Manager Financial Accounting and Control

Tēnei tūranga – About the role

The Manager Financial Accounting & Control is a people leader role and subject matter expert responsible for ensuring that the Ministry has risk based, fit for purpose, strong and robust financial controls and procedures in place to ensure the integrity of financial data. This is the role that is responsible for lifting the financial control environment for all of MBIE, ensuring that our audit ratings are optimal and that Ministers and Select Committee are satisfied with the appropriateness of the Ministry’s financial controls and procedures.

The Manager is responsible for managing the financial accounting functions, ensuring the completeness and integrity of all General Ledger reporting. This responsibility covers both On Balance Sheet and Off Balance Sheet transactions and accounting for the Ministry’s international transactions and reflecting its global presence.

The role includes developing and ensuring effective delivery of appropriate finance operational policies and compliance management frameworks, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting principles, as well as overall management of the Ministry’s taxation function.

The Manager is also responsible for managing relationships with Banks including developing a treasury policy framework and banking platform that enables business needs to be met. The position is also responsible for ensuring the effective management of foreign exchange transactions.

Ngā herenga – Requirements of the role

Personal specifications

• Proven experience in leading and managing a high-performing team
• Experience in leading transformational projects within a finance setting, strategic disruption and transformational success through technology
• Experience in leading successful change initiatives, managing projects, process design and implementation
• Proven ability to effectively influence and provide specialist advise to senior and executive management
• Experience in leading and managing a strategic finance function in a large organisation
• Treasury management expertise
• Sound knowledge of Tax including working with complex tax requirements
• Experience in internal and external audit and Business Assurance functions
• High standards of professionalism and performance driven with a proven track record of successfully achieving goals
• Strong interpersonal skills for building productive collaborative relationships both internally and externally
• Knowledge and understanding of the public sector financial management environment desirable only including knowledge of relevant statutes (e.g. Public Finance Act), Government policy, accounting principles and management practices
• Technical accounting expertise in relation to Public Benefit Entity Financial Reporting Standards
• Understanding and experienced in reconciliations, control, risk management and has a focus on integrity
• Exceptional influencing skills at all levels
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Driven to achieve outcomes, delegates effectively and empowers others
• Commitment to best practice
• Highly organised and has the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, to prioritise competing commitments and proactively manage stakeholder expectations
• A strong commitment to providing a high level of customer service – on time and within constraints
• International experience and working in a global environment desirable
• Credit check required

Prerequisites

• CA qualified with 5 – 10 years post CA experience in senior Finance roles (Public or Commercial)
• Must have the right to live and work in New Zealand

Takohanga tuhinga o mua – Key accountabilities and deliverables

Lifting the financial control enviorment for all of MBIE

• Develops, leads, and ensures the delivery of astute financial accounting and control processes across the Ministry for both onshore and offshore financial accounting teams
• All system and subsystem interfaces with the General Ledger have appropriate controls and processes in place to ensure their completeness and accuracy and automated tools and processes are in place to ensure the interface process is completed accurately
• Oversees all 3^rd party revenue reconciliations, ensuring processes are documented and controls are in place; engages with business groups to improve the processes and key controls relating to revenue recognition
• All entities managed by the Ministry have Record to Report processes implemented to enable general ledger reporting to financial statements
• Annual valuations are completed to meet the requirements of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards for all balance sheet items
• All accruals, prepayment and provision entries are completed on a timely and accurate basis to ensure that trial balance information is complete and accurate at month end
• Detailed monthly General Ledger Balance Sheet reconciliations occur for all On Balance Sheet entities and Departments together with Off balance Sheet entities reporting; alongside this is a robust process to clear outstanding items identified to ensure that reported results are complete and accurate
• Oversees the development, implementation and delivery of an effective Finance Operational Policies framework, engaging across business groups and enabling strategic management of financial control risks; policies are seen as an exemplar for public sector accountability
• Ensures that all MBIE wide finance operating policies are adhered to with any breaches highlighted through active compliance management; including, but not limited to, the Financial Delegations Policy, Sensitive Expenditure Policy, Payments Policy, Fixed Assets Policy
• Ensures an effective Financial Delegations Issue register and reports to the Finance & Performance Leadership Team
• Ensures compliance with all tax regulations including working closely with external tax advisors on pro-active management of tax risks
• Ensures completion of all statutory reporting to compliance with tax and Inland Revenue requirements
• Fixed asset registers are accurately maintained and there is an appropriate process in place to validate the location, control, detail and existence of all individual assets owned and identified and ensure the accuracy of the overall register information
• The General Ledger Balance Sheet balances across all On Balance Sheet and Off Balance Sheet entities should have no impairment recorded and all liability information is complete
• Appropriate management, control and reporting of guarantees and contingent liabilities on a monthly basis
• Inter-entity reconciliations completed to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Key relationship manager of all relationships with MBIE’s banks enabling the strategic management of treasury functions and banking platforms
• Develops and delivers a Treasury Policy which enables best practice and efficient management of the Ministry’s bank accounts and cash
• Monthly and annual reporting on treasury activities is on a timely basis including compliance with Treasury policy stipulations and treasury related financial statement inputs
• Develops policies and metrics to enable all elements of Balance Sheet risk including – Credit Risk, Currency Risk, Interest Rate Risk, market Risk and Other Risks to be clearly understood by users
• Monthly and annual financial reporting deadlines are met
• Ensures all processes and procedures are documented and champion the implementation of tools and technology to adopt best practice methodology

