Brief Role Description
The individual will play a key role in the Financial Management of the Rural Transport Programme. Working with the current RTP Finance Manager, they will proactively contribute to and assist with the development and management of the RTP Finance function. All team members are tasked with the maintenance of a positive and open working environment, ensuring that interactions with all stakeholders are carried out in a courteous, patient and professional manner and that all work is completed to the highest standard.
Core Responsibilities
Support the RTP Finance Manager with the management of the core business functions of the RTP Finance team, including but not limited to:
o The administration of grant payments to the 15 Transport Co-ordination Units (TCU's) distributed around the country, and any miscellaneous income streams;
o Collate and analyse the financial aspects of the Direct Award entities - through review and variance analysis of monthly returns;
o Prepare and analyse the programme level budget and on-going forecasting for the various funding streams, incorporating the annual TCU Programme of Activity (budget) process.
o Support and assist junior staff members and TCU finance staff.
o Perform cost analysis and forecasting by TCU and for the wider Programme costs and budgets;
o Support the maintenance of the Robotic Processes which continued process improvement;
o Review of month end reporting packs from local Transport Co-ordination Units (TCU), including reconciliations required as part of this governance process e.g. fare revenue
o Work with TCUs to understand cost factors and variances and proactively work with them to resolve any issues.
o Prepare monthly reporting packs for senior management review.
Project work
* Active involvement in various RTP projects with the ability to lead projects from the Finance perspective. On-going projects currently included system development within the RTP Finance team, introduction of new ticketing framework and the related organisation and TCU reporting.
* Liaise closely with the different divisions in the organisation, the RTP team and the TCUs to bring these projects to completion.
* Support the RTP team from a Finance perspective with the various initiatives underway - e.g. introduction of electric vehicles, new/enhanced service schemes, fare revenue changes.
* Proactively identify and drive process improvement and enhancement;
* Lead and collaborate on projects as part of a continuous improvement program, including the utilisation of technology and financial systems to streamline business processes
* Document, update and implement both existing and new policies and procedures, ensuring that they are communicated to the team and other internal/external stakeholders.
Other Responsibilities
* Ensure reporting to internal and external stakeholders is accurate, timely & completed to a high standard;
* Ensure robust internal controls are established & maintained across the RTP Finance team;
* Perform control, compliance and oversight of the TCUs from a financial governance and grant management perspective including financial statement review
* Lead the creation and maintenance of high-quality procedure documentation, policies and procedures for both the RTP finance team and TCUs;
* Identify areas for improvement across the RTP finance team;
* Support of various audits and reviews that take place throughout the year;
* Stakeholder management, build strong collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, communicating efficiently and championing rural finance in all relevant discussions.
* Proactive in updating relevant management of all issues impacting the team.
Role Requirements & Key Competencies
* A recognised accounting qualification, with a minimum of 5 years post qualification experience;
* Previous experience in project or people management;
* Previous experience in a commercial role, strong business insight/commercial acumen will be a key requirement in this role;
* Problem solver with the ability to look at the wider impacts of issues and decisions;
* Proven ability to multitask, with a flexible and agile approach;
* Have a proven ability to organise and manage a range of work activities while delivering results successfully and in a timely manner
* Demonstrate strong attention to detail, including through the application process for this position
* Strong MS Office skills are desired. Strong MS Excel skills are a minimum requirement, with advanced skills providing a significant advantage in this role;
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to communicate with a variety of stakeholders, both financial and non-financial;
* Highly motivated and enthusiastic - can work on own initiative;
* Takes ownership of issues and tasks;
* Team player - ability to work collaboratively as part of a team; and
* A 'can-do' approach with the ability to organise and prioritise workloads to meet deadlines.
