FINANCE MANAGER

Key Responsibilities

1.  Management Reporting and Analysis 

• Prepare monthly and annual financial reports and ensure compliance with internal and 
  external reporting standards.
• Support business units with cost centre and project reporting.
• Monitor and prepare management reports, including variance analysis, commentary and 
  business insights. 

   2. Budgeting and Forecasting 

• Facilitate the annual budget preparation, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Coordinate the annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
• Collaborate with business units to prepare, review, and consolidate budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor performance against budgets and forecasts and report deviations. 

   3.  Financial Planning and Business Support

• Provide financial modelling, scenario analysis, and decision-support tools. 
• Participate in business case evaluations for investments, projects, and initiatives.
• Assist in cost-benefit analysis, pricing strategies, and resource allocation decisions.
• Provide oversight, guidance, and mentoring to the Finance team.
• Promote a collaborative and accountable finance team culture. 

   4.  Internal Controls and Compliance 

• Ensure compliance with relevant financial legislation, grant requirements, policies, 
  procedures and reporting frameworks. 
• Provide technical asset accounting advice to support the development of annual and long
  term capital budgets.
• Record asset movements including acquisitions, depreciation, disposal, valuation, revaluation and impairment in line with Australian accounting standards, Local Government Act and Regulations, and Council policies and procedures.
• Manage the entry of assets into Council’s asset register as required.
• Support the annual audit process and lead the financial year-end processes.
• Assist in maintaining strong internal controls and risk management processes.
• System Maintenance and Internal Controls, such as overhead allocation, direct and indirect costing, general ledger allocation and date integrity checks. 

  5. Continuous Improvement 

• Assist in the identification and implementation of process improvements related to finance 
  procedures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and reporting 
  tools.
• Identify automation and efficiency opportunities in reporting and analysis.
• Assist in system upgrades, implementations, and user training.
• Stay updated on changes in accounting practices and local government legislation and regulations to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in finance and procurement. 

Key Selection Criteria

• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• CPA/CA accreditation.
• Demonstrated experience in a management accounting or similar senior finance role (8+ years).
• Experience with contract management and audit processes.
• Proven experience supervising or mentoring finance staff.
• High Level of proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, particularly Advanced Excel, and accounting software (such as Xero, Tech One, MYOB, Employment Hero, Approval Max and Calxa etc).
• High-level interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of staff and stakeholders effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong commitment to ethical standards and continuous improvement. 

Desirable Selection Criteria 

• Experience in Local Government. 

Condition of Employment

• The role may require travel and overnight stays within the Groote Archipelago Region and occasional work outside standard hours to meet operational needs.
• Employees must also be prepared to travel to remote communities via various means, including 4WD vehicle and light aircraft.
• Employment is subject to a satisfactory Working with Children Check, National Police Clearance, and other pre-employment screening as required.

Position Overview

The Finance Manager is responsible for providing accurate and timely financial and management 
information to support strategic planning, performance monitoring, and operational decision-making. 
Working closely with the Director Corporate and Financial Services, this role ensures effective financial 
planning, budgeting, analysis, reporting, and control across the Council. 

Note: Applications must address the Selection Criteria to be considered.