The end of the financial year is well and truly over – where is the year going?

By now you all should be in the throes of buckling down to finalise tax returns and taking stock for the new financial year ahead. It is also time to grapple with the changes in legislation to superannuation and get your head around the rapidly changing economic environment.

We are happy to report that demand for talented experienced executives has not abated. If you are ushering in the new financial year with a desire to make a substantial career change, please get in touch.

Our talented team will find you the perfect new career move.

Kindest regards,
Diane Humphries, CPA
Director | Cameron Recruitment

Keep watch for super changes

The changes to superannuation set in train by the previous government four years ago are now coming to fruition.

With changes that took effect on 1 July 2008, companies should have already looked at ways to assess their exposure and adjust their budget accordingly.

The 2004 amendments to legislation affect the way in which an earnings base is calculated and employers will need to ensure that superannuation contributions are at least 9% of Ordinary Time Earnings (OTE). There is often a discrepancy across employers defining the earnings base for calculating Super Guarantee benefits and in many cases, it could be lower than using the OTE definition. This could result in you the employee being paid less superannuation than you are entitled to.

While employers may not necessarily have to make significant adjustments, they need to ensure that they are compliant and are providing superannuation correctly.

Employers will have to make superannuation contributions on items such as performance bonuses, commissions and shift allowances. These items are included in the definition of ordinary time earnings (OTE), but prior to this, an employer was not required by law to include them in the earnings base used for superannuation purposes.

Will your Superannuation increase?

The actual impact will depend on the difference between OTE and your current earnings base and if superannuation is considered to be part of your total fixed remuneration package or an additional employer cost. Check this with your HR department or your Accountant.

Stay on top of the changes

Some tips for Employees to:

Review your 2007/2008 salary components used for superannuation purposes
Identify amounts that are now included in ordinary time earnings but not in your current salary used for superannuation purposes.

Some tips for Employers:

Define what changes to the remuneration policy need to be made, including how to deal with bonuses which are generally included within ordinary time earnings
Determine if changes to payroll systems are required. (Tips courtesy of CEO Forum Group)

Think before you click

The downside to our addiction to being online – all the time – is that negative elements such as cyber-bullying or abuse that takes place via email, mobile phone or text messaging has crept into the workplace and is causing significant havoc for victims and for employers.

It is more sinister than the garden variety work place tactics of bullying and intimidation as it’s up close and personal. The abuse is out of range from colleagues as witnesses, often out of hours and most deviously subject to interpretation. This type of harassment has been largely driven by the increase in use of mobile phones with in-built cameras, blackberries and internet sites such as Facebook. A recent Australian workplace study claimed that there was a substantial lack of support in the workplace in cases of cyber-bullying with 53% of employees stating they were unassisted when they confessed to being a victim of cyber-bullying.

Bullying via email is relatively easy to deal with – as a snail trail of evidence is available for investigation. It also raises questions of employee privacy, with the majority of Australian workers claiming that their superiors should not have access to their emails. The more devious cyber-bully will use texting out of hours or Facebook to get their message across. This is again difficult for the Human Resources area to monitor as the attack usually happens during the employee’s out of work time.

Employers can implement preventative measures where a constructive online work-culture is encouraged. Clear guidelines should be put in place as to what constitutes ethical contact on communication devices and what matter of material is acceptable and what is not. It should be stressed that email and text messaging is not an effective channel to sort out work issues, and the encouragement of verbal communication should be highlighted. It is also a great opportunity to minimise wasted hours of productivity that are increasingly consumed by Facebook and other sites or texting play.

If you are in a managerial role, training in areas such as assertiveness, conflict resolution, communication and interpersonal skills work well to equip employees with the tools to deal with bullying and to set the tone for the entire organisation.

HOT JOBS

Human Resources Manager

North Ryde Location
Autonomous hands on role
$100-$120k package

Established in the 1980's, this truly global organisation has grown and developed a highly successful and unique software product.

The company currently turns over US$800million and has a small and well established sales and technical team in Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand.

This role is responsible for all HR operations and global policy administration for Australia and New Zealand.

Reporting to the Asia Pacific HRD with dotted line responsibility to the local Managing Director, you will manage a portfolio of projects as well as the full spectrum of the HR function including:

manpower planning
management of recruitment
training and development
performance management
compensation and benefits
annual salary reviews and industry benchmarking
management of out sourced payroll

You need to be comfortable with overall HR management of the ANZ business unit - requiring solid judgement and quick decision making in a changing environment.

Understanding of HR systems and a background in the IT sector would be highly advantageous. This is a hands on role for an experienced HR practitioner who will be judged on their willingness to take on a larger variety of projects and contribute to people and company performance.

If you are interested in the position of
Human Resources Manager - please contact us

Senior Accountant

Chartered Accounting Practice
Hills District location
$80k + super + benefits

Our client is a well established, successful Chartered Accounting Practice located in the Hills District.

Reporting to the Managing Partner, the work is predominately Business Services as well as some taxation for SMEs, individuals and superannuation funds.

Additionally you will be responsible for supervising 1-2 junior accounting staff and must demonstrate previous supervisory experience. A strong working knowledge of MYOB /Handisoft and Excel is essential. Ideally you will come from an existing accounting practice and be a qualified CA, CPA or NIA Accountant.

The role requires extensive dealings with clients, hence outstanding written and verbal communication skills are critical for your success in this role. This is a long term career opportunity with equity being available for the right individual after a qualifying period.

If you are interested in the position of
Senior Accountant - please contact us

Senior Financial Accountant

Global IT Giant
Located in North Ryde
$100K + benefits

Large US headquartered multi-national IT company in growth phase requires accounting executive to report to the Financial Controller. Vibrant company culture focused on promotion and encouraging diversity of skills. Opportunities to grow across the organisation.

The role includes responsibility for all monthly and annual accounts as well as leading a small team of qualified staff. Knowledge of US GAAP and SOX an advantage. You must be CPA or CA qualified.

If you are interested in the position of
Senior Financial Accountant - please contact us

Remember to look out for our latest job offerings at anytime on our website or contact us on 02 9955 0559

Upcoming Events AT Cameron Recruitment

Please take a look at our event diary for 2008.

We will constantly update this calendar with new seminars and events. You can register on line to a variety of topics including:

Interview techniques to secure that next job
Improving resume preparation
Career advice for accountants
Occupational Health & Safety – National changes

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