Job Advert: Management Accounting Officer (12-Month Fixed Term Maternity Relief)

Position: Management Accounting Officer
Location: Gunnedah, NSW
Contract Type: 12-Month Fixed Term (Maternity Relief)
Salary: $81,541 to $90,006 per annum (dependent on experience)
Closing Date: Thursday, 27 March 2025

About the Role:

Gunnedah Shire Council is excited to offer an opportunity for a Management Accounting Officer to join our vibrant and supportive team for a 12-month fixed-term maternity relief role. If you’re looking for a dynamic and rewarding role within a close-knit community, this is the opportunity for you! As a key member of our finance team, you will play an essential role in providing efficient and responsive service while helping us contribute to the growth and development of the Gunnedah community.

About Gunnedah Shire Council:

Gunnedah Shire Council is an integral part of the Gunnedah community—a vibrant, warm, and friendly town surrounded by the expansive Liverpool Plains and framed by the Nandewar Ranges. We are passionate about creating a liveable and accessible community for all ages and demographics. We also aim to promote economic and business development in the region.

At Gunnedah Shire Council, we are committed to the growth and development of our employees and are proud to support career progression through professional development opportunities.

Your Opportunity:

The Management Accounting Officer will support the Management Accountant in coordinating monthly and quarterly budget reviews, providing guidance to budget managers, and contributing to the overall financial reporting process. You’ll be an integral part of a team that provides valuable services to the local community. Your contributions will directly support Gunnedah Shire Council’s mission to maintain accurate, transparent, and efficient financial operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Management Accountant in co-ordinating monthly and quarterly budget reviews, including variance comments by Budget Managers.
• Provide guidance to Budget Managers on reading and interpreting their budgets using Council’s financial and budgeting systems.
• Maintain data in the Project Portal, including linking work orders and updating financial fields and descriptions.
• Contribute to the upkeep and accuracy of the Project spreadsheet.
• Process monthly, quarterly, and annual Management Accountant journal entries.
• Assist with the preparation of final expenditure certificates and maintain work orders for capital projects and operational financial tracking.
• Assist in providing financial information against budget, actuals, commitments, and project spend to the Manager Finance, Budget Managers, and Executive Leadership Team.
• Support the preparation and loading of the annual budget into Council’s budgeting system.
• Help develop and maintain Council’s Long Term Financial Plan and conduct modelling and scenario planning.
• Support the Management Accountant in the review and maintenance of policies, procedures, and systems.
• Ensure financial records are accurate and comply with legislation, Council policies, and management directives.
• Stay up-to-date with relevant local government legislation, Australian Accounting Standards, and other management requirements.

Our Next Management Accounting Officer:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A tertiary qualification or working towards in Finance or Business, or demonstrated experience in a similar role.
• Proven problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and simplify budgeting and financial processes.
• Ability to provide accurate financial data and assist Budget Managers in monitoring the progress of Capital Projects.
• Strong written communication skills to prepare clear and concise procedures and processes.
• A comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office and demonstrated computer literacy.
• A working knowledge of the Workplace Health and Safety Act and the principles of the EEO Act.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks in line with Council’s policies and Code of Conduct.
• A current valid NSW Class C Driver’s Licence (ongoing employment is conditional on maintaining this Licence).

Desirable Skills:

• Strong understanding of the NSW Local Government Act and the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice & Financial Reporting.
• Knowledge of other areas within finance, such as payroll, accounts payable, or bank reconciliation.
• Familiarity with the diverse range of business units in a Local Government environment.

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

About the Benefits:

In return for your hard work and dedication, you will receive an attractive salary ranging from $81,541 to $90,006 per annum, along with a range of additional benefits, including:

• Superannuation.
• Salary sacrificing options to increase your pay.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities (including study support).
• RDO’s every 3 weeks to enhance work-life balance.

Gunnedah Shire Council is dedicated to supporting its employees and offering the tools needed for continued professional growth. We are a great place to work, with a fantastic sense of community.

How to Apply:

Please read the Position Description by clicking on the link above. It is important to read this carefully to understand what the job involves.

If this sounds like you, click the Apply button below, complete the application form. Please ensure you answer all questions and upload a current resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role, as well as any copies of relevant qualifications that support your application.

Further information:

As part of the recruitment process, suitable applicants will be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol screening.

Our recruitment process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.

Email notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, request for references, and application outcomes. Please check your email regularly, including your junk email.

Council is an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidate of all ages and from all backgrounds.

For all enquiries regarding the application and recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6740 2194 or [email protected]