Management Accountant

Transcription

1 Position Description Management Accountant Finance Business Unit 1

2 Position Description Management Accountant Context Lincoln University is New Zealand s specialist land-based university, with a mission to tackle global challenges: Feed the World, Protect the Future, and Live Well. The University is committed to teaching and research excellence, and prides itself on its unique student experience and research culture that empowers its students, staff and graduates to make a real difference. With three academic faculties, two teaching divisions, several research centres, and a range of corporate service units, the University draws its students from throughout New Zealand and from over 60 countries. The University has a student roll of around 3,000 and approximately 600 staff. The Finance Business Unit provide a comprehensive range of financial services to the University, operating across two different streams: (i) Business Insight and Partnership, and (ii) Transactional Efficiency, Compliance, Reporting and Control. The Business Insight and Partnership stream are responsible for financial strategy, planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, business analysis and performance improvement. The Transactional Efficiency, Compliance, Reporting and Control stream are responsible for transaction processing, group accounting, financial reporting and procurement. The Finance Business Unit works closely with all areas of the University. The position of Management Accountant will principally provide accounting and administrative services for Lincoln University and its subsidiaries. Purpose As the Management Accountant, your primary role is to support the Finance Business Partners in: (i) (ii) (iii) Financial planning, management reporting and compliance. Providing advice on maximising the University s financial performance and risk through financial management. Managing the portfolio, which is subject to change and which, at present, includes the following components: Financial services; Controlled and related entities; Asset optimisation; and Financial planning, management reporting and compliance. 2

3 Key Outputs Key Performance Indicators In conjunction with the Finance Business Partner: Prepare the relevant templates for budgets and forecasting (e.g. Operating, Payroll, Research) both reporting back from Designated Areas of Responsibility (DAR) as well as to Senior Management. In conjunction with the Finance Business Partners, prepare the budget and forecast timetable, communicated with DAR. Liaise with Designated Areas of Responsibility for the submission of budgets/forecasts. Review, collate and prepare reports on returned budget and forecasts. Liaise with necessary Budget Committee members and the DARs for briefings on the budget presentations and provide the necessary summaries. Prepare presentations for management review for budgets and forecasts, including KPIs. Provide support for the Business Unit leaders with regard to DAR. Liaise with other members of the budget team to ensure the budget process is efficient and coordinated. Liaise with DAR to ensure the budget process runs efficiently and there is good communication throughout. Provide guidance and advice where necessary on opportunities to increase revenue and effect savings. Contribute to a post budget review with DAR, Finance to identify problems and offer solutions going forward. Budget & Forecasting Preparation and Reporting P&L Monitoring and Review Templates and budget/forecast instructions are sent out to Designated Areas of Responsibility (DAR) in line with the timetable. Faculties/Centres/Departments are advised in a timely manner of budget and forecast requirements and are returned within the prescribed deadlines. Regular support is provided to DAR throughout the budget and forecast process to ensure that income and investment opportunities are maximised and costs for delivery areas are reasonable. Budgets and forecasts are submitted on time, in line with the University overall financial strategic plan, targets and contribution model. With regard to forecasts, problems are identified, solutions debated and corrective action taken where relevant. Budget meetings and supporting documents meet user needs and presentations are in line with the Finance Leadership s expectations. Budgets are in-line with the assumptions and outputs expected. Schedules and commentary are provided regularly to ensure there is understanding of DAR budgets and forecasts. Working with the Finance Team to ensure the budget and forecast process delivers relevant KPIs both internal and external. A review is carried out after the budget process each year and a report prepared for the CCO identifying problems and outlining solutions. Carry out monthly review of DAR s Actual vs Budget variances. Prepare reports, summaries and commentary as required. Review Payroll costs on a regular basis in conjunction with DAR and provide narrative/explanation for significant variances. Prepare and enter monthly accruals in conjunction with the Assistant Accountant. Areas of responsibility are reviewed monthly and Faculties/Centres/Departments are advised of any action points. Reports, summaries and commentary are satisfactorily prepared to meet reporting deadlines. Payroll variances for DAR are reviewed monthly and where relevant, timely action is taken by the budget holder. 3

4 Key Outputs Key Performance Indicators Supervise the Assistant Accountant to ensure Department transfers are reviewed and approved for processing and/or processed where assigned. Monthly journals are processed to meet monthly timetable deadlines. Department transfers are reviewed, approved, and processed. Balance Sheet Reconciliations Prepare assigned reconciliations to support regular monitoring of balance sheet accounts. Support the Assistant Accountant in Balance Sheet Reconciliations as required. Contribute to Financial Year-End Audit process including preparing relevant documents and responding to queries where required. Assigned Balance sheet reconciliation s are completed on a regular basis. The Assistant Accountant is well supported. Documents are prepared in a timely manner and audit queries are dealt with promptly and satisfactorily. Comply with all Lincoln University legislative requirements in respect of occupational H&S. Become familiar, and complies, with all H&S policies and procedures. Report any hazard identified. Wear protective clothing/apparatus as required. Health & Safety All Lincoln University H&S policies and procedures are complied with. All Lincoln University legislative requirements in respect of occupational health and safety are complied with. The employer is notified of any hazard that has come to the employee s attention in the course of their employment. Protective clothing/apparatus are used where procedures or common sense would warrant this. Support the University to meet its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. Staff Supervised Treaty of Waitangi Demonstrates, and encourages others to demonstrate, support for the University s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. The Management Accountant has no staff directly reporting to them however they will be required to supervise the completion of tasks delegated by them to other Finance Staff where necessary. Accountability The Management Accountant reports to the Finance Business Partner. 4

5 Key Relationships The Management Accountant is expected to establish effective working relationships with the: Chief Commercial Officer Finance Director Financial Business Partners Faculty Deans Business Unit Managers Subsidiary Chief Financial Officers Business Unit Administrators Lincoln PMO HR Business Partners Other Finance staff members Person Specification Qualifications Bachelor s degree in a relevant field CA or CPA qualified is preferred Experience At least 2 years experience working in a financially-focussed role. Proven knowledge of, and experience with: Double entry accounting. Computerised Accounting systems Microsoft Office (or similar software) Proven experience working on complex financial or economic projects and keen to further develop these skills. Experience and a keen interest in financial modelling. Proven experience in a medium/large customer based portfolio. Demonstrated success in the ability to influence at all levels in the organisation. Experience in professional services and partnership environments. Competencies Personal and Professional Impact Communication Skills Business Acumen/Strategic Viewpoint Demonstrates integrity, respect and adherence to the organisation s values. Self-motivated, confident and proactive. Is credible and authentic. Has account management and client relationship skills. Builds others' confidence in his/her skills and abilities. Identifies who needs to be involved and when. Utilises effective communications means and strategies to resolve differences between others. Shares expertise and knowledge with others. Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written. Able to communicate with a wide range of audiences on complex issues. Utilises relevant facts and information and customises approach accordingly. Builds strong relationships with DARs by demonstrating an understanding of business fundamentals and decision-making processes. Has full understanding of the suite of financial systems, processes and protocols. 5

6 Approaches complex situations by examining and understanding the individual components and the interrelationship between those components. Identifies opportunities to deliver value-added services and programmes to enhance business results. 6