About us

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is one of 31 regionalised and independent PHNs established nationally by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to provide local communities with better access to improved primary healthcare services.

The NQPHN region extends from St Lawrence in the south coast, up to the Torres Strait in the north, and west to Croydon and Kowanyama.

NQPHN aims to improve health outcomes for all residents by supporting, investing in, and working collaboratively with local Hospital and Health Services, the primary healthcare sector, local government areas (LGAs), other health organisations, and the wider community.

Find out more about NQPHN at www.nqphn.com.au 

The role

This role is a short-term contract through until 30 June 2023.

The position can be located in either Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, or work remotely.

The Financial Accountant is responsible for maintaining the financial records of Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) including providing accurate and timely financial reports, analysis, and recommendations to assist with effective corporate governance and decision-making. This role manages the Finance Team which undertakes the day-to-day finance and administration functions of NQPHN including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, budgeting, financial acquittals, forecasting, and general office administration.

• Provide leadership and coordination for the Organisation’s budgeting and forecasting processes including financial modelling, reporting, analysis and make informed recommendations based on this.
• Advise, support, and develop budget managers to help them understand and effectively manage budgets, forecasts, and financial management processes in their area of responsibility.
• Coordinate and deliver fit-for-purpose financial reporting and analysis to key stakeholders including managers, Executive, Board, the Finance Audit and Risk Management Committee (FARM), and funding bodies (e.g. Department of Health and Aged Care).
• Provide comprehensive financial reporting to NQPHN’s Executive Team, identifying budgetary trends and financial forecasts.
• Provide advice, engage with managers, and lead discussions on financial planning and performance, including recommendations to the Executive Team on the allocation of financial resources.
• Provide support to the Company Secretary to meet its statutory financial reporting obligations.
• Ensure all internal/external regulatory compliance and audit obligations of the Organisation are met, including liaising and managing the relationship with external auditors, completion of annual audit, and reporting to the Board.
• Undertake regular cash flow monitoring and forecasting.
• Undertake reviews of service provider financial information as part of tender and ongoing contract management and make recommendations to relevant managers.
• Ensure that all financial obligations from awarded commissioned contracts are adhered to and that all required evidence is provided to support payment.
• Ensure that all Organisational policies and procedures are fully implemented and adhered to within your area of responsibility and meet the Organisation’s requirements and legislation.
• Contribute to the continued development and improvement of finance management and reporting systems, environments, and policies which will deliver enhanced efficiency and effectiveness to the Organisation.
• Support staff to continuously learn, grow, and respond flexibly to changing circumstances.

Key selection criteria

• Tertiary qualifications in Finance, Accounting, Business, and current certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), plus a minimum of three years’ professional experience in commercial finance of a multi-departmental commercial organisation, including team management.
• Demonstrated experience with managing accounting functions including payroll, accounts receivable and payable, budgeting, and asset management.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse financial data and prepare high-level financial reports, statements, and projects for an Executive Team, FARM, and the Board.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills with a high degree of initiative and ability to produce timely and quality results.
• Experience supervising and/or preparing month and year end financial reports.
• High level of understanding and knowledge in the design and development of analytical and visualisation reports/concepts.
• Experience leading external and internal audit outcomes.
• Demonstrated competence in the use of a range of relevant software including Microsoft Office and accounting software such as Dynamics Navision and Sage MicroPay.

Benefits

• Ongoing training and development opportunities on offer.
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%.
• Opportunity for flexible work arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program (also available for immediate family members).
• Generous salary sacrifice benefits.

If you are looking for the opportunity to be part of a passionate and driven team and contribute to achieving our mission of ‘Northern Queenslanders live happier, healthier, longer lives,’ we’d love to hear from you.

NQPHN aims to be an employer of choice for Indigenous Australians, and we encourage First Nations peoples to apply for this role.

To view the position description, please click here.

Your application should include:

• cover letter including response to the key selection criteria (no more than two pages)
• your resume.

To submit an application for this position, please send your application to recruitment@nqphn.com.au

Applications close Tuesday 28 March 2023 at 5pm.