Position Description. Title Financial Accountant Date June Division Finance Grade PO2/Accountant Grade 2. Branch Financial Control Reference

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1 Position Description Title Financial Accountant Date June 2017 Division Finance Grade PO2/Accountant Grade 2 Branch Financial Control Reference Reports to Financial Policy & Accounting Manager SAP Position No No of Reports 0 Direct Developed By Head of Financial Control Approved By CFO Agreement X Contract Organisational Context Ausgrid is one of Australia's largest energy services companies with more than 100 years experience in the field. We deliver a safe and reliable electricity supply to the nation's largest customer network and provide a range of products and services. The cornerstone of our business is Australia's largest electricity network which connects 1.7 million homes and businesses. Ausgrid's operations include building and managing the electricity infrastructure for the Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter regions, customer connections, street lighting, metering and testing services, and emergency repairs. Our diverse customer base ranges from residential and small rural customers through to large multinational corporations. It covers industries such as mining, manufacturing, oil refining, shipping, engineering, tourism and agriculture. Ausgrid's vision is to be a leading energy solutions provider, recognised both locally and globally. To achieve this vision, all Ausgrid employees commit to living our Values in all they do, so that we: Work Safe, Live Safe to protect self, other people and the environment take responsibility to be Honest and Accountable treat everyone with Respect listen to customers and take Customer Focused action actively contribute and consider other perspectives in a Collaborative workplace embrace change and seek performance excellence in a Commercially-minded organisation Page 1 of 5

2 Context of Position Description of the role and where it fits within the organisation, division and branch. Size of team and any indirect reports Include working environment ( e.g. based in office, field work, controlled hazardous environment, exposure to unfavourable environmental factors etc) Reporting to the Financial Policy & Accounting Manager, the Financial Accountant undertakes a broad range of financial data collection, analysis and reporting across an array of financial transactions to provide technical support on accounting related matters for the Financial Control team and the wider finance group, ensuring that financial reporting obligations are met and prepared in accordance with accounting standards and other relevant reporting requirements pertaining to Ausgrid. The Financial Accountant will work collaboratively with, and actively support, the Commercial Services and broader finance Division. Key Accountabilities Key activities for the position and areas of responsibility and accountability (limit to 8-10) The degree of authority the position has to commit resources and set work priorities, and the freedom to influence outcomes Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual statements by thorough financial data collection, analysis, summarising data, information, and trends and report creation. Support the delivery of timely and accurate data entry and reporting including fixed asset accounting, profit/cost centre and cost object accounting, Regulatory Information Notice (RIN) Reporting, network revenue accruals and reporting, the general ledger and ad hoc management and project work ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant standards as well as reconciling balance sheet accounts. Support the successful and timely execution of the monthly close processes including, but not limited to, the raising and processing of journals/accruals/prepayments. Responsible for collaboratively working with, and actively supporting, the Commercial Services team. Assist the Senior Financial Accountant, through providing accurate financial data analysis, in delivering relevant Governance reports. Assist the finance team by responding to financial inquiries by gathering, analysing, summarising, and interpreting data. Assist other areas of the finance team, utilising financial analysis and reporting skills Responsible for performing allocated general ledger reconciliations, including providing appropriate commentary and action points on variances to ensure that the true financial position of the business is reflected. Preparation of month end overhead journals/project accruals including network revenue accruals. Prepare asset, liability, and capital account entries by compiling and analysing account information. Provides financial advice by studying operational issues; applying financial principles and practices; developing recommendations. Complete and/or coordinate financial based returns to stakeholders (e.g. owners distribution statements, Australian Bureau of Statistics forms). Assist with RIN preparation and coordination of RIN inputs across the business. Assist the collation of supporting information for internal and external audits (half year and full year requirements). Page 2 of 5

