Download Application for Vacancy - Tararua District Council

Job Description
Job Title:
Financial Accountant
Group:
Financial Services
Team:
Finance
Responsible To:
Senior Financial Accountant
Responsible For:
N/A
Position Purpose:
This job exists to:
To improve the effectiveness of the organisation in achieving
its goals in the areas of strategic financial management and
risk management.
Detailed Job Responsibilities :
Date:

To maintain and extend the Property, Plant & Equipment
registers

To effectively manage Council’s risk in relation to
insurance. To process insurance claims and maintain and
update the insurance schedules

To act as a stand-in for the Assistant Accountant and
Accounts Payable Officer

To assist the Senior Financial Accountant in preparing
annual and quarterly reports

To assist the Senior Financial Accountant in processing
data for inclusion in the Long Term Plan.

To carry out projects when and as required by the Senior
Financial Accountant.
April 2014
Organisational Values
Excellence:
Professionalism:
People First:
Trust:
Exceed expectations / Follow-up / Continuous improvement.
Polished appearance / Knowledgeable / Respect others /
Represent TDC positively
Acknowledgement of achievements / Empathise / Listen
Meeting commitments / Honest and direct / Supportive and loyal
Key Relationships
External
Audit Department
Council supported organisations
Other Local Authorities
Other Government Departments
General Public
Internal
Mayor and Councillors
Chief Financial Officer
Senior Financial Accountant
Finance Team
Tararua District Council Staff
Key Result Areas
The position of Financial Accountant encompasses the following major functions or Key Result
Areas:
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Infrastructure, Operational and Intangible Assets
Finance
Insurance
Projects
Reporting and Planning
Service delivery
Organisational Responsibilities
The requirements in the above Key Result Areas are broadly identified below:
Jobholder is responsible for
1.
Jobholder is successful when
Infrastructure, Operational and
Intangible Assets
Maintaining and updating the Asset
Registers for operational assets, intangible
assets, and investment properties.

An Up-to-date register is in place and
correct depreciation values applied.

No adverse audit comments on Fixed
Assets records are received.

Reconciling of operational and intangible
assets from the asset registers to the
general ledger.

The asset register reconciles to the
general ledger each month.

Depreciation is processed monthly for
both operational, and infrastructure
assets.

The correct asset values are recorded in
the Annual Report and the disclosure(s)
comply with the relevant Accounting
Standards.

Liaising with external valuation service
provider(s) and providing them with
required asset information. (three yearly
for buildings, annually for all other valued
assets)

Job Description: Financial Accountant
April 2014
Page 2
Jobholder is responsible for

Fixed asset disclosures in the Annual
Report are updated accurately and
reconcile to the General Ledger and Asset
Management Systems.

Identifying and solving problems with
infrastructure, operational and intangible
assets.

Liaison with and provide support to asset
staff for capture of asset information and
asset management plans.

Support asset staff with capitalising
infrastructure assets and process the
correct general ledger journals.
2.
Jobholder is successful when

Issues are proactively identified and
promptly resolved
Finance

Carrying out the electronic banking in the
absence of the Assistant Accountant.

Completing monthly reconciliations of
suspense and control general ledger
accounts.

The Bank reconciliations are completed
on a monthly basis.

Completing monthly reconciliations of
suspense and control general ledger
accounts.

The suspense accounts are fully
reconciled on a monthly basis.

Completing GST and FBT returns with the
Senior Financial Accountant’s support
when required.

GST and FBT returns are accurately
prepared and filed by due date.

Setting up and calculating standing
journals for allocation of Engineering
Services admin fees and infrastructure and
building depreciation.

Standing journals are accurately set up to
enable the Activities and Service
Performance Statements to be prepared
accurately on a monthly basis.

Assisting the Senior Financial Accountant
in the preparation of monthly managers’
reports including the Activities and Service
Performance Statements.

Monthly reports are prepared on a timely
basis.

Timely assistance is provided.

Preparing the capital expenditure reports
and statements.
Job Description: Financial Accountant
April 2014
Page 3
Jobholder is responsible for
Jobholder is successful when
3.
Insurance

Ensure that the insurance schedule is
complete and the value insured for is
correct.

Insurance claims are completed correctly
and timely

Ensuring all insurance claims are
communicated to the Council’s insurance
broker with the necessary claim forms.

The annual insurance renewal schedules
and forms are updated and returned to
the insurance broker in a timely manner

Preparing and updating the annual
insurance schedules and forms within the
required timeframe with updated
insurance values.

Council’s assets are insured for the
correct values
4.
Projects

Undertaking projects as and when
needed.

Accurately scope, investigate and report
on special projects, as agreed with the
Senior Financial Accountant.

Contribute to assigned project teams as
required.

Research and report on relevant projects
having ensured the correct information
was accurate and useful to the
stakeholders.

Communicate to appropriate
stakeholders on projects.

Effective contribution to assigned project
teams both in the provision of specialist
financial advice and as an integral
member of the team ensuring that the
project goals and targets were achieved.

