POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:DIRECTOR CORPORATE

Chief Finance and Accounting Officer(CFAO)

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: CORPORATE

REPORTS TO:CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

DATE OF PREPARATION: July2014

INSTITUTE CONTEXT

William Angliss Institute is the Victorian State government endorsed Specialist Centre for Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts and is recognised as Australia’s leading provider of training for these key industry sectors. The Institute aims to provide excellent vocational education and training services for industry, students and government in Victoria, Australia and globally.

Programs offered by William Angliss Institute range from one-day courses and weekend industry training, through to apprenticeships, nationally recognised certificates and two-year full-time advanced diploma programs. The accreditation of two specialist degree programs including a Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management and a Bachelor of Culinary Management, extends the Institute’s portfolio to provide higher level business and management education. Close links with industry and continuing innovation in the delivery of services ensure the relevance of programs to today’s workplace.

The nationally focussed aspect of the role includes partnering with commercial clients throughout Australia working with them to develop human resource training solutions to achieve business objectives.

The Institute is also involved in delivering services internationally including operating offshore campuses, partnering with commercial clients in human resource development activities, and undertaking project work funded by multilateral and bilateral agencies and the role provides support to these activities.

The Institute is working to a five year strategic plan 2012 - 2016 around themes of Educational Excellence, Industry Engagement, Internationalisation and Corporate & Social Responsibility.

The Institute is located within the Melbourne CBD district and has annual revenue of $53m, half of which is generated by commercial activity, and has total assets of $114m and offers courses to in excess of 22,000 students. The Angliss Corporate division employs 61 staff and has an annual expenditure budget of $8m and an annual capital expenditure program of approximately $2.0m.

1.PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

Control and manage the Institute’s corporate services and develop strategies to maximise the provision and use of funds and resources in accordance with the Institute’s strategic plan and government policy requirements.

Actively work within and provide financial leadership to the executive team to contribute to the strategic direction of the Institute to meet the goals and objectives developed within the Institute strategic planning framework and divisional operational plan.

Provide high level strategic and financial advice to Board, Executive Committee and staff in the management and development of the Institute’s business activities.

Be accountable for William Angliss Institute complying with all statutory and legislative requirements of State and Commonwealth Governments, controlled by the Institute’s Corporate division.

Ensure that the Institute’s has the appropriatefinancial systems, processes and policies in place to meet internal and external financial reporting requirements in a timely and accurate manner and to deliver high quality services to departments.

Manage the Institute’s facilities and services so that they are effectively and efficiently secured and maintained to the highest standard. This also includes managing the Institute’s central stores function so that a high quality, effective cost service is provided to departments.

Lead the Institute’s Information Technology function in the development and delivery of a multi-year strategic roadmap.

Manage the Institute’s Marketing and PR activity with particular focus on the move to a contestable funding model under the State Government’s Skills Reform agenda.

2.ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

2.1Reporting Relationships

The Director Corporate reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and is a member of the Institute’s Executive Committee.

Reporting to the Director Corporate are:

  • Manager Information Technology Services
  • Manager Finance
  • Manager Marketing & Communications
  • Manager Property and Procurement Services
  • Business Analyst Planning & Reporting
  • Corporate Governance & Administration Coordinator
  • Executive Assistant

2.2Role of Area

The Division is responsible for:

  • Finance, covering the provision of financial services to the Institute including monthly financial reports and associated transaction processing and fortnightly payroll processing. The Finance Department is also responsible for additional reporting to Higher Education and Skills Group (HESG)as required.
  • Information technology and the provision of services to staff and students across the Institute’s operations.
  • Property & Procurement Services, including tenders, facilities and maintenance as well as future development and the Institute Master-plan.
  • Marketing & Communication including developing and implementing the Institute’s marketing plans, domestic student recruitment, promotional and corporate communications and stakeholder surveys.
  • Corporate Governance, Planning & Reporting.

2.3Role of the Position’s Supervisor

The Institute’s CEO is directly responsible to the Board for the strategic direction and management of the Institute to ensure the achievement of goals and objectives established in line with government priorities for Vocational Education and Training. The CEO is responsible for maintaining and growing the brand through the development of new initiatives and the continuous improvement of William Angliss Institute products and services to the industry.

2.4Role of the Position

The Director Corporate is one of six members of the Institute Executive Management Team who ensure the effective provision of resources in line with established priorities and contribute to the development of policy and management objectives to achieve the Institute’s Strategic Plan.

The main focus of the position is to ensure that the corporate services of the Institute are well managed and that accurate and timely financial data is made available to assist the Executive and the Board in their decision-making processes.

