Position title: Assistant Accountant

Location: Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst, Bendigo

Employment Status: Permanent full time (preferred)

Be part of a small, friendly team committed to the effective financial management of the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst.

Use your relevant skills and experience to assist in undertaking and administering a broad range of accounting and financial services for the Diocese and its parishes.

Create an impact in a short time, be a part of the overall management of the Diocese, assisting parishes and other key stakeholders achieve their financial goals and objectives through the delivery of best practice and quality advice.

The position is located close to the Bendigo CBD - free onsite parking available.

The Diocese of Sandhurst through its ministries and agencies is at the service of the people of God, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their communities and daily lives.

Presided over by the Bishop of Sandhurst, the Diocese comprises around 90,000 Catholics and a wide variety of people, cultures, and ministries, providing services and support to 38 parishes and 56 schools through pastoral, educational, social welfare, and administrative support.

The Assistant Accountant will assist and support the operations of the Finance Department including general ledger entry, accounts payable and receivable services, end-of-month processes and financial reporting.

As the Assistant Accountant you will:

Work with the Finance team to ensure timely and accurate processing of transactional data into the general ledger for the Chancery and other entities.

Assist with coordinating end-of-month processes, analysis of information and generation of reports.

Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and financial reports monthly.

Assist with budget development and forecasts.

Assist in the completion and submission of Business Activity Statements and other ATO related returns.

Assist the Finance team in maintaining fixed asset registers.

Assist with accounts payable and debtors processing.

Assist with end of year audit processes and statutory reporting.

Assist with correspondence, preparation of documents, data collection and reports.

Undertake other administration duties as directed.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified individual who is motivated to work within the Church environment and has exemplary service delivery skills working with diverse and complex stakeholders.

For a more detailed overview of the role, please refer to the Position Description below.

Successful applicants must be eligible to work in Australia, hold a current unrestricted driver’s licence and successfully complete a National Police Check.

To Apply:

Click the apply button above to submit an application. Please provide a cover letter with your up-to-date Resume that demonstrates how your skills align to the requirements of the Position Description.

Applications Close: 5:00 p.m., Friday, 60th June 2025.

For further information relating to the position, please contact Peter Trendos, Director of Finance and Operations by email [email protected] or telephone 03 5445 3605.

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POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Assistant Accountant

SALARY SCALE: Level 4

REPORTS TO: Senior Accountant

FULL TIME EQUIVALENT: Full-Time (preferred)

HOURS PER WEEK: Thirty-seven and half hours (37.5)

LOCATION: Bendigo, Victoria

AUTHORISED BY: Director of Finance and Operations

Date May2025

Primary Objectives

The Assistant Accountant reports to the Senior Accountant at the Chancery Office of the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst (“Chancery”). The Assistant Accountant will support the running of the Finance Department of the Chancery including general ledger entry, accounts payable and receivable services, end-of-month processes and financial reporting.

Major Accountabilities

The position holds responsibility for the following areas:

Understand, support, and promote the Mission and Values of the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst (“the Diocese”).

Work with the Finance team to ensure timely and accurate processing of transactional data into the general ledger for the Chancery and other entities.

Assist with coordinating end-of-month processes, analysis of information and generation of reports.

Preparation of balance sheet reconciliations and financial reports on a monthly basis.

Assist with budget development and forecasts.

Completion and submission of Business Activity Statements and other ATO related returns.

Assist the Finance team in maintaining fixed asset registers.

Assist with accounts payable and debtors processing, including the raising of invoices and creditor/debtor liaison.

Assist with end of year audit processes and statutory reporting for the Chancery and other entities.

Assist with correspondence, preparation of documents, data collection and reports.

Undertake other administration duties as directed by the Senior Accountant or Director of Finance and Operations.

Organisational Environment

The mission of the Diocese is to proclaim the Reign of God and continue the mission of Jesus, under the direction and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The values of peace, forgiveness, justice, love and healing which Christ lived and modelled in his own ministry are the same values of the Diocesan community. The Diocese contributes to the life and mission of the Catholic community in Australia.

The Diocese is a child safe and equal employment opportunity employer. It has a zero- tolerance of any abuse to children; it encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The Diocese comprises a number of offices and agencies which have been created to further the pastoral work of the Church. Supporting the Diocese directly, the Chancery is the central administrative office and provides numerous services including governance & oversight, mission and pastoral life, finance & administration, archival management, IT and media communications to the Diocesan community.

Safety of Children, Young People, and Adults at Risk.

Ensure compliance with the Diocese’s commitment to best practice in the care and safety of children, young people, and adults at risk.

Every person involved in the Catholic Church has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children, young people, and adults at risk is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.

Understand the process for reporting allegations or concerns of possible abuse.

Risk and Occupational Health and Safety

Observe safe work practices in accordance with training and instruction given and report any risk to your immediate supervisor. Risks arising in the workplace may be financial, site, task, or person specific or related to safety.

Promote and implement occupational health and safety and risk mitigation processes within your workgroup.

Comply with Diocesan occupational health and safety practices.

Identify, report and where appropriate, action risks/hazards in order to eliminate or mitigate the risk recurring.

Participate in the consultative processes provided by the organisation.

Key Communications

Internal:

Director of Finance and Operations

Business Manager

Director of Mission and Pastoral Life

Bishop of Sandhurst

Chancery staff

Clergy

External:

Parishes

Other agencies of the Diocese

Banking institutions

Contractors

Suppliers

Volunteers

Accountability (independence and Influence)

The Assistant Accountant position has established procedures and specific guidelines under which it operates. However, day-to-day tasks can vary and require flexibility together with good organisational and time management skills. Any decisions that fall outside the scope of the position are to be referred to the Senior Accountant or Director of Finance and Operations.

Job Environment

The position of Assistant Accountant is an integral part of our finance team assisting in the efficient operation of the Finance department’s core functions. The position will work within the processes and standard procedures as defined by professional standards and legislative compliance requirements. The Assistant Accountant will need to work collaboratively across departments, agencies, ministries, and parishes of the Diocese.

Reasoning

Ability to work and contribute to the Mission/Values of the Diocese.

Ability to use his/her initiative, demonstrate reliability and thereby require minimal supervision and guidance.

Accurate data entry ability and strong degree of computer literacy, including experience in word processing and spreadsheet use.

Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality in undertaking required tasks.

Attends relevant training sessions offered by the Chancery. Recognises the necessity to continually develop skills and acquire additional knowledge appropriate to the position.

Actively seek opportunities for further professional development.

Participates and contributes to an environment supporting continuous quality improvement focused on customer service.

ChallengesThe Assistant Accountant will be challenged to or by:

Adhere to deadlines (e.g., end of month reporting, processing and payment of creditors, daily banking processes).

Attention to detail (e.g., input of transactions into financial system, grammatical accuracy of written reports); and

Ability to multitask and prioritise workload.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

An understanding of and willingness to work within the Catholic ethos.

A tertiary qualification in accounting, business, or a related discipline.

A minimum of 3 years’ experience in general finance function.

Solid knowledge and skills in the use of contemporary accounting applications.

Highly developed computer skills including a proficiency in MYOB (or equivalent), Microsoft Word, & Excel, and the ability to produce high quality letters and reports.

Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong commitment to service.

Demonstrated commitment to developing best practice service delivery with the client as central focus.

High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Excellent time management skills.

Self-motivated, hard working with excellent teamwork.

Decision Making

The Assistant Accountant will refer all decisions that are outside established policies and procedures and beyond the scope of the position to the Senior Accountant or Director of Finance and Operations as appropriate.

Position Impact

The Assistant Accountant provides a broad range of finance, accounting and administration support and services that are integral to the daily financial operations of the Diocese and Chancery. The role does not have responsibility for other employees or any budget allocation.

Criminal Screening and Working Rights

The successful candidate MUST provide:

1. A current Police Record Check and,

2. Evidence of their Right to Work in this location.

3. A current Working with Children Check is required.

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