CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Salary package circa $125,000.00 An opportunity is available for an experienced and motivated person with a strong financial background who is seeking to advance their career. Responsibilities of the role will be to provide financial management and support to Council’s Financial Team and all business units such as financial planning, asset management, annual financial reports, performance analysis and external reporting.
Closing date for applications is Monday 5pm 07 September 2015
Council offers attractive working conditions under the Local Government State Award 2014, study and training opportunities, Council uniform, a safe working environment and flexible working conditions.
Applications
How to Apply: Applicants must address the selection criteria outlined in the Information package as per the Guidelines for Applicants, complete a standard Application for Employment form and forward their Resume to be considered for short-listing. To obtain an information package, please contact Council’s Human Resources Manager Julie McKeown on telephone number (02) 6828 6105, via email [email protected] or download via website www.walgett.nsw.gov.au.
Email applications to [email protected]. Written applications are to be forwarded to the General Manager, Walgett Shire Council, PO Box 31, WALGETT, NSW, 2832.
Don Ramsland
General Manager
Walgett Shire Council
Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has a smoke free work environment.
1
Information Package
Position: Chief Financial Officer
Walgett Shire Council is a local government providing services to the towns of Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri, villages including Carinda, Cumborah, Rowena and Burren Junction and the surrounding rural areas.
The Shire covers an area of 22,000 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 7,000. Dominant industries include cropping, grazing, grain handling, opal mining and tourism.
The Barwon, Namoi, Macquarie, Castlereagh, Narran and Moonie rivers pass through the Shire and the dominant landform consists of floodplains of unconsolidated alluvium with an elevation between 120 and 145m above sea level. In the northern portion of the shire there are a number of ridges composed of weathered sedimentary rocks that reach a maximum elevation of about 160 m above sea level.
The climate of the region is semi-arid with peak monthly rainfall usually occurring in summer and a smaller peak from May to July. Average daily temperatures, considered on a monthly basis, show a minimum of 5°C in July and a maximum of 35°C in the summer months.
Whilst Walgett has the majority of health, shopping and educational facilities available locally, some specialist services are sourced from regional centres such as Dubbo.
Council is currently negotiating for the re-introduction of a feeder air service into Dubbo. A Country Link coach service connects with the Sydney XPT rail service in Dubbo daily.
Walgett Shire Council is a smoke free work environment and an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Applications for the following position MUST specifically address the Essential P o s i t i o n C r i t e r i a and the Desirable P osition Criteria in their application and complete the Walgett Shire Council Application for Employment form. Short-listing of applicants will be carried out according to the applicant’s response to these criteria and the selection panel may contact the nominated referees to confirm any unsubstantiated claims.
In addition to the above, applicants should provide a copy of their resume or curriculum vitae with their application and copies of their qualifications and/or professional registrations.
In submitting an application, the applicant agrees, unless stated otherwise, that Walgett Shire Council may share the application confidentially with the members of the selection panel, including independent persons on the panel that are not employees of Walgett Shire Council, during the short-listing process.
Note: An application form is attached with this package.
2 The Position – Chief Financial Officer
The position is a new position and based on the recommendation made by the Independent Local Government Review Panel.
Location: Walgett
Hours:
W hilst t he posit ion is nominally 35hrs per week full time, the successful applicant will be expected to work outside normal office hours as and when the need arises. Council is also currently trialling a flex-time system which allows staff to build up a bank of a maximum of 21 hours to allow travel to regional centres etc. from time to time.
Remuneration Package:
A re m u n e r a t i o n package of circa $125,000.00 including 9.5% superannuation guarantee will apply. A subsidised vehicle, fuel card, mobile telephone, laptop, subsidised housing and excellent conditions of employment, in line with the Local Government (State) Award 2014 will be negotiated with the selected applicant. Salary packaging is available where appropriate.
Lease Back Vehicles with Full Private Use:
Council operates a vehicle lease back scheme which provides for private use of a fully maintained vehicle a weekly rate determined annually.
