Finance Coordinator - New Colombo Plan, Program Support Unit

Job Description

Job Description

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The New Colombo Plan (NCP) plays a key role in supporting the Australian Government's objectives in building Asia capability. It aims to lift the Indo-Pacific capability and Asia literacy in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to undertake study, language learning and internships in the Indo-Pacific. The goal of NCP is NCP alumni contribute their skills, knowledge and networks to Australia's enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. This is achieved through three complementary grants programs: the Scholarship Program, Mobility Program and Semester Program.

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The NCP PSU is administered by Palladium on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the Australia Awards Global Support Mechanism (AAGSM). The AAGSM provides operational and technical support services to DFAT's International Education and Scholarships Branch, with two End of Investment Outcomes (EOIOs):

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• EOIO 1 - Operational Support: High quality and efficient administrative and standard business support services provided to DFAT.
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• EOIO 2: Technical Support: High quality, coherent, consistent and fit for purpose technical support services that also promote gender equality, disability and social inclusion outcomes throughout DFAT's international scholarship programs network.
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The NCP Program Support Unit (NCP PSU) supports DFAT's New Colombo Plan Secretariat (NCS) with high-quality grant administration and management consistent with the principles of the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Principles. Support service delivery includes end-to-end grants cycle and funds management, as well as technical support in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), alumni engagement, communications, events management, business sector engagement and risk management.

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About the Role

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The Finance Coordinator will support the achievement of EOIO 1 by providing high quality and efficient financial administrative and support services to NCP PSU.

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The Finance Coordinator supports the NCP PSU Finance Manager in the delivery of efficient, compliant and well-controlled financial operations; and contributes to the integrity of program financial systems.

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The Finance Coordinator will support the management and administration of finances and financial accountability across the program including contributing to the financial management, grants disbursement and financial management reporting including Monthly Financial Reports and Audit Reports, as required.

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Primary Responsibilities

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Accurate and Efficient Program Finance Support

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• Oversee accounting financial operations while ensuring compliance with the DFAT, Palladium and NCP Financial policies and procedures.
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• Process payments and ensuring compliance and documentation requirements are met.
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• Assist with reconciliations of financial data and reporting for external and internal audits.
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• Manage the NCP Finance inbox attending to any queries received and issues that requires resolutions.
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Support Scholarships and Mobility Grant Payments

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• Process weekly scholar and third-party payments timely and accurately including domestic, international and foreign currencies ensuring compliance with Program Management Manuals and NCP Fund Account SOP.
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• Manage the processing of payments for scholars and universities in a timely manner.
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• Ensuring payment documentations are processed and accurately recorded in the financial management systems in a timely manner., Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as "the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm". We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.
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About the Employer

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Palladium is a global development and consulting firm, part of the GISI Consulting Group, working alongside some of the world's leading project management and engineering organisations. We partner with governments, businesses, investors and communities to design and deliver complex programs that create lasting impact. With a presence across more than 90 countries, Palladium offers the opportunity to work on meaningful challenges, alongside talented colleagues, in environments where your work can truly make a difference.

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About the Candidate

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Are you a finance professional who is detail-oriented and thrives in delivering efficiency and compliance? We are looking for a Finance Coordinator to be a part of New Colombo Plan and support the team in delivering high-quality and compliant financial operations across the program. These include the financial management, grants disbursement and monthly reporting., The ideal candidate should have:

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• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, project management or commerce.
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• At least 5 years of practical experience in finance and admin in Australia, preferably within the Australian Government or University sector.
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• Experience in Costpoint accounting systems is highly regarded
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• Strong financial and administration skills.
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• Strong analytical thinking and pro-active problem solving.
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• Excellent interpersonal skills
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• Effective stakeholder engagement experience
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• Commitment in diversity and inclusion, particularly in cross-cultural setting
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