Influencing the business

• Assists the Finance Business Partners as a subject matter expert to identify control weaknesses within the business groups and work with them to influence changes to resolve
• Actively contributes to the development of the business groups strategy and business plan
• Practical financial implications of MBIE’s vision and plans are considered and communicated through to the GM Financial Control and CFO
• MBIE’s financial control framework is developed, implemented and maintained
• Demonstrates joint responsibility for strategic financial leadership through engagement with the Finance & Performance Leadership team and keep the GM Financial Control informed of key issues and activities
• Ensures high visibility and impact of F&P’s business support and financial stewardship functions within the Ministry

People leadership

• Manages a team of accounting professionals delivering exceptional service both onshore and offshore
• Provides viable and accessible leadership to ensure team outcomes are delivered per expectations and in alignment with the Ministry’s business
• Effectively leads through change, by creating a shared vision for the future, platform for change, and managing and embracing change during difficult times
• Communicates the strategic direction of the F&P group to ensure individuals are aware of their roles and responsibilities
• Viewed as a role model by demonstrating the Ministry’s values, appropriate behaviours and engaging with all key stakeholders
• Mentors Team Leaders to continue developing as effective people leaders
• Individuals know what is expected of them in terms of their performance – focus areas are identified and agreed, high performance coaching is undertaken, regular feedback is provided
• Individuals are grown and developed, strengths are appreciated and there is belief in potential for improvement
• Proactively builds a climate where individuals are highly engaged and feel empowered
• The team has an ambitious vision to develop excellence in customer experience
• Demonstrates openness to ideas and contributions of others
• Capabilities of the team have been evaluated, risks and opportunities are identified in order to monitor on-going performance over time
• All team members have performance and development plans in place and are coached to maximise individual contribution as well as receiving formal feedback as part of the half and full year review process
• Health and safety responsibilities and obligations are implemented in accordance with the Ministry’s policies and procedures

Optimise processes and practices

• The Financial Accounting & Control team is viewed as a centre of expertise and an exemplar of best practice across the public sector
• Financial management processes, procedures and reporting comply with legislative requirements and best practice
• Robust processes and standards are in place, enhancing the overall capability of the team to ensure quality and consistency of advice and practices
• Policies and practices are reviewed regularly to ensure relevancy and alignment to both operational and strategic goals
• Business improvements have been made to strengthen internal controls, streamline processes and reduce costs
• Audit recommendations have been successfully implemented

Risk management

• Champions, promotes and embeds positive risk management awareness and a strong risk culture
• Keeps abreast of and identify emerging risk (events and opportunities) at an organisational level and raises to the correct level in line with the risk management framework
• Contributes to the operation and continuous improvement of risk management practices
• Appropriate risk management and assurance processes and policies are in place
• The risk register is maintained and updated within the required timeframes. Contributes to the formulation and implementation of a risk management strategy
• The Risk and Assurance Committee is kept abreast of the state of the financial controls within MBIE

Relationship management

• Champions the use of cross-functional teams (no silos) from within F&P as well as from broader Ministry teams
• Collaboratively works with others across Finance and Performance and the wider organisation to raise the understanding of financial controls and processes for astute management
• Relationships with external stakeholders (Treasury, Audit NZ, IRD, Banks etc.) are positive and effective, reflecting the Ministry’s strategic objectives and values and enhancing the credibility of the Ministry
• Strategic relationships are developed and maintained across the sector as required
• An active commitment to stakeholders is demonstrated across the team through open and effective dialogue

