About Evident
Evident Scientific is a global industrial manufacturing and life science company renowned for its advanced Micro Imaging Solutions (microscopes) and Test & Measurement technologies (comprising its Non-Destructive Testing Systems, Analysis Instruments and Remote Visual Inspection) solutions.
Evident Corporation is headquartered in Tokyo, with footprints in APAC, EMEA, North America and China, with global headcount of approximately 4.000 employees.
About the Job
The Financial Accountant reports to the APAC Regional Head of Finance and is responsible for the day to day operations of the Finance Department through the provision of accounting, tax and treasury support to local/international stakeholders. The position assumes full management of the Accounting function with the support from Business Process Outsourcing provider, accountability for the internal and external audit cycles and there oversight and collaboration with other teams within Evident Australia.
For more information, visit www.evidentscientific.com
Key Responsibilities
A. Financial Management
Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Ensure the companies’ compliance to applicable IFRS Accounting Standards as well as EVIDENT Australia policies and other disclosure requirements.
- Ensure the accounting processes and reporting enables seamless alignment with tax-related obligations such as income tax, FBT and GST.
- Provide strategic direction and management of an effective general ledger structure within SAP ensuring it balances the requirements for transparent and accurate financial data as well as the needs of the business.
Financial Controls and Governance
- Drive the foundations and execution of strong financial controls and governance through, but not limited to, the following actions:
o Managing the companies’ compliance to JSOX, tax and other
corporate legislation, audit recommendations and sound
corporate governance.
o Based on an ongoing review of the financial operations and the
identification of current risks, establishing and/or refining the
appropriate internal controls for finance with heightened
attention on cash-related processes such as treasury and vendor
payments.
- Conversance with all current and upcoming AIFRS/AASB standards and an understanding of the current and future impact on EVIDENT Australia financial statements.
- Manage or complete the preparation of the assigned portions of the bi-annual JSOX documentation requirements including the timely submission to the region.
Balance Sheet oversight
- Lead the preparation of high-quality reconciliations for EVIDENT Australia to ‘prove’ the balance sheet on a monthly basis (or on a less frequent timeframe for lower risk accounts).
- As an extension to the reconciliation process to improve its effectiveness, review the detail and month-on-month trends in high risk current assets. This focus will include:
o Identifying risks to the realization and/or existence of assets
including sensitive areas such as inventory [both 3PL and
consigned holdings], SWIP, receivables [A/R, bundling and lease],
unsettled claims and placed & loan/demo assets, ensuring
engagement with stakeholders to mitigate the risks as well as
ensuring sufficient reserves are accrued where required.
- Performing a monthly review of the Aged Debtors Trial Balance ensuring all credit risks are reviewed and adequate provisioning for doubtful debts applied.
B. Audit Management
External Audit management
- Through the proactive and open liaison with the audit Engagement Partner or Manager, lead the annual audits for EVIDENT Australia in a structured manner ensuring the timely and accurate completion of the Annual Financial Statements.
Internal Audit management
- Working closely with the Head of Finance and in alignment with the assignment of tasks agreed in the Audit Group meeting(s), co-lead the co-ordination and preparation for any internal audit conducted on EVIDENT Australia. The preparation will include the compilation of supporting schedules and organising meetings on behalf of the IAD with the appropriate EVIDENT Australia personnel based on the audit plan and opening/closing meetings.
C. Cash and Asset Management
Cash Flow
- Prepare a weekly cash report for the APAC Head of Finance, outlining the main drivers underpinning the degradation or improvement in cash – i.e the ‘why’ through an analytical-based review of the movements in key balance sheet accounts (e.g., pre-ordering of inventory, extended payment terms to customers, capex investment, tax payments, dividends and customer financial solutions).
- Through collaboration with the Commercial & Planning Analyst, review the cash flow forecast and seek opportunities to improve the cash position.
Capex and Fixed Assets
- Operate the Capex database, ensuring its functionality and the appropriate levels of authority are maintained.
- Ensure the integrity and completeness of Capex submissions from the business, including the review of business cases and the spend is within budget
D. Tax Management
- Manage the full tax obligations of the Australian and New Zealand EVIDENT Australia operations including compliance with local legislation.
- Responsibility for progress instalments, liaison with relevant stakeholders such as ATO, IRDNZ, EY, Region and the Parent Company, the timely submission of the BAS, Income and Fringe Benefits Tax returns as well as the preparation of supporting schedules for BEPS and transfer price documentation and undertaking the necessary steps to satisfy any audits or review requests from tax authorities.
Professional/License Certification
- CPA qualified or equivalent
Formal Qualifications
- Bachelor of Business/Accounting or equivalent
Key Skills / Core Competencies
- Ability to liaise and network all levels within the business including having the confidence to challenge authority appropriately.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience in presenting to audiences.
- Well organised with attention to detail particularly for reconciliations and audit trails
- Both externally and internally customer focused, with ability to work to strict deadlines.
- Professional work ethic and high levels of personal integrity and stewardship.
- Flexible and able to contend with shifting and/or changing priorities.
- Computer Packages:
o SAP ECC6 or similar (highly proficient)
o Excel (advanced), with Word, Outlook and PowerPoint
(Intermediate Level).
- ANZ online or similar Internet banking package
Experience
- A minimum of 7+ years’ work experience in finance role is mandatory, with experience in similar sized organizations desirable
