Senior Finance Officer

This position has a broad range of day-to-day financial tasks and activities, assisting with general accounting, budgets, audits, school fees as well as financial activities related to school assets. Financial operations are effectively managed in accordance with accounting practices/principles and are consistent with the College’s Strategic Plan and business objectives.

All responsibilities of staff members are to be conducted in a manner consistent with the Mission Statement and values of St Michael’s College. Working with parents/guardians/caregivers building relationships of trust. All staff are expected to deliver a positive and warm welcoming environment and will be required to provide cover for other Finance staff at times.

Benefits

Be part of an inclusive and respectful workplace with an attractive salary package where staff are genuinely valued, supported, and encouraged to grow professionally and personally. This opportunity offers a workplace that values accountability, transparency, and ethical decision-making—principles that align closely with the responsibilities of a finance professional.

Task & responsibilities

• Compilation of annual audit process and adequate working papers including preparation and posting of end of year journals.
• Prepare monthly financial reports.
• Undertake end of month financial reconciliations ensuring accuracy with financial records.
• Maintain accurate general ledger records and provide regular reconciliations to the Senior Accountant.
• Undertake all payroll related journals as required.
• Carry out Bank Reconciliation postings on a daily basis.
• Develop, implement, and maintain finance and associated systems and procedures in accordance with college policies to meet legislative and governance requirements.
• Provide the accurate processing and approval of accounts payable matters including utilising the purchase order platform (Alii).
• Act as the supplier administrator for the College QKR application, ensuring efficient use of and reporting from the online platform. Collaborate with relevant departments, provide required training, and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness use.
• Maintain and monthly reconciliation of the school’s Asset Register.
• Prepare monthly BAS Returns and associated GST and FBT requirements.
• Provide support to College departments with cash floats, electronic payment devices to facilitate successful hosting of events.
• Provide assistance to the Senior Accountant for administrating funding grants, reporting to external bodies, including the preparation of various reports and returns for Commonwealth and SA Governments including funding accountability certificates, Census and Financial Questionnaire (FQ) reports, and supporting the debtor process through parent follow-ups and regular updates.
• Preparation and review of the fee statement preparation and billing process as required Maintain a degree of flexibility in working hours from time to time as required for the delivery of the College Compliance deadlines.

Qualification & experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, in Accounting, Finance, Business (or equivalent) and/or relevant demonstrated knowledge and experience in a comparable role.
• Proven experience in financial related area at a mid-operational level. Experience within a school/educational environment is highly desirable.
• Ability to apply high level specialised knowledge of financial and taxation legislation and regulation relevant to business.
• Two or more years’ experience in accounts payable and debt collection in a school setting.
• Have experience with customer services and client (parent) communication is a school setting.
• Have a pleasant “can do” attitude with the ability to use initiative.
• Advanced knowledge Microsoft Office suite, databases and relevant financial software programs.
• Excellent communication, listening and negotiation skills.
• Be willing to support for the Lasallian and Catholic Ethos of the College together with a willingness to work as part of a team.

Certifications

• Current Driver’s Licence.
• Applicable First Aid Certificate relevant to the role requirements.
• Current and acceptable Working with Children Clearance and screening to work in Catholic Education SA.
• Current valid Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care certificate.
• CESA Staff do not need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, with the exception of CESA Staff working in High-Risk Settings. CESA Staff are however strongly encouraged to have and maintain an Up-To-Date Vaccination Status in accordance with the ATAGI statement. The vaccination requirement for CESA Staff working in High-Risk Settings is a condition of employment or engagement unless an exemption is approved in accordance with the CESA COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.