3 Assist the Senior Financial Accountants with fixed assets accounting, general ledger accounting, reconciliations and general ledger management. Assist in maintaining the fixed asset capital expenditure, depreciation works in progress reporting and analysis and Fixed Asset Registers. Assist the Network Revenue Manager with the annual update of network tariffs, metering service charges and SLUoS tariffs in Ausgrid s billing systems by reviewing billing and reporting outputs, including ensuring compliance with regulatory reporting requirements. Support the Network Revenue Manager by the preparation of network revenue financial information and robust supporting data/assumptions underpinning network revenue budgets and quarterly forecasts. Prepare the monthly network revenue performance reporting of actuals versus budget/forecast. Assist the Network Revenue Manager in providing the financial inputs into the AER submissions and the RIN s. Assist in driving and developing business process improvement initiatives across the division. Draft of relevant procedures documents prior to peer review. Perform ad-hoc reporting/management queries, as required. Assist with preparation of statutory accounts. Assist in the preparation of cash flow statements and in the development of the cash flow analysis. Streamline and simplify processes to improve the efficiency of financial accounting processes including the month end processes to enable the provision of financial statements in an accurate and timely manner. Keep abreast of current and emerging trends and technologies; participate in educational opportunities; read professional publications; maintain personal networks; participating in professional organisations. Liaise with the various areas of the business and key stakeholders including training staff across the organisation on how to interpret and follow Ausgrid s policies and procedures. Demonstrated awareness of and commitment to: The promoting of a workplace culture that is diverse, safety focused, customer centred and efficiency driven The values of Ausgrid and Code of Conduct Equal Employment Opportunity Environmental Management Protection Challenges Key challenges for the position and level of thinking challenge requiring creative, analytical or developmental thinking Maintain and enhance the control framework which supports the integrity of the general ledger. Work with all areas of the Finance division and across the Organisation to ensure compliance with accounting policy, procedures and workplace instruments. To take personal responsibility & accountability for actions, constantly striving to improve and exceed expectations ensuring safety and quality are never compromised. Respond to external and internal requests in a timely manner. Page 3 of 5

4 Streamline and simplify processes to improve the efficiency of financial accounting processes including the month end processes to enable the provision of financial statements in an accurate and timely manner. Develop and maintain relationships with the business to ensure financial accounting and policy requirements are met in a complete, timely, accurate and efficient manner. Keep abreast of current and emerging trends and technologies; participate in educational opportunities; read professional publications; maintain personal networks; participating in professional organisations. Ability to effectively communicate complex financial information to stakeholders. Key Relationships Key stakeholders critical to the role, level and nature of interaction - simply exchanging information v dealing and negotiating complex issues Internal: Financial Policy & Accounting Manager and the Head of Financial Control - advising and reporting on all relevant issues. Network Revenue Manager. Managers and key staff - ensuring accounting policies are being followed and providing technical advice when required; informing and obtaining co-operation and buy in from areas of the business to ensure financial reporting requirements are met and issues are actioned promptly. Commercial Services team supporting the team with questions regarding trial balance and general ledger numbers and from time to time assist with interpreting actual results. In addition, this position will need to work with the Commercial Services team in completing the RIN s. Finance Operations team. Corporate Finance team. External: Auditors. Owners Finance teams. Budget (annual) direct responsibility If applicable OPEX: $ CAPEX: $ Education, Experience and Skills Minimum education (e.g. Degree, Diploma, Certificate), type of experience and skills required to achieve competent performance in the position Relevant leadership skills and experience required Essential: Bachelor Degree in Accounting/Finance/Business or Commerce or related field. Qualified CPA or CA and a minimum of 7-10 years post qualification commercial experience in financial accounting Page 4 of 5

5 and reporting, preferably in a large corporate organisation with a minimum of 3 years at the senior level. A good understanding of relevant compliance issues (i.e. statutory, regulatory and tax reporting) and a working knowledge of Accounting Standards, corporate finance principles and procedures. Strong investigative, analytical and problem solving skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to manage and maintain accurate accounting information. Ability to work independently and as a part of a team with the ability to prioritise a wide range of tasks and meet tight reporting deadlines. Highly articulate professional with well-developed interpersonal, communication, influencing and relationship building skills. Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Experience in using SAP, reporting systems and Microsoft Office including advanced Excel skills. Desirable: Demonstrated experience in financial accounting and reporting preferably in the Energy industry. Experience using reporting tools including TM1 and/or SAP BI. Page 5 of 5