Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title:Portfolio:Reports to:Location:Senior Financial Accountant – Non DepartmentalCentral Agencies Shared ServicesFinance ManagerWellingtonDate: December 2011CASS’s PurposeCASS is a key vehicle in the public sector change programme, and will play a leadership role in thedevelopment of high quality services that are driven by clear priorities which minimise waste. It isenvisaged that CASS will be a model from which the public sector can learn, leverage and benefit.Working in CASS is a chance to be part of something new. It is something that has the potential tomake a significant positive difference to the services that New Zealanders receive from their publicsector.CASS will only achieve its potential if it has enthusiastic, talented, high-performing people working aspart of it. That’s where you come in. If you are focused on achieving challenging goals while buildingstrong relationships, if you are someone who is constructive, bold and innovative, passionate andambitious, and challenging and collaborative, then we want you as part of the CASS team.Role PurposeThe purpose of this role is to provide robust non-department finance services and information thatsupport the organisational strategies of the three central agencies.Key AccountabilitiesKey Result Areas:Non departmental financialreportingKey accountabilities/expectations:Lead Treasury, DPMC and SSC non departmental financialreporting including:o Preparation of monthly and annual financialstatements including the production of reports toMinisterso Contribute to reporting to Governance Boardo Preparation of financial information and analysisincluding in accountability documents such asestimates, the Statement of Intent and the AnnualReport, and tri-mesterly reporting.o Contribute to high quality externally publishedreports with clear audit opinions and high gradingsas to the quality of systems and processes.Treasury:2224140v1Page 1 of 4

Key Result Areas:Key accountabilities/expectations:Financial Management The Senior Financial Accountant – Non departmental willwork with other members of the finance team, to providefinancial management and accounting services including;o Contributing to non-departmental accounting servicesprovided to internal and external clients, includingprovision of a payments and receivable services,recording and disseminating accounting information,and answering ministerial correspondence,parliamentary questions and Official Information Actrequests having financial implications;o Undertaking financial analysis and providing soundfinancial advice to contribute towards the provision oftimely, accurate and meaningful financial andoperational information to management to assistthem in making optimal business decisions;o Providing relevant, accurate and timely financialinformation for RRT and ELT.o Design and production of reports for resourceallocation decision-making;o Collation of information and collective decisions, andproduction of reports for RRT and ELT;o Contribute to the organisation and coordination ofnon-departmental budget processes for Main andSupplementary Estimates and Economic and FiscalUpdates;o Contribute to the production and sign-off ofappropriation, baseline and Budget submissions to theMinister of Finance (including fiscal risks andcontingent liabilities) (Main Estimates, SupplementaryEstimates and Estimated Actuals, October and MarchBaseline Updates);o Provide specialised accounting advice on fundingsubmissions or issues to Groups, and for cabinetpapers ;o Providing sound financial information for internal andexternal briefings by the Finance Manager, responsesto queries and financial information requested forCrown Financial Management including liaison withVote Analyst, Fiscal Reporting Team, internal andexternal auditors.Finance policies, processesand practices Identify opportunities to improve financial reporting andinternal budget/forecasting processes. Assist with the development and interpretation ofaccounting policies and procedures Maintain up to date knowledge of financial managementand related areas, including legislation, emerging trends andbest practiceProcurement To assist with the procurement of goods and servicesmanaged by Finance, to ensure best value for money and fitfor purpose.Treasury:2224140v1Page 2 of 4

Key Result Areas:Key accountabilities/expectations:Stakeholder Engagement Establish and manage relationships with internal andexternal stakeholdersRole ScopeKey Dimensions of Resources Controlled:Revenue:Expenditure:Capital Assets:TBATBATBADirect reports: 0Key Relationships Finance Manager Internal / External StakeholdersQualifications/Experience Relevant financial tertiary qualification Membership of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (mandatory) Experience in the public sector and a sound knowledge of the legislative framework (including thePublic Finance Act) and other guidelines that applies to financial management and accounting inthe government (preferable). Experience in working as part of a team providing of financial services, internal and externalreporting in a medium or large organisation. Proven customer and stakeholder relationship management skills. Strong relationship management focus, and experience dealing with internal and externalstakeholders A good understanding of financial management trends and best practices. Excellent numeracy skills and strong technical financial accounting skills Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including informing others Highly effective planning and organisational skills, including time management and prioritisingwork in a complex work environment. Demonstrated high levels of integrity Ability to meet the criteria required to hold a NZ Government security clearance.Treasury:2224140v1Page 3 of 4

Organisational ChartFinance ManagerExecutiveAssistantTeam LeaderFinancialAccountingSystemsAccountant (3)Team LeaderManagementAccountingSenior FinancialAccountant - Non-DepartmentalFinancialAccountantManagementAccountant (3)Assistant FinancialAccountantPlanning &ReportingSenior FinanceOfficer (2)Finance Officer (2)Draft CASS BehavioursThe following CASS draft principles set out the behaviours that we expect to see in ourselves andeach other:We do things well: We set challenging but achievable goals We innovate, taking reasonable and well-calculated risks We take the initiative and get high quality things done We are insightful and effective in solving problemsWe develop and trust ourselves and others We promote open discussion We deal with issues objectively and honestly We stand up for what we believe in We are supportive, constructive, and open to influence in dealing with others We help others learn from their mistakesWe build strong relationships We are friendly, open, and sensitive to the satisfaction of the team We initiate conversations easily We share our thoughts, feelings, skills, knowledge and experienceTreasury:2224140v1Page 4 of 4