Finance Assistant – LE3 – DFAT – London, London WC2B

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian High Commission, London.

Please be advised that the Australian High Commission, London does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

This is a full-time position, however we invite applications from those available on a full-time or part-time basis as a job-share arrangement may be accommodated for the successful candidate(s).

About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program, and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.

The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

About the Position

London is the Regional Corporate Services Delivery Hub for the European region. This position, under the direction of the Finance Support & Procurement Manager and working alongside a team of Finance Officers and Finance Assistants, is responsible for delivering a range of accounts receivable duties and providing practical finance support and advice to clients across the region.

The position is required to carry out duties in line with current legislation and policies including the DFAT Finance Management Manual, Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (PGPA) Act and the Privacy Act, as well as relevant local legislation. The position holder must also be aware of the sensitive nature of the information and material handled by the team.

The key responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:

• Create and maintain records for all Accounts Payable Vendors and Accounts Receivable Customers.
• Process and calculate travel allowances to staff and assist with acquittal upon return.
• Provide advice and process medical claims, school fees and manage petrol duty and VAT claims for Australia-based (A-based) staff in accordance with departmental policy.
• Assist with the management of advances and debtors, including maintaining the register, dispatching of invoices, collecting and receipting debts and ensuring that acquittals and repayments are made within specified timeframes.
• Assist in preparation and processing of monthly routine office expenses.
• Assist in the management of the Mission's corporate credit cards with regards to cardholder acquittals and payment of monthly statements.
• Manage and maintain the reconciliation of assigned Missions’ bank accounts and assist with the preparation and processing of End of Month Schedules.
• Accurate and timely filing and record keeping of financial documentation.

Required Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge/Skills

• Relevant foundation level accounting qualification or equivalent level experience.
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Excel up to an intermediate level and proficiency in other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience using Financial Management Information System such as SAP.
• Proven aptitude for numerical reasoning.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated administration and organisational skills, with strong attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
• Ability to multitask and prioritise and manage a varied workload.
• Prior experience working in a professional office environment.

Selection Criteria*

Please ensure you provide a response to each of the listed selection criteria below. In your response, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role.

The word limit is strictly 250 words per response to each selection criteria. The panel may not assess incomplete applications or responses which exceed the word limit.

A. Proven experience as a Finance Assistant, Junior Accountant or in Accounts Administration and how your prior experience and/or qualifications are relevant to this role.

B. Excellent organisational skills, ability to set priorities and meet deadlines, show initiative and manage multiple tasks to completion, while maintaining a high attention to detail.

C. Proficiency with numbers and figures, analytical acumen and experience working with financial management information system such as SAP and/or Microsoft Excel.

D. Ability to exercise good judgement and provide practical and tailored advice and solutions in accordance with relevant legislation and policies.

E. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively liaise with, and advise, a diverse range of clients across all levels of the organisation.

The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission, London is responsible for managing all recruitment processes across the European region. To apply, please use the 'Apply' button below. Please direct any other queries to .

We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.

The Australian High Commission, London has an exciting opportunity for a Finance Assistant to join our team.