Improve organisational financial performance and capability

• Adapts to change and leads change – highlights potential improvements in current systems, processes and procedures and encourages others to adapt to change
• Develops effective networks and partnerships with people and business who enable the Ministry to innovate and the lead the sector
• Works with managers and Finance colleagues to identify and address capability gaps within Finance and Performance
• Assists in building the Ministry’s wide financial management capability and confidence by providing training and support to managers in regard to financial delegations and policies and cost centre and expense management
• Provides customer focused feedback, insight and recommendations to the business on financial performance, focusing on key drivers
• The adoption of a high performance finance culture across the team is encouraged, through effective communication, timely delivery of insightful advice and continuous improvement
• Works with colleagues across Finance and Performance to ensure that Financial Control services forms part of a cohesive shared services experience for business managers

Wellbeing, health & safety

• Displays commitment through actively supporting all safety and wellbeing initiatives
• Ensures own and others safety at all times
• Complies with relevant safety and wellbeing policies, procedures, safe systems of work and event reporting
• Reports all incidents/accidents, including near misses in a timely fashion
• Is involved in health and safety through participation and consultation

Tō tūranga i roto i te Manatū – Your place in the Ministry

The Manager Financial Accounting & Control position reports into the Head of Financial Control within the Finance and Performance branch. The branch sits within the Corporate and Digital Shared Services group.

More information about MBIE's structure

Ngā Kawenga Ārahitanga – Leadership Expectations

At MBIE our leadership expectations provide consistent language for how we expect our leaders to lead at MBIE. They are supported by our values, and the Public Sector leadership capabilities as described in the Leadership Success Profile (LSP).

Leadership Expectations - Ngā Kawenga Ārahitanga (MBIE)

Lead by example - Whakatinana hei tauira
Enable our people - Whakaāhei ō tātou tangata
Deliver what matters - Whakatutuki ngā manako

Matatautanga – Competencies (Leadership Success Profile)

The Leadership Success Profile (LSP) is a leadership capability framework, developed by the New Zealand public sector for the New Zealand public sector. It creates a common language for leadership and establishes what great leadership looks like. You can look at the twelve underpinning capabilities and four leadership characters here: Leadership Success Profile | Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission(external link)

To mātou aronga – What we do for Aotearoa New Zealand

Hīkina Whakatutuki is the te reo Māori name for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Hīkina means to uplift. Whakatutuki means to move forward, to make successful. Our name speaks to our purpose, Grow New Zealand for All.

To Grow New Zealand for All, we put people at the heart of our mahi. Based on the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi, we are committed to upholding authentic partnerships with Māori.

As agile public service leaders, we use our breadth and experience to navigate the ever-changing world. We are service providers, policy makers, investors and regulators. We engage with diverse communities, businesses and regions. Our work touches on the daily lives of New Zealanders. We grow opportunities (Puāwai), guard and protect (Kaihāpai) and innovate and navigate towards a better future (Auaha).

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

As an agency of the public service, MBIE has a responsibility to contribute to the Crown meeting its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Te Tiriti). Meeting our commitment to Te Tiriti will contribute towards us realising the overall aims of Te Ara Amiorangi – Our Path, Our Direction, and achieve the outcome of Growing New Zealand for All. The principles of Te Tiriti - including partnership, good faith, and active protection – are at the core of our work. MBIE is committed to delivering on our obligations as a Treaty partner with authenticity and integrity and to enable Māori interests. We are committed to ensuring that MBIE is well placed to meet our obligations under the Public Service Act 2020 (Te Ao Tūmatanui) to support the Crown in strengthening the Māori/Crown Relationship under the Treaty and to build MBIE’s capability, capacity and cultural intelligence to deliver this.

Mahi i roto i te Ratonga Tūmatanui – Working in the public service

Ka mahitahi mātou o te ratonga tūmatanui kia hei painga mō ngā tāngata o Aotearoa i āianei, ā, hei ngā rā ki tua hoki. He kawenga tino whaitake tā mātou hei tautoko i te Karauna i runga i āna hononga ki a ngāi Māori i raro i te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ka tautoko mātou i te kāwanatanga manapori. Ka whakakotahingia mātou e te wairua whakarato ki ō mātou hapori, ā, e arahina ana mātou e ngā mātāpono me ngā tikanga matua o te ratonga tūmatanui i roto i ā mātou mahi.

In the public service we work collectively to make a meaningful difference for New Zealanders now and in the future. We have an important role in supporting the Crown in its relationships with Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi. We support democratic government. We are unified by a spirit of service to our communities and guided by the core principles and values of the public service in our work.

What does it mean to work in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Public Service?(external link) — Te Kawa Mataaho The Public Service Commission