Other Conditions:
Provision of a laptop computer, internet access, mobile phone with private use, uniform and fuel card are all items which will be available to, and negotiated with, the successful applicant. Other terms and conditions are as per the Local Government (State) Award.
Accommodation: Council has a range of accommodation – from four bedroom homes to two bedroom flats - available for lease on the basis of a subsidy of 66% of market value.
Salary Progression: Salary progression is based on a competency assessment document. Assessments are conducted after 3 months employment and thereafter effective annually in July.
Training: Council provides leave for training and study purposes, based upon the employee’s professional development and Council’s long term needs as determined by its training plan.
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Local Government Reform:
The NSW Independent Local Government Review Panel (ILGRP) has recommended Walgett Shire be a “Council in Far West Region (review by 2020).”
Council’s preference is to remain a “stand alone” council but share resources with the neighbouring councils of Brewarrina and Bourke through the Outback Shires Alliance, possibly by establishing “regional centres of excellence.”
Council is a member of the Western Division Group of Councils as well as the Orana Regional organisation of Councils (OROC).
Council also believes that as part of current local government reform initiatives there is extensive opportunity to develop relationships with both state and federal agencies to facilitate and/or co- ordinated the delivery of a wide range of services on behalf of those agencies in the future
Essential Position Criteria/ Desirable Position Criteria:
Both the essential position criteria and desirable position criteria are set out in detail in the attached position description and must be addressed in any application.
Interviews:
It is anticipated that interviews will be conducted in early August with selected applicants being advised approximately one week in advance.
Closing date:
Applications close at 5pm Monday 07 September 2015
Further Information:
Should applicants require any further information with regards any aspect of the position, or services and other facilities available within the Walgett Shire, they are invited to contact Human Resources Manager Julie McKeown on 02 6828 1399 during usual office hours
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POSITION DESCRIPTION - Chief Financial Officer (Essential & Desirable Selection Criteria must be addressed)
Position Title: Chief Financial Officer
Department: Corporate Services
Reports Directly To: Director Corporate Services
Staff Directly Controlled: 2
Grade: Package circa $125,000
Present Incumbent: New position
Location of Work Place: Walgett Shire Council Administration Building
Objective:
To effectively manage Walgett Shire Council’s overall financial resources and to ensure legislative and best practice compliance; To provide leadership across all financial activities of Walgett Shire Council and ensure consistency in the management of short, medium and long term organisation goals; To provide specialist advice to management on maximising financial return on Council’s assets; To provide high quality service to the Community and Council; To promote the image of Council as efficient effective and courteous.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for Council’s internal and external financial reporting; - Policy development and review relating to Council’s corporate objectives and governance; - Delivery of processes involved in relation to integrated planning and reporting legislation; - Responsible for ensuring the completion of work programs across all finance modules in an accurate and timely manner. - Responsible for ensuring compliance of all Council divisions in relation to fortnightly work debtors, acquittals and financial reporting to external bodies.
General Accountabilities:
- Effective management of the Finance Team which administers the functions of rates, water billing, creditors, debtors, stores, grants, payroll, investments, fleet management, taxation and FBT;
Page 5 of 15 - Effective management of professional accounting staff which are responsible for contributing to the preparation of financial statements, budgeting, costing, cash flow management, asset accounting and production of management accounting reports.
Essential Selection Criteria:
- Degree qualified. CPA or CA accreditation would be highly regarded. - Minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience in: o The management and control of financial systems; o Experience in financial planning, particularly longer-term planning, including the use of models; o Working with senior executives in developing business strategies and aggregating and reporting the corporate position; - Supervisory and management experience; - Strong working knowledge of: o Accounting Standards; o Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting; - Suitable experience to complete Council’s financial statements in the required format; - Proven analytical experience in cash flow management, budget analysis, control of an investment portfolio and budget forecasting; - Proven experience in the successful management of organisational reform with an emphasis on continuous improvement; - Strong verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to negotiate and resolve conflict with a diverse range of stakeholders; - Demonstrated strong computer skills. eg Microsoft Suite – Word, Excel etc; - Possess highly developed management skills, with the ability to lead, supervise, motivate and coach staff as required; - Current NSW Driver’s Licence.