The position is responsible for Government capital funding submissions and the tendering and co-ordinating of building or refurbishment projects.

The incumbent is required to manage and lead a large number of staff engaged in a diverse range of activities to ensure the delivery of corporate services and provision of customer information to the Institute in an effective and efficient manner within budgeted guidelines.

The position is also required to ensure that the Institute records are filed in an accurate manner that will allow the Institute to quickly respond to any Freedom of Information requests.

The incumbent can expect to be allocated duties, not specifically mentioned in this document, but within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from persons occupying positions at senior management level.

Specific objectives will be negotiated as part of the Institute’s regular performance review process.

The incumbent will be required to comply with the Institute and Public Sector Code of Conduct, Occupational Health and Safety Policy and Procedures, the Financial Management framework, Diversity, Access and Equity Policy, Ministerial Directions and other relevant legislation, policy, procedures or practices.

2.5Internal Communication

The incumbent is required to liaise on an on-going basis with a range of Institute staff to ensure the efficient operation of the Corporate Division.

The incumbent is a member of the Institute’s Executive Team and attends Board meetings and Finance, Audit & Risk Management (FARM) Committee meetings.

The incumbent is also required to attend the Board Meetings of subsidiary companies and co-ordinate the production of the annual financial data and reports.

2.6External Communication

From an administrative and financial perspective the incumbent will be required to liaise with the Institute’s suppliers, bankers, legal advisors, and auditors both internal and external.

The incumbent also has communication with a variety of external parties including staff from the Higher Education and Skills Group (HESG), service providers, contract providers and joint venture partners.

The position is also expected to be a member and participate with the TAFE Business Manager’s Association.

2.7Challenges and Constraints

The most significant challenge facing the position is the implementation of efficient and effective services to support the Institute and achieve the goals as set out in the Institute’s Strategic Plan.

Undertake capital expenditure in the upgrading of both staff and student facilities within the capital grants available.

Assist the Institute to achieve a level of financial self sustainability in line with the Institute’s Strategic Plan and in the context of the regulatory and operating environment for vocational education in Victoria, interstate and internationally.

  1. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
  • Relevant tertiary qualifications in business or accounting / finance, and must be a member of an appropriate professional body (CPA/CA).
  • Demonstrated ability in providing leadership and co-ordinating service functions across a wide range of activities including financial management, purchasing, building facilities management and maintenance, marketing and strategic planning.
  • Extensive experience in corporate services, particularly financial management, at senior executive level within a large complex organisation.
  • Successful experience in strategic planning, resource planning, budgeting, policy development, marketing and use of management information systems.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, computer skills in Microsoft Office, and highly developed financial and budgeting skills.
  • Experience at a senior level in the development and implementation of corporate policies and strategies including financial management, corporate resource control and general administration.
  • Proven ability to network, negotiate and communicate effectively with a variety of individuals and organisations internal and external to the organisation, recognising and respecting differing cultures and needs.
  • Demonstrated strong leadership and initiative combined with a high level of analytical and conceptual skills which will enable the development of both short term and long term strategies.
  • Substantial experience in working effectively with a Board of Directors, or Governing body.
  • Demonstrated behaviours that align with the William Angliss Institute Values.

4.SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

4.1Policy and Planning

The Chief Finance and Accounting Officer (CFAO) will:

  • provide on-going advice to management and the Board on accounting and financial reporting standards,
  • oversee the preparation of management and annual accounts, and
  • provide the necessary forecast and outlook data to support the effective management of the business.

Provide on-going advice to management and the Board on risk management best practice approaches.

Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive finance and infrastructure plan that directly aligns with the Strategy and ensures the long term viability of William Angliss Institute through the achievement of objectives that provide a financially responsible and sustainable organisation.

Lead the preparation of strategies, policy documents and operating procedures for marketing & communications to ensure a consistent approach to service provision, the resolution of operational problems and the optimisation of resources.

Develop and implement strategies that support the Institute’s move towards a greater level of self-funding and higher levels of entrepreneurship, including the implementation of business, capital planning processes and implications of income-generating activities, both within Australia and off-shore.

Manage the legal framework in which the Institute operates including reporting requirements and access to legal advice.

Manage the annual insurance renewal process to ensure appropriate insurance coverage of the Institute’s business operations, assets, staff and directors on an ongoing basis.

Consult with the Institute’s internal auditors in developing the annual audit plan and provide management responses to audit recommendations.

Identify and manage the professional development needs of staff within the Division in accordance with the Institute’s Professional Development Strategy.

Prepare policy and operating procedures for the provision of physical planning; receipt and distribution of class consumables, provision of marketing services, the maintenance of grounds, buildings, equipment and furniture; for the hire of Institute facilities; for Institute security; and for the efficient and effective provision of services to facilitate programs of major and minor works.

