The Catholic Diocese of Cairns is a diverse and dynamic faith community in Far North Queensland, Australia. Spanning a vast region from Cardwell in the south to the Torres Strait in the north and west to the Northern Territory border, the Diocese serves 23 parishes to a multicultural population. It provides a range of services, including outreach and mission, chancery and governance, property management, finance, administration, and other central agencies, supporting the spiritual and operational needs within the region.

What We Offer

• Annual Leave with 17.5% leave loading (Full-time & Part-time employees)
• 12.75% Employer Superannuation Contributions
• Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service
• 14 Weeks paid parental leave for primary carer (Full-time & Part-time employees)
• Professional development
• Access to Employee Assistance Program

About the Role

• Permanent full-time position 38 hours per week
• Position based in Cairns
• Total Employment Package commencing from $82,545 to $87,130 dependent on skills and qualifications (Includes leave loading and super guarantee)

An opportunity exists for a skilled and motivated Finance Officer to join the team and undertake a range of finance functions including recording, reconciling and reporting of all delegated financial accounts. In addition, the Finance Officer provides support to Diocesan departments, parishes and clergy on financial related information, systems and data. Reporting to the Finance Manager, the successful applicant will demonstrate a good working knowledge and understanding of accounting procedures and principles, have excellent communication skills and thrive in a team environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products & accounting software is essential!

Key Responsibilities:

• Accounts payable functions including data entry of supplier invoices, processing of weekly payments, prepare payment records for authorisation, uploading data files to CDF online for payment authorisation, prepare and distribute remittance advices, filing of records, enquiries and reconciliations.
• Accounts receivable functions including issuing invoices and/or tax receipts, preparation and delivery of monthly statements, preparation and data entry of receipts and bank deposits, enquiries and reconciliations.
• Monthly review of actual expenditure against budget performance.
• Monthly balance sheet reconciliations including bank reconciliations and supporting schedules for all balance sheet accounts.
• Monthly accounting data back-up.
• Preparation of BAS for authorisation by Finance Manager.
• Maintain and update the Asset Register with new capital expenditure along with the biannual processing of depreciation.
• Advice and support on accounting and data systems to parish staff and clergy.
• Maintain medical insurance for all Clergy including assisting priests with fund membership, rebates and claims when requested.
• Update clergy and seminarian stipends in line with Centrelink Aged Pension Allowance, seek authorisation and advise Diocesan Payroll Services.
• Collate data for annual motor vehicle lease renewal and advise Finance Manager.
• Collate data for annual parish quota update and advise Finance Manager.
• Assist Finance Manager with annual report presentation and budget preparation.
  

Full Position Description can be accessed from here: HRM-PD-DIO-Finance-Officer-20250107-v3 or via our Careers Portal https://cairns.catholic.org.au/about/careers

For further information about the position please contact our Finance Manager via email on [email protected]

Applications close midnight Sunday 1st June 2025.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will possess:

• Has a well-defined daily, weekly and monthly workflow schedule.
• Is a credible professional with integrity who has a well-articulated professional identity.
• Holds a values base around achievement, fun, celebration and success for self and the team.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively to meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• A capacity and willingness to acquire new skills.
• A desire to participate in agreed training programs and supervision.
• A friendly and flexible approach to team activities.
  

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Qualification or working towards a Certificate III or higher in administration, business or accounting.
• Experience in a similar financial or administrative position.
• In-depth knowledge of, and skills using, Microsoft office applications, accounting software and other database software.
• Experience in communication and relationship building with an ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Suitable Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC).
• A valid Positive Notice Blue Card– No Card, No Start laws apply.
• As a genuine occupational requirement, the position requires that the Employee’s conduct and lifestyle align with principles of Catholic Social Teaching.