Finance Officer Permanent Fulltime

St Columba Anglican School Port Macquarie is a co educational Early Learning Centre to Year 12 campus set on 37 picturesque acres in the heart of Port Macquaries Education Precinct. Whilst residing in one of the states most liveable regions on the Mid-North Coast of NSW in a community that is growing in opportunity our staff work with students and families who are optimistic aspirational and engaged in a nurturing educational community.

The Finance Officer is a dual-purpose role responsible for providing efficient and accurate administrative and financial support within the schools Finance and Enrolments functions. This position will work closely with the Finance Manager Assistant Accountant and the Enrolments Coordinator to ensure best practice financial processing and student administration. The role supports the smooth operation of accounts payable helps respond to parent account queries and provides assistance in the student enrolment process maintaining data accuracy and compliance with school policies.

This position plays a vital role in contributing to the financial integrity and operational effectiveness of the school offering high-level customer service to families and supporting a collaborative administrative team environment.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounts Payable & Finance Administration:

• Manage the schools day-to-day accounts payable functions using our Accounts Payable Systems including processing purchase orders invoices credit notes and staff reimbursements in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensure all payments are correctly coded appropriately authorised according to school policy and supported with complete documentation.
• Prepare and coordinate weekly payment runs verify supplier details and maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records.
• Reconcile school credit card transactions across all cardholders ensuring all expenses have supporting receipts and are accurately classified and compliant with policy.
• Perform daily bank reconciliations for all school entities.
• Monitor and respond to finance-related queries ensuring timely and supportive communication with staff.
• Provide backup support to Accounts Receivable including receipting account queries from parents and assisting at the front counter for fee payments.
• Support the Finance Manager and Assistant Accountant with archiving audit preparation and other ad hoc finance tasks as required.
• Contribute to the review and improvement of accounts payable systems and ensure financial compliance and accurate record keeping is maintained.

Student Enrolment Support:

• Assist the Enrolments Coordinator in the administration of enrolments and student registrations including processing enrolment documentation maintaining student records and supporting enrolment events.
• Provide administrative support for enrolment interviews tours and orientation programs.
• Ensure the accuracy of data entry in student management systems and uphold privacy and confidentiality standards.
• Communicate with prospective and current families regarding enrolment processes and documentation requirements.
• Support the regular review and update of enrolments documentation and forms.
• Provide assistance with reporting for enrolment statistics and regulatory compliance.

CORE COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE)

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Accounting Finance or a related discipline (Diploma preferred)
• A current Working with Children Check or ability to obtain (Essential)
• National Police Clearance (Essential)

KEY SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum 2 to 3 years experience in a similar accounting or finance role preferably within an education or not-for-profit environment
• Familiarity with accounting systems and workflow approval software (e.g. Alii TASS or similar).
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining data accuracy.
• Ability to manage priorities meet deadlines and work independently and collaboratively.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• An empathetic approach to customer service especially when communicating with parents and suppliers.

Technical Skills

• Demonstrated discretion professionalism and integrity
• Commitment to child safety and safeguarding practices
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills particularly in Excel
• Strong knowledge of accounting software
• High level of numeracy and attention to detail
• Understanding of relevant regulatory requirements in finance

Essential Personal Attributes and Interpersonal Skills

• High degree of accuracy integrity and discretion when handling confidential information
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Flexible and proactive mindset with a capacity to manage competing priorities and support spontaneous school needs
• Clear and effective communication skills both written and verbal
• Strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with staff students families and suppliers.
• Team-oriented collaborative attitude with initiative and willingness to support other team members.
• Calm and professional demeanour particularly when resolving queries or working under pressure.