Finance and Travel Services Manager – LE5 – DFAT – Geneva

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 Mission

The Australian Permanent Missions to the United Nations and the World Trade Organization in Geneva pursue Australia’s interests in the United Nations and World Trade Organization through international diplomacy. The Australian Consulate-General in Geneva provides services to Australian citizens in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

About the position

Under general direction, this position is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Finance and Travel Services Section and provides timely, accurate, responsive and practical financial and travel management services to staff in the Australian diplomatic missions in Geneva and Bern.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Manage the operations of a small Finance and Travel Services team, including accounts processing, budget forecasting and reporting, and cash management, while ensuring compliance with Australian government policies and Swiss legislative requirements.
• Lead the preparation of end-of-month and end-of-financial-year reports; ensure adherence to accrual accounting principles.
• Supervise the processing of advances and travel arrangements for staff, ensuring compliance with government travel and entitlements policies.
• Manage VAT claims and cost recovery between government agencies.
• Maintain the asset register and capital management plan.
• Complete annual Fringe Benefits Tax returns and support internal/external audits.
• Provide high-level advice and support on finance and travel policies and procedures to Mission staff and Finance and Travel team colleagues. Undertake other administrative tasks as required.

Qualifications/Experience

• Demonstrated operational work experience and university qualification in Business, Finance or Accounting.
• Technical proficiency in using financial management information systems, such as SAP, and excellent numerical, analytical and quality assurance skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, including the proven ability to manage a small team, consult with internal and external stakeholders, and take initiative and responsibility in delivering outcomes.
• Ability to interpret and explain finance and travel policies and procedures and provide advice and assistance as needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel up to an intermediate level and a working knowledge of the other Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise workloads, exercise discretion, make sound judgements and maintain confidentiality. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and French.

Selection Criteria

In your written statements, you must include succinct, high-level relevant examples that support your claims against the role. The word limit is strictly a maximum of 250 words per criterion.

A. Demonstrated professional experience in financial management, including budget management, analysis and monthly reporting.

B. Proficiency with SAP (or other financial accounting systems) and intermediate or advanced level on MS Excel.

C. Excellent leadership skills and experience in managing a finance team.

D. Ability to work effectively with other team members in a busy processing environment, manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines, while maintaining strong attention to detail.

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

*Please note that French and English language proficiency will be tested for those applicants short-listed for an interview.

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 click here . Please direct any other queries to Write an email.

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.

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