Position overview

Strategic Finance is responsible for the provision of high quality, timely and accurate financial advice and services to CHS focusing on compliance with legislation and financial framework obligations. The team operates in a high pace and dynamic environment and are responsible for:

• Preparation of financial reports for management, ACT Treasury, and external stakeholders; including CHS’s annual financial statements and monthly ACT Treasury reporting.
• Managing CHS’s asset accounting and reporting on the capital works program to ACT Treasury.
• Contributing to CHS’ compliance with public sector financial regulations and policies, taxation and maintaining robust internal controls and risk management.
• Collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders to support financial planning activities, including cash flow forecasting, asset replacement strategies, and forward-year budgeting.

The Finance Officer sits within the Financial Reporting stream of Strategic Finance and reports to the Senior Finance Officer; Financial Reporting and the team provides strategic and operational financial support and guidance across CHS. The team is responsible for delivering strategic and financial reporting, including oversight of financial analysis, preparation of annual financial statements, ACT Treasury reporting, and financial risk management.

The Finance Officer plays a critical role within the team, assisting in ensuring quality and accuracy of financial processes, maintaining internal controls, and providing valuable finance-related support to stakeholders across CHS. The role contributes to initiatives that aim to improve business processes, service delivery, customer satisfaction and achieve shared team goals.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Senior Finance Officer and the Assistant Director, your duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Provide operational financial services and support, including accounts payable and receivable support and undertaking credit card audits.
2. Review and process medical staff reimbursement claims, ensuring compliance with internal policies and relevant taxation requirements. Ensuring accuracy, maintaining clear records and timely resolution of issues as they arise.
3. Contribute to the monthly financial reporting cycle, including preparation of journals, reconciliations, and balance sheet reports for management review and submissions to ACT Treasury.
4. Assist in external financial reporting, including the preparation of annual financial statements, taxation compliance, data collection from stakeholders and preparation of supporting reconciliations.
5. Support governance and compliance activities, including preparation of Notifiable Invoices submissions, Taxable Payments Annual Reporting (TPAR), administration of financial delegations, and updating user access permissions in the APIAS Accounts Payable system.
6. Provide advice and support to stakeholders on financial processes and systems. Manage the Strategic Finance group email inbox, ensuring timely and professional responses to internal and external stakeholders.
7. Assist in the development and maintenance of financial policies, procedures and work instructions.
8. Contribute to delivery of the day-to-day activities of the Strategic Finance team with a view to delivering the unit’s common business goals and objectives.
9. Assist with system implementation changes and business improvement activities.
10. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific competencies include but are not limited to the following:

Professional / Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Sound understanding and practical experience in accrual-based accounting principles and the implications of the Financial Management Act 1996 on financial governance, reporting, and compliance within the ACT Government context.
• Demonstrated experience using financial management information systems, such as the Accounts Payable Invoice Automation Solution (APIAS), Oracle, and TM1 to contribute to the financial operations, deliver financial analysis and provide advice to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capability in the use of Microsoft Excel to accurately analyse and process complex financial information.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences.

Behaviour

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy, especially with financial information, and ability to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Demonstrated organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team within a changing environment, balancing multiple priorities with a high degree of accountability.
• Ability to show initiative and innovation, being self-motivated and applying problem solving and analytical skills.

Proven team player with a commitment to fostering a positive and collaborative team culture.

Qualifications

Specific qualifications include, but is not limited to, the following.

Essential

• N/A

Desirable

• A tertiary qualification (or progress towards) is highly desirable.

Experience

Specific experience includes, but is not limited to, the following.

Essential

• N/A

Desirable

• At least one year of professional experience in a hospital or healthcare environment.
• Financial operations experience within a complex government environment.
• Experience in the application of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Demonstrated experience in financial operations within a complex environment, including application of accrual-based accounting principles, practices and procedures.
2. Demonstrated experience in the use of financial information systems, ability to maintain accounting information systems and prepare financial reconciliations.
3. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes within tight timeframes, while maintaining accuracy and accountability.
4. Work effectively as a team member, manage relationships and work purposefully and effectively with others under limited supervision and guidance from more senior staff.
5. Ability to communicate clearly and with influence, both verbally and in writing, with a range of stakeholders while maintaining positive relationships.
6. Demonstrated understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays’ behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.