The Catholic Diocese of Cairns is a diverse and dynamic faith community in Far North Queensland, Australia. Spanning a vast region from Cardwell in the south to the Torres Strait in the north and west to the Northern Territory border, the Diocese serves 23 parishes to a multicultural population. It provides a range of services, including outreach and mission, chancery and governance, property management, finance, administration, and other central agencies, supporting the spiritual and operational needs within the region.
What We Offer
- Annual Leave with 17.5% leave loading (Full-time & Part-time employees)
- 12.75% Employer Superannuation Contributions
- Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service
- 14 Weeks paid parental leave for primary carer (Full-time & Part-time employees)
- Professional development
- Access to Employee Assistance Program
About the Role
- 12-month max-term contact - full-time position - 38 hours per week
- Position based in Cairns
- Total Employment Cost (TEC) commencing from $85,600 dependent on skills and qualifications (Includes leave loading and super guarantee)
An opportunity exists for a skilled and motivated Finance Officer to join the team. The Finance Officer is responsible for processing, reconciling, and reporting on all delegated Diocesan financial accounts. They also provide financial support and guidance to Diocesan departments, parishes and clergy.
Reporting to the Finance Manager, the successful applicant will demonstrate a good working knowledge and understanding of accounting procedures and principles, have excellent communication skills and thrive in a team environment. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications including Office, Teams and Sharepoint is essential. Experience with accounting software, in particular Dynamics Business Central is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities:
- Accounts payable functions including data entry of supplier invoices, processing of weekly payments, preparation of payment records for authorisation, uploading data files to CDF online for payment authorisation, distribution of remittance advices, filing of records, enquiries and reconciliations.
- Accounts receivable functions including issuing invoices and/or tax receipts, preparation and delivery of monthly statements, preparation and data entry of receipts and bank deposits, enquiries and reconciliations.
- Monthly review of actual expenditure against budget performance.
- Monthly balance sheet reconciliations including bank reconciliations and supporting schedules for all balance sheet accounts.
- Preparation of BAS for authorisation by Finance Manager.
- Maintain and update the Asset Register with new capital expenditure along with the biannual processing of depreciation.
- Collate data for annual motor vehicle lease renewal and advise Finance Manager.
- Collate data for annual parish quota update and advise Finance Manager.
- Assist Finance Manager with annual report presentation and budget preparation.
- Monitoring and allocating shared finance mailbox.
- Relief to other finance staff during leave periods.
Full Position Description can be accessed from here: HRM-PD-DIO-Finance-Officer-20260609 or via our Careers Portal https://cairns.catholic.org.au/about/careers
How to Apply
To apply visit https://cairns.catholic.org.au/about/careers
- Submit a two-page cover letter and resume via the Diocesan Careers portal.
- Applications that do not include both a cover letter and a resume may not be considered.
- Direct applications only and must be submitted via the Diocesan Careers portal or SEEK.
- For further information contact Russell Eustace our Diocesan Business Manager via email russell.eustace@cairns.catholic.org.au
Applications close Sunday 28 June 2026, however, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will possess:
- Has a well-defined daily, weekly and monthly workflow schedule.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively to meet deadlines.
- Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Is a credible professional with integrity who has a well-articulated professional identity.
- A capacity and willingness to acquire new skills.
- A desire to participate in agreed training programs and supervision.
- Holds a values base around achievement, fun, celebration and success for self and the team.
- A friendly and flexible approach to team activities.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Qualification or working towards a Certificate IV or higher in business or accounting.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, particularly Microsoft Office, Teams and SharePoint.
- Demonstrated experience with accounting systems such as Microsoft Dynamics Business Central or similar financial accounting software.
- Experience in communication and relationship building with an ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Ability to work autonomously, with strong written communication, organisational, and time management skills.
- A valid, unrestricted Australian driver’s licence.
- A valid Positive Notice Blue Card (No Card, No Start legislation applies).
- Suitable Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
- As a genuine occupational requirement, the position requires that the Employee’s conduct and lifestyle align with principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
