Australian High Commission-Senior Accountant

Company Profile

The Australian High Commission in Ghana is the resident representative of the Government of Australia in Ghana. The High Commission serves as a source of information on Australia and relevant Government policies in areas such as the economy, defense and security, trade and investment, development assistance, society and culture.

Job Description

The Australian High Commission is currently has a position vacant for a Senior Accountant.

The Duties include:

Provide high quality support to the High Commissioner and First Secretary in the administration of the High Commission, including provision of timely and accurate reporting
Ensure smooth and efficient running of the day-to-day administration activities of the High Commission, including supervision of human, financial and other resources
Oversee the financial management for the High Commission
Oversee the operations of the computerised accounts system
Oversee budget management for the High Commission
Liaise with all Australian Government agencies at the High Commission, and provide information and advice as required
Contribute to management of specific budget items
Prepare accounting returns in accordance with applicable guidelines
Monitor and maintain all property contracts/leases with reporting to First Secretary
Maintain records to manage staff entitlements
Oversee payment of salaries to staff
Assist First Secretary in liaison with post's partners, including post's bank, other service providers
Manage the day-to-day operation of the High Commission's bank accounts
Supervise and train staff as required

The position is available for a two year period, which may be subject to extension based on performance and operational requirements. An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful applicant. Hours of work and other conditions will be outline during interview

Required Skills or Experience

The Selection Criteria include:

An accounting qualification recognised by the professional accounting body in Ghana
Five year's experience in an accounting role
Experience in using computerised financial management systems, and with Microsoft products. Knowledge of SAP would be an advantage
Experience in an organisation that operates in the global environment
Demonstrated achievement in resource management
Demonstrated experience in working in a small team of professionals, and in providing a mentoring role for junior staff
Good communication skills, including spoken, reading and written English
Good client service focus
A good team member, who is flexible and able to respond to changing priorities
Ability to work under pressure
Willingness to learn new skills
Ability to work out-of-standard-hours as required

How To Apply

Interested applicants should respond in writing with a short covering letter and a statement addressing the Selection Criteria to demonstrate their suitability for the position. The names and email/telephone contact details of two persons who could make comment on the applicants' suitability for the position should be provided. Applications must not be longer than four (4) pages including covering letter. If longer applications are submitted, only the first four pages will be considered.

Applications will be considered by a Selection Advisory Committee (SAC). Those applicants who are considered Highly Suitable may be offered a suitable position with the High Commission over the following 12 month period.

Applicants are invited to apply to: Accrahc.enquiries@dfat.gov.au Applications will be accepted until COB 18th July 2012. Successful short-listed applicants will be contacted by the High Commission; unsuccessful applicants will not be contacted