Projects are completed in the agreed
timeframes to an agreed and acceptable
standard.

Analysing any findings or results and
presenting to managers/stakeholders,
identifying any areas of concern and
recommending potential solutions.
5.
Reporting and Planning

Assisting with the preparation of Council’s
10 Year Plan, Financial Strategies and
Annual Reports. This involves a full set of
statements on periods 3, 6, 9 & 12.

Well researched, up to date, relevant and
accurate information is supplied,
complying with relevant legislation.

Assist the finance team in the preparation
of the annual report.

Quarterly, six monthly and annual reports
are prepared accurately and timely for
reporting and audit.

Assist the finance team in preparing
Annual Plans and Long Term Plans (LTP).

Timely assistance is provided
Job Description: Financial Accountant
April 2014
Page 4
Jobholder is responsible for
Jobholder is successful when

New reports are designed when new
operations are introduced.

The reports are designed and presented
in an accurate, timely way that meets the
needs of the end user.

Developing external reporting systems for
new operations.

External systems and reports have been
developed and comply with IRD, relevant
accounting standards and legislation.

Other duties as and when required.

Internal controls are developed and put
in place.

All internal controls meet external
auditors’ standards.

All invoices have been checked accurately

Invoices are paid in a timely manner
when the Accounts Payable Officer is
absent.
6.
Accounts Payable

Checking off all invoices processed by the
Accounts Payable officer, ensuring that
invoices have been appropriately
authorised, and agree to the Accounts
Payable remittance extract.

Processing accounts payable invoices
when the Accounts Payable Officer is
absent.
7.
Service delivery

Liaise with the Senior Financial
Accountant to smooth and share
workloads.

Smooth delivery of service to internal and
external clients is maintained.

Enquiries from internal and external
customers are accurately completed
within the agreed timeframes.

Internal and external customers are
accurately identified. Enquires or
requests are acknowledged within three
working days.

A customer-focused culture is
encouraged and actively fostered.
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High level of service is provided to both
internal and external customers.

Customer service (relationship
management) standards are set and
maintained within area.

Effective working relationships are
developed and sustained which maximise
outputs and ensure that excellent
customer service (internal and external) is
provided at all times.

Contribute to a customer focused culture
with the intention of providing a high
level of service to all customers.
Job Description: Financial Accountant
April 2014
Page 5
Jobholder is responsible for
Jobholder is successful when
8.
Organisational Responsibilities

Demonstrating a proactive commitment
to Council’s Values and Behaviours

Positive behaviour is demonstrated.

Attending training as required
maintaining the necessary skills to fulfil
the requirements of the position.

Council responsibilities are undertaken
and completed accurately, meeting
specified standards and within agreed
timeframes.

Undertaking Performance Development
tasks/responsibilities in terms of
Council’s system.

Ensuring all Council documents are filed
in Council’s information management
systems, eg TRIM and Central Filing.

Maintaining confidentiality in respect of
Council records and information.

Demonstrating a proactive commitment
to a safe working environment to meet
the requirements as set under the
Health and Safety in Employment Act
1992.

Participating in and undertaking
emergency management duties as
required.

Participating and contributing to Council
projects and inter-departmental
initiatives as requested/agreed.

Contribution to projects and Council
initiatives:

Maintaining Council property and
equipment and ensuring knowledge of
correct use of equipment is up to date.

Fulfilling administration – reporting
requirements (eg timesheets, vouchers,
reporting).
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is effective and valued
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
is approached in a positive and
helpful manner/attitude.
Administration requirements are
completed timely and accurately as
specified.
Note
The above performance standards are provided as a guide only. The precise performance measures for this
position will need further discussion between the jobholder and manager as part of the performance
development process.
Job Description: Financial Accountant
April 2014
Page 6
Person Specification
This section is designed to capture the expertise required for the role at the 100% fully effective level. This
may be a combination of knowledge / experience, qualifications or equivalent level of learning through
experience or key skills, attributes or job specific competencies.
Knowledge / Experience / Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
(indicate years of experience required as appropriate)

Effective communication and time
management skills

Project management skills

Tertiary qualification majoring in
Accounting/ Finance, eg NZQA Diploma
(Level 5) or Degree

Resourceful and able to work
unsupervised
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Member of NZICA - Accounting
Technician
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Advanced knowledge of
Accounting/Financial Systems
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Advanced knowledge of MS Office
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Advanced computer literacy
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Thorough knowledge of application of
Accounting practice and financial
systems.
Personal Attributes
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Positive attitude and ability to work as part of a team
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Committed to meeting deadlines
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Has an eye for detail
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Logical and analytical thinker

