The posting
The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member on a permanent-ongoing contract of employment by the Australian Embassy, Athens.
The Fair Work Act 2009 is not intended to apply to the employment of Locally Engaged Staff (LES) at Australia’s overseas diplomatic and consular missions. The successful candidate’s terms and conditions of employment will be governed by the laws of Greece.
Please be advised that the Australian Embassy, Athens does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.
About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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 Position
Under direction from the Corporate Services Manager, the Corporate Services Officer (Finance and Procurement) supports the Australian Embassy, Athens by delivering accurate, timely and compliant procurement, contract processing and financial administration services. The position works closely with the Regional Services Delivery Hub (RSDH) for Europe, Canberra-based finance and procurement teams, suppliers, banks and relevant Greek authorities.
Depending on your position, you may be required to undergo additional security and background checks and undertake specific Child Protection e-learning.
Key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:
- Undertake financial management activities, including financial reporting, responding to audit requests, contributing to budget tracking, managing cashflow and monitoring representation expenditure.
- Process accounts payable and receivable transactions, including invoices, reimbursements, acquittals and other financial transactions accurately and within required timeframes using SAP and other systems.
- Prepare payment documentation and undertake payment certification and other financial duties when formally appointed and within delegated authority.
- Undertake procurement activity of appropriate complexity in accordance with relevant legislation, delegations, policies and procedures.
- Work closely with the RSDH on finance and procurement matters, liaising with relevant suppliers and authorities to efficiently resolve issues relating to procurement, payment and financial administration while ensuring contractual obligations are fulfilled.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement and financial data with supporting documentation to ensure financial compliance and the integrity and security of financial records.
- Support the Corporate Services Manager to deliver effective payroll and entitlements management.
- Provide sound and timely advice to Embassy staff regarding finance, procurement and payroll policies and procedures and act as first point of escalation for day-to-day corporate queries in the absence of the Corporate Services Manager.
- Maintain a sound working knowledge of relevant Greek administrative, taxation, labour and reporting requirements affecting procurement, accounting and payroll, and provide relevant advice to the Corporate Services Manager.
- Provide operational support to other team members in the Corporate Section to support continuous improvement within the team to deliver high-quality services across the Embassy.
- Perform other duties consistent with the position level and capabilities, as directed by the Corporate Services Manager, Senior Administrative Officer or Head of Mission.
Required Qualifications/Experience
- Relevant qualification in accounting, finance, business administration, procurement or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated professional experience.
- Demonstrated experience in accounts, financial administration and procurement, including processing transactions, maintaining records and applying organisational policies and procedures.
- Experience using enterprise financial systems, such as SAP, and strong capability with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
- Professional-level written and oral communication skills in English and Greek.
- Sound knowledge of Greek financial, taxation, social security and administrative requirements is highly desirable.
- Strong numerical accuracy, attention to detail, judgement and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated commitment to integrity, confidentiality and accountable use of public resources.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, work collaboratively in a small team and build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Selection Criteria
Please ensure you provide a response to each of the listed selection criteria below. In your response, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role.
The word limit is strictly 250 words per response to each selection criteria. The panel may not assess incomplete applications or responses which exceed the word limit.
A. Demonstrable finance experience including but not limited to reporting, processing transactions, managing budgets and using financial systems such as SAP and Excel.
B. Proven decision-making skills with the ability to exercise discretion and good judgement in applying legislation, policies and guidelines, including those relating to procurement and payroll.
C. Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and provide an efficient service at all levels.
D. Ability to manage competing priorities as part of a small team, meeting deadlines whilst maintaining attention to detail.
E. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, databases, electronic records systems or other business systems to support efficient operations and maintain accurate information.
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 use the 'Apply' button below. Please direct any other queries to [email protected].
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.
