Organisation: Australian Taxation Office
Job Title: APS6 Finance Officer
Word Limit: 2-page statement, maximum 700 words
Location: Albury
Demonstrated knowledge of or the ability to acquire experience in budget management,
accounting, governance, financial reporting and business systems or risk management
environments
As Senior Management Accountant for Munters Pty Ltd (a multinational company, with a $50M-
turnover), an awareness of all business implications associated with the company’s financial
activities was critical.
I provided advice on corporate objectives and strategic goals in building budgets collaboratively
with business areas. Being an iterative process, an analysis of current spending, industry forecasts,
incorporation of on-costs and allocation of shared costings, as well as compliance with company
and legal requirements was essential. My tasks also included monthly tracking of actual
expenditure against forecasts, reporting on this and other ad-hoc requests, with a high level of
accuracy. On one occasion, there was a proposal to purchase customised machinery from the
United States of America, at significant cost, and lease the equipment. On assessing the estimated
return on investment (ROI), I recommend they proceed. I often received positive feedback from
the business for providing accurate and relevant support.
Demonstrated ability to review and challenge processes and implement improvements
While at Munters, I assessed trends and data in relation to commission payments the business
made. In doing so, I identified an opportunity to maximise business outcomes by altering the
process for commissions. Previously, commissions were paid on net sales figures, however, by
adding a new metric into the process (cross-profit margin), and ensuring invoices had been paid as
part of a pre-requisite, the business was able to encourage sales staff to generate more profitable
orders and ensure business benefits were realised prior to commissions being paid. These
suggested changes were implemented by the business resulting in a noticeable improvement in
performance.
Highly developed analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to research, interpret and lead the
resolution of financial and legal/regulatory issues
As a Finance Officer within the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), I am accountable for a broad
range of financially based procedural, operational and administrative tasks which require research,
interpretation and application of legislative knowledge to ensure compliance with ATO obligations.
Additionally, I have extensive experience in the application of:
Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) legislation, assessing FBT implications for Rex Airlines
Fair Work Act 2009 legislation, determining remuneration packages for Munters
Taxation legislation, determining deductions for foreign travel, valuing trading stocks and
calculating provisions for sales commissions and bonuses for Munters
Corporation legislation and Australian accounting standards, ensuring necessary disclosures
accompany financial statements
Demonstrated team leadership skills and the ability to guide and mentor
On closure of a business division of Munters, my team faced pressure to deliver a significantly
higher workload in short timeframes. To address the team’s uncertainty surrounding job security
and workloads, I focused on open communication and maintaining team morale. I engaged with
the team to collaboratively consider strategies to address workload and successfully liaised with
business areas to reduce the volume and frequency of financial reporting, and providing training
to enable them to directly access their financial data. We also shifted the onus for collecting
payments to the sales team, who had existing relationships with the customers. As a result the
team continued to deliver high-quality, timely financial expertise to the business.
Demonstrated ability to provide professional advice and build relationships to support internal
and external stakeholders regarding financial management matters
Many recommendations I made that were implemented by Munters, were identified due to strong
internal relationships and understanding of our customers. These included:
Reducing working capital by accepting advance payments on customer orders
Providing discounts and credits to customers based on their company contributions
Entering into long-term sales contracts to secure new customers
Focusing resources on delivering tailoring solutions for our most profitable customers
The above strategies contributed to an increased profit margin for the company.
Demonstrated ability to manage work priorities, including undertaking and leading project work
As Senior Financial Accountant, I was charged with leading the integration of Air Link’s accounting
systems (a sister company), into Rex Airlines’ system (parent company). Extremely complex and
involving engagement with stakeholders, staff, specialists, suppliers and customers, this project
was in addition to my existing workload. Through effective prioritisation, delegation and
communication, the integration was successfully completed within the deadlines imposed, and
management recognised my contributions.
Demonstrated experience in financial management information systems (preferably SAP and
COGNOS) and other software packages
Highly capable in the use of technology and adept at rapidly learning new systems, I use SAP,
COGNOS and Siebel on a daily basis within the ATO. I am also proficient in Mainframe, and the
entire Microsoft Office Suite, with highly advanced skills in Excel.
Qualifications or experience in relevant fields, such as Accounting, Finance, Economics or Law is
desirable
A member of CPA Australia, I possess a Master of Business Administration and Certificate III in
Information Technology. Applying this knowledge throughout my extensive career, I have a unique
depth of practical experience working in complex, multinational environs in senior accounting
roles.