Desirable Selection Criteria:
- A strong knowledge of the Local Government Act, 1993 and Regulations and in particular how they apply to financial reporting and statutory obligations;
- Experience in using financial database ‘Authority’ and records software TRIM;
- Proven ability to apply knowledge of accounting standards, budgets, legislation, contracts, audit protocols and risk management in a local government environment; - A strong knowledge of the Local Government (State) Award 2014; - Willingness to participate in a resource sharing role with the neighbouring Shires of Bourke and Brewarrina
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MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS All positions are subject to a Pre-Employment Medical. This must be completed prior to any offer of employment being made. In the event that the medical report identifies any Issues, the HRM will liaise with the relevant Director and the General Manager to ascertain whether Council can accommodate any requirements prior to any offer being made. The medical may be completed by a General Practitioner of the applicants’ choice, at Council’s expense.
SUPERANNUATION
Walgett Shire Council will pay 9.5% superannuation gaurantee to a Superannuation fund of your choice.
SUBSIDISED HOUSING
Walgett Shire Council have a range of Council housing available including three bedroom homes to recently built two and three bedroom units all in reasonable locations and will be available at subsidised rent paid directly to Council via staff payroll deduction.
PROBATIONARY REVIEW
All positions are subject to a Three month probationary period. Council undertakes reviews and monitoring within the Three months to identify training requirements, satisfactory progress and to encourage communication and feedback between the Supervisor and the employee.
Reviews are carried out at four and Eight weeks of employment and a Final Probationary review is completed at Three months.
All employees have access to annual staff appraisals carried out normally March/April each year which becomes effective in the new financial year (July).
Page 7 of 15 WALGETT SHIRE COUNCIL
GUIDELINES FOR JOB APPLICANTS
Thank you for your interest in applying for a position with the Walgett Shire Council. These guidelines have been developed to assist you in preparing your application.
THE RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS
Involves Walgett Shire Council identifying a vacancy, advertising, short listing applicants, calling suitable applicants for interview, conducting reference checks, pre-employment screening (including medical examination), criminal record / working with children checks and offering appointment to the preferred applicant/s.
APPLYING FOR A POSITION
You need to apply in writing for all advertised vacancies. Your application will be used to decide whether you will be interviewed. A good application shows why you are the best person for the job and how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the selection criteria.
Your application must contain the following minimum requirements:
Letter of introduction. A completed Walgett Shire Council Application Form, including names and contact numbers of three current, employment-related referees. Your response to the Selection Criteria. Your CV or Resume. Copies of your qualifications and/or professional registrations. Do not send originals.
Before preparing your application, you should take the following steps:
Read the job description. Obtain as much additional information about the position as you can. You might consider talking to people in similar positions; and read any relevant information such as annual reports, strategic plans, etc.
WRITING YOUR APPLICATION
You need to write your responses to the selection criteria to show the selection committee that you have the right mix of skills, knowledge and experience to do the job. Our suggestion to applicants, to ensure that the selection criteria are adequately addressed, is to make a separate heading for each selection criteria. For each one, describe your skills, knowledge and experience and show how they could be used in the advertised position. Emphasise your major achievements. Use positive language in talking about yourself, for example, “My success in my current role demonstrates my ability to undertake every aspect of this work, especially …..”.
Key words in selection criteria and their meaning
Demonstrated knowledge: you need to give examples that prove you have this area of knowledge.
Ability to: you do not need to have done this kind of work before, but your skills, knowledge and experience must show that you are capable of doing the work. Describe things, which you have done which prove you could successfully undertake this kind of work.
Experience in: you have to show when and how you have done this work before and give examples of your experience.
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Effective, Proven, Highly Developed, Superior: these are all asking you to show your level of achievement. Give as much detail as you can, using examples of your achievements to show your skills, knowledge and experience.
Good communication skills this is not about whether you speak English with an accent. This is about showing you have the communication skills needed to do the job. You could include experience in dealing with people, details of things you have written, and examples of problems you have solved using your communication skills.
