Ultimately responsible for the schedule and workpaper maintenance for accruals, prepayments, lease liability, standing journals, fixed asset, and salary related accounts,
• Responsible for asset management and the maintenance of associated project codes, right of use schedules and lease contracts,
• Maintenance of grant schedules and associated documentation, workbooks, allocations, reconciliations, and acquittals,
• Ensure compliance with Accounting Standards, including AASB16, AASB15, AASB1058 and others,
• Preparation of annual FBT returns and monthly BAS,
• Providing in-house technical accounting advice to management where required, including costing and tendering assistance,
• Co-ordinate the annual audit process for the broader organisation on a fiscal year basis and the special assistance school on a calendar year basis.

Reporting and Policies

• With assistance from the Financial Controller, oversee all reporting requirements including business planning, annual budget process, monthly forecasting, 
• Review all the monthly financial reports for correctness prior to their distribution to Program Managers and Directors,
• Summarise monthly results and budget variances to the Financial Controller and Chief Financial Controller monthly,
• Ensure that Finance processes, internal controls and accounting policies are robust, documented and complied with in full,
• Maintaining Finance forms, policies and procedures for completeness and accuracy, ensuring timely updates for changes in regulations, legislation, and process. 

Management

• Oversee all accounting operations and staff associated with Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Assistant Accountants,
• Provide support and mentoring to existing team members,

Selection Criteria

• Maintain a current 'Working with Vulnerable People' registration (Required)
• Tertiary Accounting qualifications,
• Demonstrated experience with the preparation of month end accounts,
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and relevant standards,
• Ability to operate with limited supervision, to exercise sound judgment, demonstrate initiative, implement change and be responsive to changing work requirements,
• Intermediate to advanced computer software skills (Excel, Word, Sharepoint etc), including familiarity with accounting software programs (Business Central preferable),
• Excellent attention to detail, high level of problem-solving and analytical skills, strong organisational skills, and ability to prioritise and manage multiple deadlines simultaneously,
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group, executives, managers, and subject matter experts - including the ability to effectively communicate accounting concepts to non-finance staff.
• Desirable to have experience with Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• The ability to work independently AND as part of a team.
• Current drivers' licence (Desirable)
• Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) status (Desirable)

Benefits 

• Make a difference and change lives in the Canberra community as part of Canberra's largest community organisation 
• Join an inclusive and friendly workplace, where people are at the heart of everything. 
• Increase your take-home pay! Because Communities at Work has charity status, you can salary package and increase your take home pay by thousands of dollars per year. 
• Access discounted childcare and education services for your child(ren) including early education and care, out of school hours care, and school holiday programs. 
• Grow your career with professional development, training and mentoring with the 4-time winner of Large Employer of the Year award at the ACT Training Awards. 
• Flexibility when you need it with options for study leave, leave concessions, paid parental leave, and more. 
• Enjoy healthy living with our active lifestyle & healthy activity programs and reimbursements (including remedial massages, annual flu vaccination and more). 
• Receive guidance and support for mental health through our Employee Assistance Program.

About Communities at Work  

Communities at Work is Canberra's largest not-for-profit community organisation and the largest provider of early education and care services in the region. Our surplus-for-purpose philosophy enables us to invest every dollar we earn right back into the local community. Our focus is on enriching lives today and shaping better futures tomorrow. 

We are the four-time winner of the "Large Employer of the Year" award at the ACT Training Awards which demonstrates our commitment to excellence in training, professional development, and career progression of our people. 

With over 40 years of experience in the ACT and Capital Region, our people help us deliver a wide range of high-quality education and community services that support positive educational outcomes, assist in alleviating hardship, enhance the quality of life and lead to positive social change in the Canberra community. 

How to Apply

Click APPLY or contact the People, Culture and Wellness team on 02 6293 6545 for a confidential discussion.?

Communities at Work?encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, mature-aged workers, people with disabilities and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles.

Closing date for applications: 22/09/2023