Organisation: Department of Human Services
Job Title: Closing/Budget Officer
Word Limit: 300 words maximum per criterion
Location: ACT – Canberra
Understanding of financial and business operations and demonstrated capacity to apply this
understanding to deliver quality outcomes.
In addition to gaining experience within multiple private sector roles and within a not-for-profit
entity, I have also developed exceptional financial and business operations skills which are very
similar to the private sector, specifically with Raytheon Australia.
Working as a Financial Analyst, the accounting structure was very closely linked to Government
contracts and aligned with Commonwealth Government, Australian and International accounting
standards and frameworks. My role entailed working within a broader team, reviewing budgetary
recommendations for the monthly forecasting, annual budget, 2-year plan and 5-year plan.
Analysing the budget for such a complex entity required a comprehensive understanding of how
the business functioned at every level of financial performance, including labour utilisation,
overheads, capital expenditure, cash flow and profit and loss.
Always looking to align with Government sector contracts and Raytheon’s overall strategic
direction, I undertook detailed analysis of each budget to ensure that it met with the company’s
required outcomes and targets. This entailed collating information from a wide variety of business
units, prior to conducting a comparison and cost analysis, data integrity testing, financial
modelling and final budget review. Despite the extremely steep learning curve, I was still under
tremendous pressure to deliver timely quality outcomes and I immediately recognised that my
success relied heavily on the timeliness and accuracy of data received from multiple stakeholders.
I therefore reviewed and improved the efficient use of the data collection and analysis templates,
whilst concurrently developing improved internal communication lines and stakeholder
relationships. Now able to work more efficiently, I carefully planned my workloads months in
advance. I also introduced more detailed summary explanations supporting my decisions prior to
delivering the final drafts to the US head office, ahead of schedule.
My work was commended by my manger for its accuracy, timeliness and exceptional quality.
Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships.
As Finance Manager for Affinity Electrical Technologies, I prepared monthly and end-of-year
reporting, payroll tax, adjustments and accruals for a total of five separate entities within the
organisation. Additionally, I was responsible for the preparation of the monthly board meeting
financial reports, including a profit and loss statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.
Adhering to the governance outlined within the Corporations Act 2011 and the Australian
accounting standards was essential to ensure accountability, openness and future auditing
compliance.
When I first joined Affinity, I recognised the lack of effective communication between the entities.
As a result, financial information management and timeliness of reporting had suffered. My
success was measured on my ability to deliver timely and accurate financial reports; however, the
data supply lines were inconsistent. I began to address this issue by first developing improved
relationships with key managers across various departments in each of the five entities. I offered
support, guidance, explanations, training and financial development to many managers, which
rapidly developed positive collaboration and created improved internal capacity. Often the
complex financial subject matter challenged the line manager’s understanding and therefore their
ability to accurately gather critical information and deliver it in a timely fashion. I used diplomacy,
tact, empathy, listening skills and careful interpretation to ensure all stakeholders had a
comprehensive understanding of their financial obligations, which clearly demonstrated my
commitment to them and the company, as well as enabled me to collate whole of business
financial data.
As a result of my dedication to improving interdepartmental relationships, opening clear
communication lines and providing much needed coaching or support the accuracy, timeliness and
delivery of financial information into the accounting department improved. My personal
relationships broadened across the organisation and my reputation for being a supportive and
positive team player created long lasting partnerships.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to a demanding and changing work environment to achieve
outcomes.
Throughout my accounting career I have been presented with multiple challenges and have
worked innovatively, intelligently and collaboratively to overcome obstacles, improve systems and
deliver on critical strategic requirements.
Whilst working as an Assistant Financial Controller at Melrose Automobiles, the government
announced a proposed change to the FBT and salary packaging arrangements, which would affect
new car sales. I immediately recognised that this would seriously affect the business and an
alternative business strategy, with accompanying financial planning, was necessary to mitigate any
risks to the organisation.
I undertook a comprehensive research and analysis project to assess how the market would
change and impact the business. I quickly discovered that Melrose Automobiles did not have a
very diverse clientele and was heavily reliant on government contracts and preferred agreements.
As a result, a significant proportion of the business was at risk. I also realised that just presenting
this to the board would be insufficient; therefore, using my diverse skill set, I began looking at an
alternative business marketing plan and created a detailed proposal, suggesting alternative sales
channels. Using my exceptional accounting skills, I was able to back up the new business proposal
with highly detailed financial budgets and investment forecasts that clearly demonstrated what
would be necessary to achieve the aims of the new business direction.
I presented my risk analysis project to the Directors, who were understandably concerned that I
had identified this clear risk to the business. My marketing strategies and alternative proposals
were taken on board and steps were put in place to adjust to the potential change in the business.
Ultimately, the government did not introduce the changes, however my proactive approach to risk
mitigation set in motion a commitment by the owners to diversify and therefore financially protect
the business.
Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to effectively
convey information and support decision making.
When I first joined Melrose Automobiles as an Assistant Accountant, and one of the first
employees for this start up business, I initially worked closely with the owners and took on a
rapidly developing list of responsibilities. Firstly, I set up the financial and IT system, quickly
followed by the development of policies and operational procedures. I was then asked to take
charge of recruitment, induction and training of new staff.
I quickly became central to all communication lines within the company and, as the developer of
all systems and processes, I was perfectly placed to provide the human resource support that was
needed. I recognised the need to develop professional induction and training packages and
ensured that the rapidly expanding workforce (eventually totalling in excess of 20 staff) received
the introduction, guidance, support and direction they needed to succeed.
I have a skill in developing productive and collaborative partnerships with all stakeholders and, as
a result of my exceptional interpersonal skills, I was able to combine my human resources work
with the creation of a positive, culturally diverse and inclusive working environment.
My training manuals, induction packages and operational manuals were all highly commended and
precipitated further collaboration with department managers as the business grew. I was
frequently asked to provide my written expertise in developing further systems, processes and
procedures within all the departments, including sales, marketing and servicing.
Ultimately my work provided the framework for the company’s values, code of conduct and
employment ethos and set the tone of a positive, inclusive and forward thinking organisation.
I have successfully used these critical transferable skills in every company I have worked in and, in
my current employment as a consultant with Cars of Canberra, I have positively replicated my
actions for this start up organisation.
The following skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications will be highly advantageous:
Intermediate or advanced ability and experience with TM1 and/or a demonstrated
understanding of similar financial management systems
I am proficient in a broad range of accounting software including
MYOB | ERALink | ERANet | Platinum | IBM Cognos TM1 | Microsoft Dynamic GP | SimPRO
More specifically, I utilised TM1 throughout my employment with Raytheon and developed an
excellent appreciation of its capabilities and application.
A professional qualification, or work towards a professional qualification, in accounting or an
accounting related field (business or analytical methods)
I possess a Bachelor Degree in Commerce Accounting from the University of Canberra and am a
professional accountant.
Membership or eligibility for membership, of CA or CPA or an equivalent accounting
professional body
I am currently engaged in and studying towards becoming a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA).
I have completed many units and expect to complete my program shortly.
Working knowledge of budgets framework and processes
Throughout my employment I have worked in finance and accounting, successfully developing
skills in applying Australian and International accounting standards within clearly defined
budgetary frameworks. My role at Raytheon as a Finance Analyst, which aligned closely with the
Commonwealth Government accounting guidelines, consisted entirely of analysing multiple
complex whole of business budgets and forecasts for presentation to the US head office and
consolidated my expertise in budgetary and accounting financial comprehension, management
and control.
