Organisation: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Job Title: Senior Finance Officer, Budget and Reporting & Client Services
Word Limit: 120 words per criterion
Location: Melbourne
Criteria 1: ‘CORE Values’ as detailed in Organisational Values section above
I have a proven record in contributing effectively to teams, including fostering cooperative relationships with my colleagues, encouraging them and sharing knowledge and information. I currently work in a small group that provides financial services across a number of branches within the Department. As I developed the models and processes for managing the budgets across these areas, I liaise constantly with my team, keeping them informed of any changes and coaching them in the use of the system. The team meets monthly to share information, discuss any issues that have arisen, and to work together to improve the service we provide to our clients. I treat my colleagues with respect and courtesy, and value their diverse views and perspectives.
Criteria 2: ‘People Management’ as detailed in the Required Capabilities section above
I currently supervise two finance officers, managing their performance and providing them with coaching, mentoring and feedback as required. I have a strong commitment to providing accurate, value-adding financial information and analysis to my clients and I ensure that my team has the capabilities to deliver on this commitment. Furthermore, I structure the work practices of the team to align with this focus and provide the ongoing training and guidance they need to undertake their work effectively. I meet regularly with the team to clearly define responsibilities, deliver specific and honest feedback, and provide encouragement and support. My goal is foster a culture of ongoing development and improvement to ensure the delivery of excellent customer service outcomes.
Criteria 3: ‘Specialist Expertise for Finance’ as detailed in the Required Capabilities section above
I have worked within financial services for nearly 10 years and as a Senior Finance Officer in the Department of Human Services since January 2010. I have a Master of Professional Accounting, and am a Certified Practicing Accountant. Through my professional experience, I have developed a clear understanding of the Financial Management Compliance Framework, which includes the Standing Directions made under the Financial Management Act, as well as obligations under external standards such as the Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations. In my current position, I work with the Finance Manager to oversee all aspects of the budget and financial management processes for a number of internal branches and the Concessions to Pensioners and Beneficiaries Output (CPBO) Group.
Criteria 4: ‘Planning and Organising’ as detailed in the Required Capabilities section above
To achieve outcomes and ensure that our service adds value to our clients business, I harness available technology and leverage the skills and expertise of my staff. To provide effective financial management of the CPBO Group, I developed an innovative system of integrated spreadsheets, incorporating a vast number of variables, while remaining flexible enough to respond to changes. The model recognises and deals with the potential barriers these variables pose to providing accurate information to our clients. To ensure it supports effective decision making, it can also be adjusted to align with changing organisational priorities (such as policy changes to pensioner concession amounts). I also ensure that staff in my team have the capabilities needed to operate this system effectively.
Criteria 5: ‘Detail Focus’ as detailed in the Required Capabilities section above
The costing model for the CPBO Group demonstrates my ability to structure information logically, manage detail and take into account practical considerations. The model deals with 11 service providers for gas, 22 for electricity, 20 for water, and 79 councils that manage property rates within Victoria. Many providers manage multiple programmes, each one has a different, market-driven variable pricing structure and consumption level of the services can vary seasonally. Eligibility for concessions and the percentage approved also changes regularly in response to politically driven policy amendments. The model has to sequence all this information, while still effectively underpinning the practical requirements of budgeting, that is, to provide accurate and useful information to support sound financial planning and management decisions.
Criteria 6: ‘Customer Focus’ as detailed in the Required Capabilities section above
I have a broad range of internal and external clients and I always focus on providing them with a timely, responsive service that supports their business functions. I see budget management as the process that transforms information into decisions, and that the quality of these decisions depends on the quality of the information and analysis that I provide. I meet regularly with my clients, listening to their requirements, getting to know their business drivers and ensuring that the service I provide is responsive to those priorities. To further meet my client’s needs, I tailor reports and data presentation to suit their preferences and specific areas of concern, ensuring the information is clear and succinct, with concise, relevant commentary.
