Permanent, part time (20 hours per week)

We are seeking an experienced Accounts Officer to join our small Finance Team.

Working as an effective member of the broader school administration team, under the direction of the Business Manager, the Accounts Officer must be willing to learn, engage and work from our Vision and Core Principles and will support the functioning of the school’s finance operations.

Role Overview

The primary role of the Accounts Officer is bookkeeping and ensuring that financial accounts are accurate and up to date, to allow appropriate management and oversight by the Business Manager, thereby contributing to the financial viability of the school. This role works closely with other Finance positions and the Business Manager. Customer service is a critical part of this position as the Accounts Officer works closely with teachers, school support staff, parents and suppliers & service providers.

General Duties

In consultation and collaboration with the broader administration team, the Accounts Officer will:

• proactively identify, develop, and implement systems and processes which will improve current administrative practices and ensure a smoother and more effective delivery of Steiner education to students
• proactively contribute to the nurturing and supportive environment of the whole school through willing participation in regular school responsibilities and engaging in school-related activities where possible.

Book-keeping

• Perform data entry of all accounts information, reconciliations, and payments, so that the school’s financial processes are timely, effective, and accurate. This includes:
• Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable
• managing bank deposits and receipts
• rollover new budget for the year and provide information for annual audits
• prepare and reconcile term fee invoices to families, as well as arrange and manage administrative elements of direct debits and payment plans, so that there is timely receipt of fees throughout the year.
• liaise with the Business Manager on any accounts of concern; and
• assist in management of departmental budgets.

Account Reconciliations

• Prepare timely reconciliations of all accounts so that there is an accurate and up-to-date picture of the school’s financial status, including bank accounts and credit cards, ledgers, petty cash and cash advance.

Payments and Purchases

• Establish and manage payments for goods supplied to the school, so that there is timely and accurate reconciliation of accounts.

Key Competencies / Skills & Qualities

• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills
• High level of communication and interpersonal skills
• High level of personal initiative and the ability to work independently
• Calm under pressure and able to prioritise workloads and to work to demanding deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• High level of attention to detail
• Ability to maintain strict client confidentiality
• Commitment to a customer service philosophy

Required Registration and Certification

• ACT Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Registration
• The right to work in Australia, unrestricted.

What we offer:

• the right to disconnect outside of work hours for a better work/life balance
• salary sacrificing
• free onsite parking
• discounted school fees for eligible employees
• our commitment to maintaining a physically and psychosocially safe environment for all staff, students and visitors to the school.

Salary and conditions of employment are determined by the Independent Schools ACT (Support and Operational Staff) Staff Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2021. We are currently in the implementation phase of a new agreement.

Probation

There is a 6-month probationary period.

To Apply

Please submit your application through the Seek ‘Quick Apply’ button and ensure you include:

• Your updated resume including the names, positions and contact details for two professional referees (one of which is your current/most recent direct supervisor).
• A cover letter/statement (no more than 2 pages) introducing yourself and addressing the applicant requirements listed above including specific examples from your experience.

Closing Date

The last day to submit an application is Sunday, 30 March 2025 however, the position will be closed sooner if a suitable applicant is found.

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Orana Steiner School is a vibrant, growing co-educational Early Childhood to Year 12 school of around 550 students. Set within a natural landscape and on a magnificent 16-hectare property in Weston, an inner south suburb of Canberra, Orana seeks to provide a high-quality education for its students, based on the Steiner Education tradition. In its 40-year history, Orana Steiner School has developed an enviable reputation for its standards and achievements, and its warm, caring culture. Orana proudly employs applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds.

In Primary School, we value individual difference. We believe in self-responsibility and in the values needed to become connected and contributing citizens. We seek to support our students to be capable of personal endeavour and community involvement. The education we provide develops creative and imaginative thinking and aims to instill in our students a love of learning, a sense of wonder, an appreciation of beauty and a connection to the world.

The High School teaching program assists students in taking increasing responsibility for their own learning and to develop their own ideals, values and sense of purpose for adult life. The High School encourages students to become independent thinkers; use their own observations, research, and draw conclusions and judgements; form relationships with specialist teachers; address questions and problems in specialist subjects, and to develop a wide range of expertise as well as an active, articulate and well-rounded thinking capacity.

The Senior College curriculum is comprehensive and carefully designed to balance a Steiner approach with the contemporary requirements stipulated by the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies. This broad, integrated approach to the Senior College curriculum emphasises the development of well-rounded students through equal exposure to Arts and Sciences, together with a range of electives. Orana’s tradition of extensive pastoral care for its students continues into the Senior College.

Orana Steiner School is committed to the safety and wellbeing of its students in accordance with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and child safety legislation. The successful candidates must hold (or be eligible to obtain and maintain) a Working with Vulnerable People (WwVP) registration and undergo a National Police Check.

Please visit our website to find out more: https://oranaschool.com