• Develops and maintains financial systems
• Plans, directs, and controls accounting and financial operations
• Prepares reports and documents covering accounting transactions for management review
• Ensures that accurate records are kept by standard practices
• Establishes budgets, forecasts future cash flows, provides periodic financial analysis
• Monitors budget performance, expenditure control
• Manages invoicing procedures to collect money owed by clients/
• Mediating tax refunds and ensuring transparency in the allocation for valid claims
• Following up on outstanding refunds, false claims, and unclaimed refunds
• Providing auditors with all records, documents, and files about VAT returns, VAT settlements, and transactional data
• Working closely with other departments in the business
• Preparing various monthly reports to analyse business financial health, including sales reports, profit and loss statements, general ledger entries, goods received notes, and goods issued notes
• A Finance Officer is responsible for all financial aspects of a business or organisation. They manage the budget, prepare financial reports, and ensure that all financial transactions are conducted legally and ethically.
• Managing the budget: this includes forecasting future income and expenses, creating budgets and balance sheets, and ensuring that spending is within budget limits.
• Preparing financial reports: financial reports provide an overview of the company's financial status and performance. They are used to make critical business decisions, assess risk, and secure financing.
• Conducting financial transactions: a Finance Officer oversees all financial transactions, including issuing payments, collecting debts, and investing money.
• Ensuring compliance with financial regulations and laws: Finance Officers must comply with all relevant economic rules and regulations in Australia and overseas. This includes ensuring that financial records are accurate and up-to-date.
• Using accounting software: this is to keep an accurate record of all internal and external business financial transactions and perform financial audits wherever necessary.

The duties and responsibilities of a Finance Officer may vary depending on their expertise. For example, a Chief Financial Officer may have more complex tasks and responsibilities than an entry-level Financial Officer.

A finance officer, also known as a head accountant, is responsible for the financial health of an organization. Their duties include: 

• Financial planning: Developing and maintaining financial systems, establishing budgets, and forecasting cash flows 
• Accounting: Preparing and submitting tax returns, pension forms, and compensation forms, and performing bookkeeping 
• Reporting: Preparing financial reports and documents for management review, and writing daily reports 
• Compliance: Ensuring compliance with finance regulatory bodies 
• Budget management: Monitoring budget performance and expenditure control 
• Invoicing: Managing invoicing procedures to collect money owed by clients 

What is the role of a Financial Officer in a business?

The role of a Finance Officer is critical to the success of any business or organisation. They are responsible for ensuring that all financial matters are handled responsibly and legally.

This involves managing budgets, preparing reports, and conducting transactions. The job can be challenging, but it is also gratifying. If you have strong financial skills and want to make a difference in the business world, then a career as a Finance Officer may be right for you.

What does a Finance Officer do at work?

The main tasks and responsibilities are to mediate tax refunds, follow up on outstanding repayments, provide auditors with information on VAT returns, generate reports for various finance managers in the company.

A full-time Finance Officer typically works from an office environment, from 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday.

• Not more than 40 years old
• Bachelor's degree required
• 1-3 years of experience

Finance officers are crucial for maintaining financial stability and driving strategic decision-making processes. They can work in both the public and private sectors. 

While there are no specific certifications required to become a finance officer, you can pursue an accounting or finance designation. You can also start with other entry-level positions as a financial professional.