Job Title: Accounts Officer
Word Limit: 2 pages
Location: City of Wanneroo
Along with my Resume, I would like to submit the following information, in relation to my application for the above-advertised position.
I am a highly qualified Accounts Officer with more than 20 years of experience in accounts receivable and accounts payable with expertise in billing, debt collection and payroll. My career history has seen me successfully work within a variety of administrative roles. Each role thus far has required extensive organisation to bring billing systems and accounting processes up to date. It is one of my greatest strengths to be able to identify data discrepancies and implement processes to resolve past and present accounting errors.
My roles have ranged in size from collecting rent and managing accounts for shopping centres and their 130+ tenants, to managing the billing for 1,000+ residents across 14 aged care homes throughout Western Australia. The administration aspect of these roles has required some reception duties and extensive liaison with a wide range of individuals, be it by phone, email, letter or in person. In my most recent role with Hall & Prior Aged Care, a role I held for 9 years, it was extremely important to maintain accuracy of data, knowledge of software systems, legislation changes, as well as the movements and situations of each and every resident.
My reputation has been established as a contributing team player. As a friendly, personable and approachable individual, I enjoy the sharing of experience and knowledge that comes from working within a team environment. My most recent role has seen me work in a small section of a larger financial team located in the head office as well as the 30+ staff scattered throughout the resident homes. This diversity allowed for greater sharing of skills, knowledge and work styles.
In recognition of my clear and concise ability to communicate I have repeatedly been requested to train new staff members at each of my roles. This included regular administration workshops where I would travel to offices and present reports and bring attention to inconsistencies of reporting. In addition, I was required to travel to NSW as part of my most recent role to train the staff in the Sydney office about the functions and processes implemented in head office. On a more one-on-one level my role with Hall & Prior required constant communication with the Department of Health and Ageing, debt collection agencies, lawyers, family members and other associated personnel.
Every business has their own software system tailored to suit the needs of their business. As such I have experience with Pay Global, PeoplePoint, Axapta Care, PAMS, MIR and SAP amongst others. In each of these cases I have proven my ability to adapt to the software and in fact repeatedly been recognised as the go-to person for system help. At Hall & Prior, I was instrumental in the testing of new software during a system migration process in 2006.
My knowledge and ability with these software systems, coupled with my ability to analyse data has repeatedly enabled me to provide cost savings to my employer. In one particular instance using the SAP system I was able to identify duplicate bill payments that had been made prior to my employment, and which were an ongoing issue. Seemingly simple things like paying on Statement Totals as opposed to Current Total had cost the company significantly. Not only did I rectify the past duplicates, I implemented a new system within the software to identify potential overpayments and prevent further occurrences. This saved the company hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Whilst I have not recently had experience with asset management systems for tangible assets, I have worked extensively with large databases that required extensive data management. Most recently this included the financial information and personal status of over 1,000+ residents across 14 aged care homes. Information regarding their age, level of care required, additional ad-hoc expenses, regular fees, government subsidies or benefits, legislation changes all had to be regularly monitored. In particular changes to the to the Department of Health and Ageing entitlements would be made regularly and these would often apply differently to residents depending on the date they entered the care facility, their age, financial status and other factors. The importance of the accuracy of the data entered into the billing system cannot be over-stated, especially when dealing with individuals who may have very limited finances.
I have previously held National Police Clearance and have recently reapplied for an updated certificate, which I expect to receive in the coming week.
In addition to meeting the essential requirements as listed above, I also wish to address the requirements noted as desirable in the position description. As a direct result of my most recent role, I have extensive understanding of the Western Australian Government’s accounting procedures as they apply to the health and aged care industry. As expressed above I have the ability to interpret the rules correctly as they apply to each individual case. Based on my previous history of quickly learning new systems and rules, I am confident in my ability to adapt to new systems, procedures and legislation in a fast, accurate and knowledgeable manner.
Whilst I have not used the Authority Financial System, as mentioned above I have used, and have extensive knowledge in a wide range of financial systems. As has been the case in all my previous roles I have quickly learned new accounting packages and become the go-to person for help in resolving system issues. I pride myself on my ability to learn new skills quickly and put these into use for the benefit of the organisation I am employed by.