Willingness to learn and be challenged

Innovative
Job Description: Financial Accountant
April 2014
Page 7
Change to job description
From time to time, it may be necessary to consider changes in the job description in response to the
changing nature of our work environment– including technological requirements or statutory changes. This
Job Description may be reviewed as part of the preparation for performance planning for the annual
performance cycle or as required.
Employee Name
Date
Financial Accountant
Approved:
Cameron McKay
Senior Financial Accountant
Job Description: Financial Accountant
April 2014
Date
Page 8
Position:
Financial Accountant
Description of the District
The Tararua District Council spans an area from Mt Bruce in the south to Norsewood in the north
and from the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges to the Pacific coast. The population of the district is just
under 18,000. The Council has an annual turnover of over $30 million and assets of $667 million.
The advantages of living in the Tararua district are:
 Excellent environment for a rural lifestyle
 Very good primary and secondary schools.
 Excellent medical services.
 Reasonable travelling distance to larger centres.
Conditions of Appointment
Hours of Work
Forty per week, Monday to Friday.
Salary
Based on qualifications and relevant experience.
Appointment Conditions
The appointment will be made in accordance with the terms of this Schedule, the April 2014 Job
Description and Council employment documents. Acceptance of this position will be deemed to
imply acceptance of the various regulations contained therein.
The appointment is subject to four week’s notice in writing by either party. In the event of the
appointee being guilty of serious misconduct or being unable to execute the duties of the position,
the Chief Executive may terminate the appointment forthwith.
Confidentiality
The appointee must not disclose to any unauthorised person confidential Council information.
Use must not be made of any information, process, papers or documents at any time to which the
employee has had access during the period of employment or at any time thereafter, except on
behalf of Council.
Details to be supplied by the Applicant
A letter of application, curriculum vitae and application for vacancy form, plus any other relevant
information.
Closing Date
Applications close with the Human Resource Advisor
Tararua District Council
P O Box 115
Dannevirke 4942
on Monday 5 May 2014
Conditions of Appointment: Financial Accountant
April 2014
Page 1
Application for Vacancy
Please complete all
sections of this form,
answering all questions.
Position Applied For:
The form must be signed
and dated.
Closing Date:
Financial Accountant
Monday 5 May 2014
Section One: Personal Details
Family name:
First name(s)
Known as:
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Private
(
)
Mobile:
Business*
(
)
Email address:
* I may be contacted at work Yes  No 
Please note if you have provided an email address this will be used to acknowledge receipt of your application.
Are you a New Zealand citizen?
Yes
If not, do you have:
permanent resident status?
Yes
a current work permit?
Yes **
** expiry date
/
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

No
No
No



/
How did you find out about this vacancy,
ie which newspaper, website etc.
Applicants are asked to submit an application for vacancy form, a letter of application and a curriculum
vitae. The CV should be in A4 format on white or pale coloured paper and be stapled, not bound (as it
will be photocopied). Your CV should provide evidence of the knowledge skills and ability you have for
the position in terms of the job description/advertisement. Your CV and its attachments will be returned
unless you request otherwise.
Section Two : General
Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Have you had an injury or illness that may affect your ability to perform Yes
the duties of this position?

No


No

Do you have a current New Zealand Driver Licence?
Class(es):
Any endorsements? Please specify
Have you ever been convicted of any offence against the law?
[not concealed under the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004]
Are you waiting the hearing of charges in a civil or criminal court of law?
If yes to either of the above please
specify.
If yes, please explain:
Have you made any claims against ACC in the last five years?
Yes
If yes, please give details:
What is the earliest date you could be available to start work?
/
/
Please note that if you give any incorrect or misleading information or have omitted any important information during the
appointment process, you may be disqualified from consideration, or, if appointed, be liable for dismissal.
I certify the information provided is correct and no relevant material/information has been omitted. I give permission for the
referees in my CV to be contacted. I understand that the Tararua District Council may require verification of my academic
record. I consent to the Council seeking verbal or written verification on a confidential basis of my academic record as
described in the CV I have provided. I authorise the release of this information to the Tararua District Council.
Signed:
Date:
/
/
Your application for this vacancy is appreciated by the Council. Thank you for your interest. This information will
only be used for the purposes of processing this application.
Application for Vacancy : Financial Accountant
April 2014
Page 2
Additional Information for Applicants
Curriculum Vitae
Your curriculum vitae should contain the following information:
Checklist:
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
Education and training, qualifications, courses and conferences attended
Full employment history in chronological order
Unpaid work history
Interests, hobbies
Specific skills and abilities
Names and addresses and contact telephone numbers of two referees
(preferably work related) who may be contacted
Any other details you feel will be useful
Interviews
Applicants selected for an interview and wishing to have whanau or individual support should indicate
this at the time interview arrangements are made.
Travel expenses of applicants, who reside outside the Tararua district, may be reimbursed by Council.
Reimbursement shall be for the equivalent fare of the most reasonable and convenient means of public
transport.
Equal Employment Opportunities
Tararua District Council is committed to the principle of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and
welcomes applications from all people suitably qualified for each position.
Information about the Tararua District Council can be accessed through the Internet
http://www.tararuadc.govt.nz
Application for Vacancy : Financial Accountant
April 2014
Page 3