Assistant Manager Financial Operations

Reporting to the Manager Financial Reporting & Operations, the primary outcome for this role is to provide leadership of, and is the authority on, the accounts payable (AP), Travel Finance, Purchasing Cards, accounts receivable (AR) and treasury function of the Bureau. You will play a crucial role in managing and optimising the financial accounting operations function in a Commonwealth setting, including designing, implementing, and maintaining effective operational policies and internal control over the aforementioned functions in a Commonwealth Government context. The role includes all aspects of accounts payable such as invoice management and enquiries, all forms of payment, all customer relationships and debtor management. Supervising and developing your team is critical for this role to ensure the delivery of high-quality payment and receipt functions. You will provide expertise in SAP Accounts Payable, SAP Concur, Accounts Receivable and Procurement modules. The occupant will bring confident communication skills, expertise in Commonwealth government financial frameworks, deep understanding of financial operations, and functional leadership to the finance team. The key duties of the position include: Managing and leading a team to deliver work outcomes, such as setting clear expectations, managing workload and timeframes, guiding performance, and supporting development. Ensuring transactions and processes comply with accounting principles and Commonwealth government financial frameworks (i.e. PGPA Act). Managing the AP function including purchasing card arrangements and operations, invoice management including account reconciliation and enquiry management. Managing the AR function including all customer invoicing, revenue collection, and debt management. Managing the treasury function for the Bureau, ensuring bank accounts are managed and reconciled, funds are available as required and appropriations are efficient and effectively managed. Developing key reporting metrics to ensure payments and receipts are managed in accordance with Commonwealth government expectations and Bureau performance indicators. Developing and maintaining key stakeholder relationships that are mutually beneficial, providing financial operations advice. Providing regular and ad‑hoc training on financial related activities including but not limited to financial operations and relevant system training. Proactive engagement in systems and process improvement initiatives. Acting as the main point of contact for addressing any inquiries and questions related to financial operations (AP/AR/treasury, Purchasing Card). Developing policies and procedures for improving operational efficiency and compliance of the function. Overseeing and managing the Concur contract, ensuring it is fit for purpose and renewed or modified as required. Complying with all Bureau work, health and safety policies and procedures, and taking reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of employees, contractors and visitors who may be affected by your conduct. Eligibility Qualifications and experience Tertiary accounting qualifications in commerce, accounting or a related field is highly desirable. Extensive experience in financial operations - knowledge of Commonwealth Government financial frameworks, specifically appropriations, is desirable. Demonstrated experience in leading and developing a team and building a team‑based performance‑focused culture. Demonstrated ability to think critically, set clear objectives, and contribute to business improvement strategies. Strong communication skills and ability to develop relationships and effectively communicate accounting concepts to non‑finance staff. Demonstrate sound judgement, have attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities across financial and business deliverables. The Bureau of Meteorology is one of the few organisations that touches the lives of all Australians every day. The Bureau works across Australia and remote islands, providing services from the Antarctic to beyond the equator, and from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. We are Australia’s national weather, climate and water agency, in the Agriculture, Water and Environment portfolio of the Australian Government, operating under the authority of the Meteorology Act 1955 and the Water Act 2007. We provide data, information, knowledge, insight and wisdom to help Australians prepare and respond to the realities of their natural environment, including droughts, floods, fires, storms, tsunami and tropical cyclones. Our products and services include observations, forecasts, analysis and advice covering Australia’s atmosphere, water, oceans and space environments. We undertake focused scientific research in support of our operations and services. Through regular forecasts, warnings, monitoring and advice, we provide one of Australia’s most fundamental and widely used public services. We have strong relationships with our customers, partners and stakeholders in Australia, including the Australian Community and the emergency services sectors, all‑levels of Government, and focus sectors including aviation, agriculture, energy and resources, national security and water. #J-18808-Ljbffr