Ensure that all statutory reporting requirements are met, in accordance with legislative requirements.

4.2Financial Management

Plan, implement and monitor financial budgets to ensure the forecast budget and targets are achieved.

Oversee and work with direct reports to ensure the Institute remains competitive and meets projected targets and collects all monies owed to the Institute within agreed timeframes.

Ensure all invoicing is accurate, timely and consistent with Institute policies and all expenditure is authorised consistent with delegated authority levels and the Institutes purchasing and procurement guidelines.

4.3Compliance

Ensure the Institute meets internal and external quality reporting requirements with regards to student services programs provided by the Institute.

Comply with legal requirements, expressed through the Institute policies and procedures.

Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation and Institute requirements to ensure employees, clients and visitors are protected against risk to their health, safety and welfare.

Comply with the Institute and Public Sector Code of Conduct, Occupational Health and Safety Policy and Procedures, Managing Diversity Policy and Procedures and any other relevant legislation, policy, procedures or practices.

4.4Controlling, Regulating and Reporting

Monitor the financial performance of the Institute and its functional units against defined budgets and, where required, recommend action to correct variations as a means of ensuring both sound financial management and that all relevant information is reported to the CEO and the Board.

Review investment practices, debtor control, asset management and revenue policies to maximise the Institute’s financial resources within acceptable levels of security and market acceptance of fees.

Ensure that adequate steps are taken to protect the assets and staff of the Institute to minimise loss, litigation and insurance liability.

Develop strategies to effectively manage the Capital Works Program of the Institute to achieve optimum outcomes in terms of the quality, fitness for purpose and cost-effectiveness of buildings and facilities.

Prepare Institute income, expenditure and investment statements on a monthly basis, or as requested by Chief Executive Officer, to reflect the financial performance of the Institute.

Recommend a budget and course costing models which will enable the Institute to meet its financial goals by specifying all key budget parameters including staff ratios, benchmarks, allocation of Student Contact Hours, teaching loads, etc and ensuring these are integrally linked to the Institute’s Program Profile.

Ensure systems and processes in respect of finance and infrastructure services are continuously improved so that functioning is at optimum levels and operations meet the needs of users.

Co-ordinate the production of the William AnglissInstitute Annual Report and Board accountability reports to Higher Education and Skills Group (HESG).

Ensure the Board’s Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committeeis provided with the necessary information as requested.

Consult and confer with appropriate managers of Higher Education and Skills Group (HESG), the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, Victorian Auditor General’s Office, Victorian TAFE Association and other TAFE providers on a range of issues which impact upon the position’s functional responsibilities, in order to negotiate Institute requirements, respond to requests for advice and information.

4.5Organising and Operating

Identify and prioritise projects which the division is to undertake within the limits of available resources so as to meet the Institute’s objectives in accordance with established policy, Board and legislative requirements.

Develop and co-ordinate the marketing of the Institute to all stakeholder groups in accordance with the Institute’s Marketing Strategy.

Maintain a record and document filing and archiving retrieval system that meets the requirements of Institute needs and Government regulations.

Ensure that the Institute meets its obligations with regard to statutory requirements, including Food Safety, Access Planning, Occupational Health and Safety legislation and standards, Privacy Act, Freedom of Information, Equal Opportunity, Managing Diversity and the Protected Disclosures Act,

Conduct regular division forums, meetings and information sharing strategies for department staff to encourage consultation and participation in the development of objectives, plans and operating procedures for the division.

4.6Interaction

Consult with senior managers of the Institute on proposed plans, projects and tasks involving the division to ensure consistency with Institute objectives and corporate plans.

Liaise and consult with other Institute functional units such as Human Resources, Education Delivery and International & Business Development to ensure the most effective delivery of business service functions across the Institute.

Direct and coordinate the operations of Departments which report to the position to ensure the Departments operate at optimum level and within available resources.

Establish mechanisms within the Division to facilitate communication of information and advice at all levels of the Institute.

Delegate operational authority to staff within the Departments commensurate with the level of the position, skills and abilities to ensure the provision of responsive services and to assist in the professional development of staff.

Lead and motivate staff to encourage a full contribution to the efficient and effective operation of the Division and its continuing development.

Assess the development needs of staff and prepare plans to meet these needs.

Develop a cohesive team spirit among staff as a means of fostering a strong commitment to the efficient and effective provision of services.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The successful applicant is required to undergo a Police Records Check and a Working with Children Check.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

William Angliss Institute will be a leader in foods, tourism and hospitality education, training and industry services in 2020.