• Employment Status: 0.6 - 0.8 FTE for a fixed period concluding 30 June 2027, with possibility of extension.
• Pay rate: This role has been assessed as a Level 6 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award 

Position Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Finance and Governance Officer to support our financial, human resource and governance operations. Working closely with the Operations Manager, this role will be pivotal in ensuring the seamless preparation and management of payroll, budgets and reporting while also contributing to the continuous improvement of processes, accessibility, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will excel at multitasking, fostering positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring the organisation meets its strategic, operational, and governance goals.

This is a fully remote role, which can be worked anywhere in Australia.

This position reports to the Operations Manager of Down Syndrome Australia.

Position Responsibilities

• Preparation of the fortnightly pay run, including timesheet management for all casual staff
• Assistance with the management of the outsourced bookkeeping function
• Assistance with the management of timesheet and accounting software
• Preparation of budgets, forecasts and invoicing
• Management of the accounts inbox
• Preparation of internal reporting, including monthly project reporting and reports to the Finance Committee, Nominations and Governance Committee and Board
• Preparation and review of external reporting, including work cover reporting, portable long service leave reporting, project reports and acquittals
• Assistance with the management of sub-contracts, including progress reporting
• Assistance with the preparation of grant applications and tenders
• Assist with remuneration arrangements, contracts and human resources requirements, including the continuous improvement of processes, procedures and documents and accessibility improvements
• Assistance with the implementation of DSA’s funding strategy, including relationship management with key stakeholders
• Assist with the continuous improvement of risk management, governance and compliance frameworks including policy reviews and updates and accessibility improvements
• Liaise with auditors and insurers, ensuring policies are updated and maintained
• Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with stakeholders.
• Liaise with external contractors as required

Organisational Background

Down Syndrome Australia is the national organisation for people with Down syndrome and their families and supporters.   

Our purpose is to make life good for people with Down syndrome. We want to make Australia a fair place where people with Down syndrome are included.  

Our vision is a world where people with Down syndrome are included, accepted and treated fairly.  

Our work is based on people’s rights. We follow the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This is an agreement between countries. It makes sure people with disability are treated equally.  

We work together with the Australian Down Syndrome Alliance, the state and territory Down syndrome organisations, our partners and other organisations.  

People with Down syndrome are involved in all parts of our work.  They help us to make choices. They help lead our work.  

Selection Criteria - Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent experience
• Experience in accounting and/or bookkeeping
• Experience in payroll, HR management and risk and compliance.
• Strong commitment to inclusion of people with disabilities within the community
• Experience with stakeholder management and negotiation
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Well-developed organisational skills and experience in the coordination of services and/or complex projects
• Experience working on a non-for-profit or similar environment
• Computer literacy using MS Word, Outlook, Excel, Xero.

Desirable:

• Experience working directly with people with intellectual disability
• Understanding of accessible information, Easy Read and inclusive communication approaches

Work Environment

The Down Syndrome Australia staff work as a virtual team. This position may be based in an office or home environment. The nature of this role and its responsibilities deems that occasionally some work will be required outside normal business hours and some travel will be required.  

Acceptance of the position involves a willingness to work within the philosophies and policy directions of Down Syndrome Australia. The successful applicant will be required to undergo satisfactory preemployment checks including professional referees, completion of a satisfactory police records check and working with children check. The successful applicant will initially be employed for a probationary period of three months.  

Down Syndrome Australia is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from culturally and linguistically diverse people, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and people with a disability.