Walgett Shire Council requires all employees to have an awareness of the principles and practices related to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Quality Improvement, Ethical Practices, Multi-cultural diversity (EAPS) and Work Health Safety (WHS) relevant to each position.
Information to help you can be obtained by contacting:
EEO www.eeo.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 9228 4444 Ethical Practices www.icac.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 8281 5999 WHS www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
The following may be of assistance in reference to some selection criteria:
Equal Employment Opportunity
Walgett Shire Council believes that equality in employment is a fundamental right for all people. EEO principles ensure that people are not discriminated against and have equal access to conditions of employment, training and development, promotional opportunities and evaluation of performance. The outcome of good EEO practice is a diverse and skilled workforce, improved employment access and participation of EEO groups and a workplace culture displaying fair practices and behaviours.
Ethical Practices
Each employee of the Walgett Shire Council is accountable for their performance. All employees must observe the Code of Conduct and ensure that no fraudulent or unethical practices or conflicts of interest exist.
Work Health Safety
Walgett Shire Council is committed to safe work practices and environments. Employees have a legislative requirement to ensure their work is carried out safely. Walgett Shire Council is also committed to assisting with the prompt return to work of injured workers.
Multi-Cultural Diversity
Basic principle
Walgett Shire Council staff are required to ensure equity of access to all people regardless of cultural, linguistic or religious background.
APPLICATION AND CURRICULUM VITAE / RESUME
You will need to submit a CV or Resume that includes any qualifications, professional affiliations, details of professional registrations and employment history. If you are intending to apply for more than one position, please submit a separate application for each position.
You should also include a copy of your qualifications and professional registrations (if applicable) in your application.
Page 9 of 15 OVERSEAS QUALIFICATIONS
Some job advertisements say that you need to be registered, licensed, hold a trade certificates or be a member of a professional association. If you have qualifications from overseas you may need to get formal recognition of your qualifications before applying for these jobs. For help with this phone the Overseas Skills Advisory Service on 02 97072500 or 02 92693500. For other jobs, the selection committee will assess your qualifications. It may be useful to give them a statement that shows the Australian equivalent of your qualifications. This may be obtained from the Overseas Skills Advisory Service or the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) (phone: 1800 020 086).
THE ROLE OF THE SELECTION PANEL The Selection process will be undertaken by a panel that has been convened to ensure it has the necessary expertise to make a sound recommendation, in a fair and impartial way. Collectively, the panel will have an understanding of the vacancy and its role and will be responsible for the integrity of the final selection. The panel will usually consist of three members (convenor, job specialist and independent), however, there may be occasions when additional membership may be appropriate.
INTERVIEW The most suitable applicants, short listed from their written application, will be called for interview, where each candidate’s strengths and limitations in relation to the selection criteria are further assessed. The purpose of the interview is to provide the applicant with the opportunity to expand on information presented in their application and to enable the panel to gather further information for the assessment process.
The body of the interview will be structured so that each interviewee is asked the same series of questions based upon the selection criteria. It is not an opportunity for the panel to ask applicants “tricky” or obscure questions, but rather to assist you in presenting your case in the best manner possible.
At the interview you will be given the opportunity to ask questions about the position. The questions offer candidates the chance to demonstrate their interest in and understanding of the position and its associated duties. At this stage you may also present information to the panel which you feel assists your application.
The length of time between the closing date and notice of interviews may vary from position to position. If you wish to follow up on the status of your application after the closing date, please contact Council’s Coordinator Human Resources on telephone 02 6828 1399.
If you are offered an interview and you have any special need, such as wheelchair access to the building or an interpreter, you should inform the Coordinator Human Resources on telephone 02 6828 1399.
REFERENCE CHECKING Selection panels have the right to seek information, additional to that already supplied, in order to make objective decisions and to safeguard their service from the employment of those who may have a record of unsatisfactory performance. It is important that you nominate referees who are able to discuss your suitability in relation to the position applied for. Consider providing them with a copy of the job description so that they are prepared to provide relevant information to the selection panel.
