Position Description for
Accountant
Incumbent:
Vacant
Date Developed:
9/01/2015
Date last updated:
28/01/2016
Employment Terms:
Full-time (37.50 hours per week), fixed term, based in Sydney.
Subject to probationary period of 6 months and satisfactory
performance.
Role Overview:
The Accountant plays a key role in managing projects within the
Business Support Division with a particular focus on finance.
Reporting Relationships:
Business Support Division Manager
Organisational Context:
The Accountant:
- Plays a key role in ensuring the activities that they
undertake and oversee are carried out with strategic
goals in mind.
- May supervise some staff directly and, with support and
guidance from their Supervisor, is responsible for
applying ASHM’s Performance Management policies
and procedures effectively with those staff members.
The Accountant may have responsibility for coordinating and
assisting in the training of other junior staff members, casuals,
volunteers and contractors, as well as supervising them in the
performance of tasks.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Required Qualifications:
Required Work Experience:
All staff members are entitled to have regular professional
supervision and performance reviews. Supervisors are
responsible for implementing performance management
procedures with their staff and staff members are responsible for
fully committing to and participating in the procedures.
Tertiary qualification in accounting required for this role,
enrolment in same or equivalent experience.
Membership or accreditation of a recognised professional body
or training to obtain same is desirable.
Essential:
 Experience in accounting and payroll.
 Knowledge and understanding of MYOB software.
 Ability to establish and maintain stakeholder relationships
at an operational and strategic level.
 Excellent interpersonal skills, with the capacity and
preparedness to work as an effective team member in a
high pressure, high volume work environment.
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 Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
 Experience in working to and reporting on budgets and
work plans.
 Ability to provide direction to staff, supervise their
completion of tasks and manage their performance and
professional development.
 Excellent computer skills, including MS Office.
Desirable:
 Knowledge and understanding of the Replicon timesheet
system.
 Experience in the not-for-profit sector, Government and/or
Non-Government Organisations.
 Understanding of and commitment to the principles of EEO,
WHS, cultural diversity and ethical practice.
 Desire to work in a fair, equitable and non-judgemental
environment particularly with people infected/affected by
HIV, viral hepatitis and related diseases.
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Position Description
Position Summary
The Position Summary provides a high level snapshot of the key results areas (KRAs) and attributes
for this role, against which performance will be measured. This should be used by the staff member
on an ongoing basis as a quick reference to determine how he or she is performing in the role.
Key results areas
1. End of quarter process, including staffing recharges, provision and accrual.
2. Maintain payroll system and process, superannuation and issue payment summaries
3. Coordinate, oversee and undertake activities related to the program area
4. Manage stakeholders/relationships
5. Manage budgets
6. Supervise and manage staff
7. Maintain high level understanding of Division area and current matters and practices in
the program area
8. Compliance
9. Special projects
Attributes
1. Attention to detail
2. Organising and planning
3. Analytical capacity
4. Initiative
5. Results orientation
6. Professional and presentation skills
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Position Description
Key Results Areas
Key results areas (KRAs) describe the key outcomes that are to be achieved in this role and a
performance standard against which the position holder will be assessed.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) should be set and reviewed regularly in accordance with ASHM’s
Performance Management policies and procedures.
1.
End of quarter process, including staffing recharge, provisions and accrual.
 Calculation of AL and LSL provision
 Prepare wages and super accrual
 Prepare staff wages and hosting fee recharge for all divisions
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
All end of quarter procedures are completed in a timely manner and to the standard for Financial
Risk Subcommittee meeting.
2.
Maintain payroll system and process superannuation.
 Process fortnightly payroll and monthly superannuation payment
 Issue payment summaries
 Related payroll administration
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
Payments are processed on time with no unjustifiable errors.
3.
Coordinate, oversee and undertake activities related to the program area.
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Work with the Division Manager to develop work plans.
Follow and report on work plans, overseeing tasks assigned to junior staff.
Meet project/task deadlines, both internal and external.
Attend team meetings and provide accurate and relevant updates.
Provide input in relation to opportunities for continuous improvement.
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
Relevant and accurate input is provided in the development of work plans. Work plans are
followed and tasks completed as assigned. Project and task deadlines are met, with any
potential delay being recognised early and brought to the attention of appropriate Managers as
soon as possible. Initiative is displayed in the assessment of processes through task completion
and feedback is provided to Managers in relation to opportunities for continuous improvement.
4.
Manage stakeholders/relationships.
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Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders.
Attend functions and events and respond to phone calls and emails.
Promote ASHM policies throughout communications with stakeholders.
Meeting with division managers to communicate finance process.
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
Stakeholders are willing to communicate with the Senior Officer on a regular basis. Program
related content can be discussed at a professional and knowledgeable level. Functions and
events are attended and communications from stakeholders are responded to in a timely,
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Position Description
appropriate and professional manner. Any issues with key stakeholders are reported to the
relevant Managers immediately.
5.
Manage budgets.
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Provide input to Managers in the development of budgets.
Manage the project or task within the set constraints.
Provide budget reports as required.
Oversee the implementation of budgets by junior staff.
Oversight Hosting Fee budget.
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
Relevant and accurate input is provided in the development of budgets. Projects and tasks are
managed within the set constraints, with any issues being raised with Managers as soon as they
become apparent. Budget reports are accurate and provided in a timely manner. Progress of
junior staff on the implementation of budgets is monitored and guidance is provided to junior staff
as required.
6.
Supervise and manage staff.
With support and guidance from your Supervisor:
 Guide new staff through their induction and probationary period, providing supervision on a
weekly basis, completing all probationary period performance reviews on time and providing
all appropriate paperwork to HR for filing.
