Who we are
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) was established by the Australian Government in 2012 pursuant to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Act 2011 to improve the competitiveness of renewable energy and increase its supply in Australia. It is also classified as a corporate Commonwealth entity pursuant to the Public Governance & Performance Accountability (PGPA) Act 2013. Its purpose is to accelerate Australia's shift to an affordable and reliable renewable energy future. It does this by finding and funding the renewable energy innovations that have the best chance of guaranteeing Australia's power supply for the future, helping to bring those projects to life, and then sharing the knowledge gained through the projects to inform and grow the whole industry.
Finance and Business Services is responsible for the key elements of the ARENA's resource management framework. This encompasses strategies, policies and procedures that are integral to sound financial management and timely, relevant and reliable financial reporting to meet external requirements and support planning, monitoring and decision-making in ARENA. In ensuring sound financial management practices and compliance, Finance and Business Services has a key role with respect to the definition and operation of ARENA's internal controls and control environment, including the reporting and monitoring on these aspects. The F&BS team also has a strong business partnering focus, working with and across ARENA in a range of capacities and aiming to deliver key enhancements to help it achieve its strategic objectives. At the operational level, Finance and Business Services provides financial services including business partnering, accounts payable and receivable, travel and credit card administration, taxation and treasury functions, and procurement support across ARENA. The team also manages the annual government budget and financial statements processes.
The key duties of the position include The Job
The EL1 Senior Accountant is responsible for the efficient and timely delivery of quality financial services, support and advice to ARENA. Reporting to the Chief Accountant, the Senior Accountant supervises a small team of Assistant Accountants and Finance Officers on daily operations and is responsible for regular and ad hoc financial reporting for internal and external stakeholders. The Senior Accountant plays a pivotal role in enabling Finance and Business Services and ARENA staff to deliver on its key objectives. The position works alongside the Assistant Director, Finance and Business Services to ensure that all internal and external budget and reporting requirements are well managed and on time. Effective and efficient communication with key stakeholders is a cornerstone requirement of this position.
Key Responsibilities include:
Management of financial operations Supervise the work of the operations unit including review and approval of journals, payroll, contracts and invoices.Manage the month end process including timely reconciliations and maintenance of the asset register.Manage treasury functions including appropriation drawdowns and cash investment in term deposits.Ensure ARENA meets its tax obligations including timely submission of BAS, FBT and PAYG returns. Ensure timely and accurate responses to internal and external enquiries with high level of customer service.Contribute to the effective management of the FMIS chart of accounts and organisational reporting structures.Prepare financial analysis and management reports as and when required.
End of financial year process Manage the annual financial statements process including timely preparation of quality lead schedules and work papers, and CBMS updates.Working closely with the Assistant Director, Finance and Business Services, ensure that the financial statements and notes are subject to effective quality assurance and that accounting standards are correctly interpreted and applied.Manage external audit process and liaise effectively with ANAO.
Continuous improvement Contribute to continuous business improvement initiatives as agreed by the Chief Accountant.Evaluate existing business processes to identify opportunities for improvement in internal control and efficiency and implement changes where appropriate.Actively engage at team meetings and wider discussions across ARENA to foster collaboration and innovation.
Policies, procedures and ad hoc assignments Update operating procedures and financial policies as required.Develop guidance materials and provide training to business areas in conjunction with the Assistant Director, Finance and Business Services.Ad-hoc assignments/ projects as required by Chief Accountant / Assistant Director, Finance and Business Services. Please Note - Remote working may be considered for the successful candidate/s.
What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience Strong understanding of the Department of Finance's Resource Management Framework and Australian Accounting Standards (AASBs).Strong understanding of accounting principles and the ability to demonstrate key concepts.Knowledge and understanding of the APS operating environment and clarity as to how these may apply to you and your role.An understanding, or ability to understand, the functions of ARENA. Knowledge and understanding of the APS Code of Conduct.Proficiency in CBMS and FMIS applications and processes.Advanced Excel skills.Experience working in an APS environment would be advantageous, but not mandatory. Basic FMIS System Administration experience would be advantageous, but not mandatory. Skills and capabilities Ability to prioritise and effectively manage multiple competing tasks and deliverables.Flexibility in approach and adaption to change.Ability to monitor task progress against performance expectations to ensure deadlines are met.Solid organisational skills accompanied by attention to detail.Ability to work as part of a team in a busy environment.Ability to work autonomously in a busy environment.Effective leadership of a small team.Effective oral and written communication.All round skills and experience in financial operations, analysis, reporting and budgeting.
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