Senior Financial Accounting Officer

Why work with us?

At Council, we’re proud of our region. We collaborate with community to achieve truly sustainable outcomes, enhance our enviable lifestyle, and create award-winning places and spaces that are uniquely Sunshine Coast. So, if you love it here as much as we do, and you want to shape our region for the future – you’ll want to join our team!

With the vision to be Australia’s most sustainable region - Healthy, Smart, and Creative, council is at the forefront of delivering a number of region-shaping projects that will see the region become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity, along with opportunities and a lifestyle for all to enjoy.

About the Role

The Finance Branch is responsible for the financial management and governance, ensuring effective business management and legislative compliance.

The primary purpose of the role is to assist the Senior Financial Accountant with managing the integrity of Council’s financial ledgers through reconciliations, journal processing, chart maintenance and the administration of Councils Trust Register.  

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• General journal processing and chart maintenance.
• Assist with month end processing including accruals and budget-based journals.
• Assist with corporate balance sheet account reconciliations coordinating data into the ledger from a diverse range of business areas across Council.
• Assist in the review of ledger transactions to ensure compliance with all accounting standards and interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB), the requirements of the Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Regulation 2012.
• Administer releases and reconcile Council’s Trust liability ledger to the Bonds & Guarantees system. Coordinate an audit of the bonds & guarantees with relevant business areas on a regular basis to ensure currency

This position is based at the Sunshine Coast City Hall, in the heart of Maroochydore CBD. This state of the art and sustainable building is designed to achieve an innovative and collaborative workspace.

About you

As the Senior Financial Accounting Officer, you will have demonstrated understanding of basic accounting principles and the accounting framework.

You will possess demonstrated proficiency in computer system applications, such as integrated financial systems, databases, spreadsheets and personal application software.

You will have well-developed communication skills (both verbal and written), interpersonal skills and demonstrated commitment to being part of a motivated, high performing team.

As a professional in Financial Accounting, you will have sound knowledge of accrual accounting.

As a requirement of this role, you will have qualification or studying towards a qualification, such as certificate or degree, in Finance or Accounting.

Criminal History Check Required

Appointment to this position is subject to the satisfactory completion of a Criminal History Check.

Our Culture & Employee Benefits

Council is committed to creating an inclusive, culturally diverse, healthy, skilled and dedicated workplace culture. As an employee you will enjoy a range of benefits and working styles to suit you:

• Wellbeing: Your wellbeing is important to us therefore we offer a number of different initiatives such as discounted health related memberships, fitness passport, employee assistance program and development opportunities. 
• Flexibility: We know it is important to balance life and work, therefore we offer flexible working including a 9-day fortnight and a hybrid WFH model that help you be your best.
• Extras: Those extras make a difference therefore we offer salary packaging options on novated leases, superannuation, smartphones and devices. We also pay you 17.5% leave loading and generous Superannuation where council will contribute 12% Superannuation in addition to your 6% superannuation contribution.

How to apply

Your written application should include:

• A 1-2 page cover letter demonstrating your ability to fulfil the mandatory and desirable requirements on the Position Profile. Keep the key responsibilities in mind when addressing this criteria; and
• A current resume or curriculum vitae.

Once you have these two documents ready, click ‘Apply Now’ and follow the prompts to complete your application.

Further Information

Helpful information to assist you in completing your application is available on the Sunshine Coast Council website.

To learn more about Council’s vision and projects, you can view the Corporate Plan 2023-2027.

For specific enquiries contact Lorene Williams during business hours on 5441 8226.

We're working hard to create an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse community we serve. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to the Recruitment Team [email protected].

At Sunshine Coast Council, we embrace differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background including First Nations, disability, religion and sexual orientation. To deliver the best service to our region we want a workforce that reflects the diverse community that we serve. Sunshine Coast Council strongly encourages all suitable applicants to apply for this role.