Position overview

Capital Finance and External Reporting team supports CHS through the provision of finance functions established in accordance with a financial framework. Our role is to support financial reporting, accounting operations, capital works reporting, compliance with legislation and policies, and input into the annual capital works budget and estimates processes. The team operates in a high pace and dynamic environment and undertakes the following key tasks:

• Provision of strategic and operational financial support and advice.
• 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 in accordance with internal and external timeframes.
• Contributing to Capital Works external budget process, including input into the ACT Government’s annual budget papers.
• Contributing to CHS’ compliance with public sector financial regulations and policies, and maintaining robust internal controls and risk management.
• Collaborating closely with clinical, operational and executive teams to support financial planning activities, including cash flow forecasting, asset replacement strategies, and forward-year capital budgeting.

This position is part of a small and dynamic Capital Finance team reporting to the Director of Capital Finance. As the Senior Finance Officer of Capital Finance, you are responsible for the effective oversight, control, and reporting of CHS’s fixed assets. This role ensures compliance with accounting standards, internal policies, and external audit requirements, while supporting asset financial management.

Key Responsibilities

Under the limited direction of the Assistant Director Capital Finance, you will:

1. Undertake the end-to-end fixed asset accounting process, including asset recognition, capitalisation, cost adjustment, impairment, and disposal.
2. Work with Shared Services to maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (AASB) and relevant government financial frameworks.
3. Coordinate asset verification processes, ensuring accuracy and completeness of asset records.
4. Prepare high-quality financial reports, working papers, and audit documentation related to fixed assets for internal and external stakeholders.
5. Collaborate with procurement, facilities management, and project teams to ensure timely and accurate asset recording and classification.
6. Provide expert advice on capitalisation thresholds, asset lives, and accounting treatments for capital projects and acquisitions.
7. Support the preparation of annual financial statements and contribute to budget development and forecasting for capital expenditure.
8. Identify and implement process improvements and system enhancements to strengthen asset management practices.
9. Ensure compliance with internal controls, risk management frameworks, and relevant legislation and policies.
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:

Skills

• Highly developed financial skills of capital works/project accounting, including the capital works management, the capitalisation of assets, and capital works external budget process.
• Competent interpersonal and written communication skills with a focus on delivering complex information in clear and concise terms for multiple audiences.
• Experience working with TM1 and Oracle financial management information system.

Knowledge

• Demonstrated understanding in accrual-based accounting principles and the implication of the Financial Management Act 1996 on financial management and reporting.
• Demonstrated highly developed knowledge of asset accounting and applicable accounting concepts, standards and practices in a public sector environment.

Behaviour

• Strong organisational skills with an emphasis on managing competing priorities and deadlines either independently or within a team.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and contribute to a positive team culture.
• Demonstrates 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.

Qualifications

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.

Desirable

• Membership or progression toward membership of a professional body (e.g. CPA Australia, CAANZ) would be an advantage.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with strong working knowledge of TM1 and Power BI.

Experience

Essential

• Experience in the application of the ACT Government Financial Management Framework or similar government financial management framework.

Desirable

• Experience in asset / capital works management and financial accounting in a public sector environment.
• Experience in TM1 and Oracle financial system.
• More than six months of professional experience in a hospital or healthcare environment is highly desirable.

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 understanding of accrual-based accounting principles and the implication of the Financial Management Act 1996 on financial management and reporting.
2. Proven experience/knowledge in fixed asset accounting processes, including asset recognition, capitalisation, cost adjustment, impairment, and disposal.
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information clearly to different audiences.
4. Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively, both independently and as part of a team.
5. Understanding safety, quality standards, and Work Health and Safety requirements. Demonstrates behaviours aligned with CHS values: 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.