Schedule 1
Position Description
POSITION DESCRIPTION
1.
POSITION TITLE:
Trainee Accountant CDF & Diocese
2.
STATUS /
CLASSIFICATION:
Permanent Full-time
(38hrs/wk)
3.
SERVICE/FACILITY
Financial Services
4.
LOCATION:
841 Hunter Street Newcastle
West
5.
RELATIONSHIPS:
Financial Services
Team
6.
DIRECT
REPORTS: Nil
External & Internal
Auditors
Diocese Finance
Council
CDF Advisory Board
Diocese Agencies
(CatholicCare, Catholic
Schools Office, CDF)
Regulatory bodies
CDF Depositors
Banks & Investment
Brokers
7.
OVERALL POSITION OBJECTIVE
The position will provide support to the Catholic Development Fund (CDF) and Diocese Accountant and
Financial Controller in ensuring the proper financial and risk management of the CDF, the Diocese including
Childcare and parishes The role will be split 20%/80% between the CDF and Diocese business units and will
report to the Accountant – CDF & Diocese. This allocation may vary depending on the workload of the
various business units.
8.
ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
The Financial Services Department contributes to the development and implementation of organisational
planning, policy, systems, business processes, and continuous quality improvement strategies from a
financial planning, management and reporting perspective.
9.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
 Currently undertaking an appropriate university degree in Business/Commerce that qualifies as a prerequisite for Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) professional recognition
10. COMPETENCIES, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Essential
 Working towards an understanding of and the application of key accounting concepts and taxation
 Analytical and strategic thinking skills and an ability to apply initiative
 A personal commitment to continuous improvement
 Moderate + level computer literacy including experience with developing and managing Microsoft Excel
spreadsheets
 Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills, including polite telephone manner
 Effective time management
 Ability to work within the Catholic Mission, Vision and Values
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Schedule 1
Position Description
11. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Key Performance Area
1. CDF Financial
Management
2. Financial Accounting
3.
4.
Management
Accounting
Undertake other
duties relevant &
appropriate to the
position
Key Tasks
Performance Indicators
 Prepare the daily and weekly Liquidity
reports
 Accurate and relevant reports are
provided on a timely basis
 Prepare the weekly cash flow reports
 Accurate and relevant reports are
provided on a timely basis
 Ensure Investment Management
System is updated in line with changes
to the Investment Portfolio
 Accurate and timely updating of
Investment Management System
 Daily receipt and reconciliation of
investment interest
 Interest is recorded accurately and
reconciled on a timely basis
 Daily Ultracs GL import to Xero
 Import is performed daily and Ultracs
trial balance matches Xero trial
balance
 Assist in monthly reconciliation of GL
accounts
 Accurate and relevant reconciliations
are provided on a timely basis
 Assist in preparing all necessary
reconciliations and documentation for
annual audit
 Preparation of accurate and timely
Financial Statements in accordance
with applicable accounting standards
 Liaise with external auditors
 Auditors issue an unqualified audit
opinion
 Assist in reconciling asset and liability
accounts each month within agreed
timeframes
 Asset and liability reconciliations
completed monthly within reporting
timeframes
 Assist in preparation of Parish GST
returns on a monthly basis
 Lodgement of accurate and timely
compliance returns
 Assist in the preparation of monthly
general journals
 Accurate and relevant journals are
completed on a timely basis
 Assist in the preparation of annual
Operating Budgets and Capital
Budgets
 Accurate and timely budget
preparation
 Provide support to Accountant and
Financial Controller
 Demonstrated level of satisfaction with
the provision of support
 Assist in the preparation of monthly
management reports
 Accurate and relevant reports are
prepared on a timely basis
 Contributing to and maintaining
administrative systems and
documentation
 Assist in accounts receivable, accounts
payable and bank reconciliations when
necessary
 Additional duties as directed by the
Accountant and Financial Controller
5.
Appropriate education
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July 2015
 Work diligently towards the completion
 Completion of the university degree at
Schedule 1
Position Description
of an appropriate university degree in
Business/Commerce that qualifies as a
pre-requisite for Certified Practicing
Accountant (CPA) or Chartered
Accountant (CA) professional
recognition
7.
the relevant part-time course load
SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES (short & long term)
What?
Why?
Organising competing priorities and deadlines in a
demanding work environment.
To ensure quality financial information is generated in a
timely manner and provided to key decision-makers.
Change Management
To ensure the position evolves.
8.
LEVEL OF DECISION MAKING
Decisions that are referred to the Accountant

Finance and resource matters not covered by existing standard procedures

Introduction of major change of policy or procedure

Legal matters

Personal performance review

Complaints/ grievance with management processes or procedures

Other issues as directed by the Accountant or Financial Controller
9.
ORGANISATION POSITION CHART
Vice Chancellor
Administration
Financial
Controller
Business
Manager
CatholicCare
Accountant,
CDF and DIO
Accountant,
CatholicCare
Finance Officer
Diocese
Finance Officer,
CatholicCare
Trainee
Accountant
Diocese
Parish Business
Partner
10. EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Performance Management
Performance reviews bi-annually with annual appraisal reviews.
Reward & Recognition
Educational and development opportunities negotiated annually. An agreement for educational support during
the completion of a University Degree will be agreed.
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Schedule 1
Position Description
Remuneration
Agreed salary and conditions comparable to industry standards and level of responsibility. During university
semesters, study leave of 7.6hrs per week will be granted to attend university.
11. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
Occupants must:


have a current Australian drivers licence;



take reasonable action to familiarise himself/herself with Diocesan policies and procedures;

be familiar with, and observe, Diocesan policy and procedures on Equity and Diversity and Occupational
Health and Safety in the performance of the responsibilities of the position.
abide by the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and NSW and the polices of the Diocese. Any criminal
or civil action taken against the occupant must be reported immediately to the Vice Chancellor Administration;
not take advantage of their role in the Diocese for personal gain;
take responsibility for their personal safety and the wellbeing of other employees, clients, contractors and
other visitors to the Diocese seriously; and
12. SIGNATURES
OCCUPANT
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SUPERVISOR
DATE: