The Management Accountant’s primary objective is to assist the Financial Controller in managing the finances of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (the Conference). The Management Accountant is primarily involved in providing the Executive, secretariats and cost centre managers with relevant information to facilitate decision making. This will include developing and administering the annual budget for the Conference and managing the treasury function.

The role

• Collaborate with internal teams to analyse financial data, assess risks, and recommend strategies for optimising financial performance. Prepare reports and provide insights to support informed decision-making by stakeholders providing a monthly report to the Financial Controller of actions undertaken and future strategies.
• Building a personal profile up within the Conference with internal stakeholders (secretariats and cost centre managers) as the first point of call when dealing with financial matters. This will require you to fully understand their business and by providing value-add financial advice, producing monthly reports of these interactions.
• Maintain budget systems and processes to ensure integrity of financial data and the quality and timeliness of internal management reporting.
• Enable monthly management accounts (including commentary) to be produced for the Conference.
• Provide support to the Bishops Commission secretariats and cost centre managers to enable effective analysis of key financial information (particularly monthly phasings).
• Produce the annual budget and forward estimates (three years) for Finance
• Council, the Permanent Committee and for approval by the Conference.
• Undertake the treasury function with respect to management of investments and cashflow forecasting and assist the Financial Controller with reporting to the Finance Council. This will include maintaining oversight of the Conference’s cash and administer cash investment programs within defined policies and procedures to maximise return on investment.
• Provide monthly advice on alternative investment strategies and role over off term deposits in liaison with the Financial Controller and Chief Operating Officer.
• Undertake a monthly reconciliation of all bank accounts, term deposits and managed funds and ensure that journals are undertaken so balances are accurately reflected in the accounting system.
• Actively provide advice on the property portfolio with respect to properties held where we are the lessee or lessor in-regard to the lease agreements and dates and rental reviews pro-actively ensuring the arrangements are kept current and actioned through relevant correspondence with owners or tenants.
• Assist in the provision of accounting, taxation and administrative support to the Conference, General Secretariat, commissions and agencies of the Conference.
• Foster relationships with commissions, agencies and ministries such that they are collaborative and supportive of Conference financial guidelines and requirements.
• Provide support and coverage of other members of the Finance Team including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and month-end procedures.

About you

• Tertiary qualifications in accounting, business or a related discipline.
• Be a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA)
• A minimum of 3 to 5 years’ experience in management accounting.
• Strong understanding of and ability to apply current AASB Accounting Standards.
• High level skills in financial analysis and modelling and an ability to analyse data, identify trends and apply remedial strategies to prevent or correct adverse trends.
• Solid knowledge and skills in the use of contemporary accounting applications.
• Strong attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• Excellent time management and organisation skills, able to work independently and meet deadlines
• High level writing skills for preparation of reports for Finance Council.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a small team with minimal supervision.
• An understanding of and willingness to work within the mission and identity of the Catholic Church.

For a copy of the position description or any other enquiries regarding this role please contact [email protected].

About Us

The Catholic Church in Australia is served by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (the Conference), the permanent collegial assembly of the Bishops of Australia.

The General Secretariat exists to support the work of the Bishops Conference, which meets twice each year but is a permanent institution that operates between plenary meetings through the Permanent Committee and bishop’s commissions.

The Mission and Values of the Catholic Church of Australia are that work is for people, not people for work. Our Vision is that through work, individuals contribute to the common good and achieve fulfilment as human beings. The Church teaches that employees and employers are regarded as partners in their place of work and their respective roles. Mutual respect, esteem, and goodwill underpin the relationship between the employer and the employee. Employees are encouraged and enabled to see their work not merely as a source of income but as providing a service and a benefit to others in society.

Benefits

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is an equal employment opportunity employer and promotes and supports a family-friendly workplace, including flexible work options such as:

• Free onsite parking in Braddon
• Hybrid work-from-home options along with other flexibility provisions are available through our flexible work policy
• Generous leave provisions including:
  • additional Christmas leave
  • 14 weeks of paid parental leave
  • study support and leave
  • paid retreat and formation leave

How to apply

Please submit a current resume along with a cover letter demonstrating your knowledge, skills and experience as aligned to the dot points in the “About You” section above.

Applications close at Midnight Sunday, 29 September 2024.

Additional Information for Applicants

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is an equal employment opportunity employer and promotes and supports a family friendly workplace. The successful applicant must be eligible to work in Australia and may be required to provide a Working with Children Check or a suitable Police Check as part of the recruitment process.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference respects your privacy. In applying for this position, you will be providing the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference with personal including sensitive information. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference regards its child protection responsibilities with the utmost importance. Our privacy collection notice and Policy and Safeguarding Policy can be obtained by visiting www.catholic.au.