 Hold supervision sessions with staff who have completed their probationary period on a
weekly or fortnightly basis, depending on their needs.
 Ensure that staff have the necessary skills to carry out their duties.
 Develop training plans to enhance skill levels and to close any skill gaps.
 Complete all staff performance reviews on time and according to ASHM processes, providing
all appropriate paperwork to HR for filing.
 Ensure that staff members each have a current and appropriate position description for their
role.
 Review position descriptions as necessary for recruitment purposes and for any changes to
existing roles.
 Review and sign off on staff timesheets on time each fortnight.
 Supervise and provide guidance to junior staff in their performance of tasks.
 Attend all supervision sessions and performance reviews with your Supervisor, providing
relevant feedback and raising any issues as soon as possible.
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
Supervision sessions, feedback and discussion happen regularly. ASHM Procedures are
followed and all performance and probationary reviews are conducted on time with the
associated paper work placed in personnel files. Appropriate training is provided as required.
Position descriptions are kept current. Staff timesheets are signed off on time each fortnight, with
no delay to payroll processes. ASHM Procedures are followed and all performance and
probationary reviews are conducted on time with the associated paper work placed in personnel
files. Any performance management issues with junior team members are brought to the
attention of Managers. Junior and equivalent level team members are able to approach the
Senior Officer and receive accurate guidance on how to perform tasks. Managers can rely on
the Senior Officer to provide guidance on procedures. All supervision sessions with your
Supervisor are attended and all issues are raised and discussed.
7.
Maintain high level understanding of Division area and current matters and practices in
the program area.
 Maintain a good knowledge of the Division structure, functions and processes.
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Position Description
 Contribute ideas and recommendations towards the improvement of processes in the
Division.
 Take time on a regular basis to read sector publications, journals and other materials relevant
to the program area.
 Engage with professional and sector groups and networks as appropriate to the program area
 Understand and keep up to date accounting standard.
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
An understanding of the Division structure, functions and processes is displayed when sharing
information with team members and communicating with stakeholders. Processes are assessed
and opportunities for continuous improvements are recognised and implemented following
discussion and approval from Managers. Relevant knowledge of the program area is applied to
projects and tasks. Proactivity is displayed in engagement with appropriate groups and
networks.
8.
Compliance.
 Understand and maintain a good knowledge of ASHM’s structure, functions, policies,
procedures and codes of conduct.
 Comply with ASHM’s policies, procedures and codes of conduct, including WHS, EEO and
ACFID.
 Encourage staff to fulfil their compliance obligations.
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
All work performed is done so in a manner that complies with ASHM’s policies, procedures and
codes of conduct. Any breaches witnessed are reported as per relevant procedures.
9.
Special projects.
 Carry out special projects as allocated and required by the team.
 Carry out research and analysis that may be required for the program area.
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
Allocated projects are completed accurately and by deadline. Appropriate research is carried out
and used effectively to benefit the program area.
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Position Description
Attributes
Attributes describe the key qualities that are considered to be most important in carrying out this role
and achieving the KRAs.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) should be set and reviewed regularly in accordance with ASHM’s
Performance Management policies and procedures.
1.
Analytical capacity.
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Learns new skills and ideas quickly and assimilates complex information, applying knowledge
gained to a new setting.
Quickly defines complex and ambiguous problems, pinpoints key issues and develops
workable solutions.
Across multi-dimensional areas, assesses complex information, quickly perceives implications
and makes sound strategic judgements.
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
Demonstrates examples of going beyond position expectations and standards. Always takes
action to get the job done. Presents suggestions for improvements and problem-solving.
2.
Attention to detail.
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Demonstrates a concern for accuracy at every stage and in every aspect of a task.
Is able to attend to all requirements of a task and implement processes for quality control.
Always seeks to provide a “finished product” and takes pride in output.
Analyses issues from different viewpoints, to identify hidden problems.
Reads documents and written communications thoroughly.
Follows both verbal and written instructions accurately.
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
Has an eye for detail and presents all documents and other outputs in a professional manner, free
from error. Takes into consideration all points in source documents in final production.
3.
Initiative.
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Is able to work well unguided when consultation is not available or is impractical.
Demonstrates the ability to think outside the square and make suggestions.
Actively participates in meetings.
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
Plans out and executes worthwhile tasks with little or no guidance. Asks well thought out and
relevant questions. Makes meaningful contributions and suggestions at meetings and during
day-to-day conversations.
4.
Organisation and planning.
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Is able to prioritise and schedule tasks and/or people efficiently and effectively.
Develops realistic action plans while being sensitive to time constraints and resource
availability.
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Position Description
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Plans and manages multiple jobs at once.
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
Prioritises tasks effectively, performing consistently within time constraints and focusing on
ensuring the timely completion of work to deadlines. Organises resources in such a way as to
maximise their value. Applies planning principles to ensure necessary measures are taken to
meet deadlines and targets, reacting to and incorporating changes that may occur throughout the
course of a task or project.
5.
Professional and presentation skills.
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Overall manner, personal presentation and attire reflect professionalism and are appropriate
for each situation.
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
Always presents to an appropriate standard. Communications, behaviour and level of work are
professional at all times.
6.
Results orientation.
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Demonstrates initiative and is proactive, seeking responsibility beyond the job requirements,
identifying opportunities, anticipating problems and taking action.
Demonstrates tenacity, persevering with responsibilities even if encountering significant
resistance or hardship.
This is the standard that will be acceptable:
Is clearly capable of driving activities towards producing the desired result within the prescribed
timeframe. Is able to see the ‘big picture’.
VERIFICATION
This section verifies that the position holder and supervisor have read the position description and are
satisfied that it accurately describes the position.
Position holder
Signature
Date
Supervisor
Signature
Date
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