Page 10 of 15 CRIMINAL RECORD / WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS In accordance with Walgett Shire Council’s policy, a criminal record check and working with children check may be conducted for new employees, transferring employees, volunteers and students.
PRIORITY OF EMPLOYMENT Internal applicants who believe they have priority of employment (displaced person) should clearly identify their claim in their application.
POST SELECTION FEEDBACK Feedback will be available to all unsuccessful applicants regarding their application or interview performance upon request.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late applications are not normally considered, so please ensure that your application reaches the General Manager by the closing date.
NOTIFICATION
An acknowledgement letter or email will be forwarded following receipt of your application. Should you wish to confirm that your application has been received, please telephone Walgett Shire Council on telephone 02 6828 1399
APPLICANT CHECKLIST Have you:
Read the job description and the selection criteria. Researched the position thoroughly. Addressed the selection criteria Completed the Application Form. Prepared original supporting documentation and evidence of your identification to bring to interview. Dispatched your application to ensure it will arrive prior to the closing date. Ensured your application is presented in a clear and concise manner. Ensure you retain the advertisement, job description and the general application kit information for future reference in relation to your application.
Walgett Shire Council is committed to the principle of Equal Employment
Opportunity, workplace safety, multi-cultural diversity and promoting a smoke free work environment.
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Application for Employment
(Confidential)
Applicants are required to attach a response to the Selection Criteria as listed in the Information Package.
Please use BLOCK CAPITALS to complete the following details:
Position Title: ______
Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms (Please Circle)
Name: ______
Given Names
______
Surname
Address: ______
______
Postcode
Postal Address: ______
______
Postcode
Email Address: ______
Telephone: ______
After Hours Business Hours
______
Mobile
Page 12 of 15 Are you an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident? Yes No
If not, do you hold a valid Working Visa? Yes (copy will be required) No
Do you identify as an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander?______(Yes / No)
Is English your first language? Yes/No If not what is your first language? ______
Where did you see or hear about the vacancy advertised? (Please tick)
Internal Vacancy Circular Newspaper Friend / Relative
Internet (indicate Website) ______
Other (please specify) ______
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REFEREES: (regarding your work history and/or education)
Please provide names and addresses of at least three referees, one of which should be your present or most recent employer, if possible, who will be contacted prior to an offer of employment being considered. If referees can not be contacted, because they are no longer current, it may be seen as an unfavourable response. Please ensure that referee information is current before submitting your application.
REFEREE 1 REFEREE 2
Name: ______Name: ______
Title: ______Title: ______
Organisation: ______Organisation: ______
Address: ______Address: ______
Phone: ______Phone: ______
Phone: ______Phone: ______
REFEREE 3
Name: ______
Title: ______
Organisation: ______
Address: ______
Phone: ______
Phone: ______
Page 14 of 15 WALGETT SHIRE COUNCIL IS COMMITTED TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
This section is for compliance with EEO legislation only – completion is optional; however, we would encourage you to complete same to assist us with the implementation of improvements with respect to future equal opportunity employment.
Country of Birth Nationality
Was English the first language of:
Yourself? Yes No Your Mother? Yes No Your Father? Yes No
Are you from a racial, ethnic or ethno-religious group which is a minority in Australian society? Yes No
Are you an Australian Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander? Yes No
Walgett Shire Council welcomes applications from people with disabilities and will attempt to meet reasonable/appropriate work-related requirements of employees.
Do you have a disability? Yes No
______
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Please tick the most appropriate statement from the choice below:
I have read the position description and understand the requirements for the job.
I am not aware of any health condition which might interfere with my ability to perform the requirements of this position.
I have a health condition that may require the employer to provide me with services or facilities (adjustments) so that I can successfully carry out the requirements of the position.
______
PLEASE RETURN YOUR APPLICATION PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE TO:
Post: The General Manager
WALGETT SHIRE COUNCIL
PO Box 31
WALGETT NSW 2832
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 02 6828 1608
.
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