The West Daly Regional Council covers 14,000 square kilometres and is located about 300 to 420 kilometres south-west of Darwin. The area is mainly rural, with three Indigenous communities at Peppimenarti, Nganmarriyanga and Wadeye which are managed by West Daly Regional Council (Council). Council’s vision is to work together to make a difference in the community by creating places that are respectful, peaceful and safe. The mission of Council is to walk alongside culture, country and people to build a stronger community and does it by working together, creating real opportunities and providing services and facilities that everyone can use.

Position Summary

The Finance Officer is responsible for managing the financial operations of an organisation, ensuring accuracy and compliance in areas such as payroll processing, accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, and employee benefits administration. They play a crucial role in interpreting financial data, adhering to relevant legislation and policies, and collaborating with other departments to support smooth financial processes.

The key duties of this role include but are not limited to:

• Provide accurate and timely interpretation of employee conditions including relevant Enterprise Agreement, relevant Award, legislation and employment contracts to ensure compliance and the provision of an accurate payroll service.
• Process end to end periodic payroll as required including adjustments, administration of leave, salary packaging, reporting and payroll filing.
• Maintain databases and report on numerous People and Culture metrics.
• Competence in interpretation of Awards/Agreements (seek counsel/advice when necessary for more complex matters).
• Ensure the processing and payment of creditors’ accounts is undertaken in an accurate, timely and efficient manner while maintaining a high level of customer service, utilising Council and other software products.
• Continually review and update the process of Accounts Payable to ensure that it complies with procurement policy and legislative requirements (and is achieved with efficiently).
• Respond to and coordinate enquiries from suppliers, creditors and customers.
• Calculate, check and administer employee’s leave reports and leave provisions.
• Reconcile, prepare, and pay monthly superannuation within prescribed time frames.
• Timely resolution of employee enquiries.
• Produce month end tasks and financial audits assistance.
• Administer Fringe Benefit Tax annual return and Workers Compensation related tasks.
• Administer the Accounts Receivable and Payable functions of Council, split between Trade (AP and AR) and Rate customers.
• Develop a team approach to problem solving and encourage innovative practice.
• Follow up on outstanding customers in a timely manner and facilitate recovery of debts in conjunction with the Finance Manager.
• Liaise with Customer enquiries as and when required.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team, Finance Officers, Coordinators (and other Council staff) as and when required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement processes aligned to accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll systems, tools, manual and procedures.
• Keep abreast of relevant legislation and changes (i.e. changes to ATO requirements, Superannuation, relevant Awards, Enterprise Agreement, National Employment Standards and the Local Government Act 2019).
• Reconcile end of month statements.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director Corporate Services, ensure Council’s relevant financial policies, procedures and processes are adhered to, ensuring that transactions comply with Council’s financial policies and procedures, Local Government Act 2019, Local Government Regulations and Australian Accounting Standards.

About You

To be successful in the role, you must have:

• Previous experience in a similar end-to-end role within payroll.
• Completion or working towards a certificate in Finance, Accounting or Business (preferred) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Understanding of payroll processing.
• Sound knowledge in the use of a range of contemporary payroll software and proficient use of the Microsoft Office Suite of Products.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workloads to ensure deadlines are met.
• Strong numeracy skills, attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proven ability to interpret employee conditions such as awards and/or common law contracts as well as a sound understanding of current legislation such as superannuation and long service leave.
• A sound understanding of termination calculations including all leave types, superannuation and eligible termination payments.
• Strong interpersonal skills including high level written and verbal communication.
• Proven ability to work effectively as an individual and as a member of a team and relate effectively with staff at all levels.
• Current Northern Territory Driver’s Licence.
• National Criminal History Check clearance.
• Current Working with Children (Ochre Card).

Why Join Our Growing Team?

• Generous base salary of $76,658.21 to $79,905.89 per annum based on experience and qualifications
• 11.5% Superannuation
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%
• A generous relocation package up to $5000 subject to Council Relocation Assistance Policy
• Generous leave entitlements including six weeks annual leave
• 1 additional public holiday for NAIDOC day dedicated to Council staff
• Flexible working arrangements subject to CEO's Approval
• A great team environment
• Excellent work/life balance giving you the opportunity to explore this iconic region and much more!

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to apply for this role. WDRC is committed to providing quality services and fostering a prosperous and sustainable future for the region. Join our team and contribute to building strong, safe, and healthy communities.

Important Information

• Only candidates with the right to work in Australia can apply.
• Only the shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.
• Applications are assessed on a rolling basis and the suitable applicants may be interviewed as they apply.
• The position may be filled/advertisement may be closed prior to the closing date if the suitable candidate is identified.
• Our recruitment process involves several checks including, but not limited to, criminal history, as well as verification of qualifications, licences and right-to-work status.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter online via the "Apply Now" button. Applications submitted by other methods will not be considered.

For further inquiries, please contact our People and Culture team at [email protected] using the subject line: Finance Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.