Bonita Yamashita
Thursday Island
Summary
Accomplished Finance Officer at Torres Strait Regional Authority with expertise in bank reconciliation and staff management. Successfully streamlined financial operations, enhancing compliance and efficiency. Demonstrated strong planning and coordination skills, proactive and adaptable, committed to continuous improvement and delivering exceptional results.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Finance Officer
Torres Strait Regional Authority
05.2025 - Current
- Assisted in preparing financial reports and reconciliations to support management decision-making.
- Processed invoices and payments, ensuring adherence to compliance standards and timelines.
- Conducted data entry into financial systems, maintaining accuracy and confidentiality of information.
- Prepared monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and took corrective actions on deviations.
- Assisted with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new department employees.
- Complied with established internal controls and policies.
- Developed strategic plans for day-to-day financial operations.
- Checked payroll, vendor payments, commissions and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
Project Officer BD & S
Torres Strait Regional Authority
02.2012 - 05.2013
- Coordinated project activities, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and community needs.
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement sessions to gather insights and feedback on project initiatives.
- Assisted in developing project plans, timelines, and budgets for various programs.
- Monitored project progress, identifying risks and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
- Prepared reports summarizing project outcomes and recommendations for future improvements.
- Kept senior management well-informed by preparing and presenting project status reports.
- Gathered and organized supporting materials for meetings and project updates.
- Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
Finance Officer
Torres Strait Regional Authority
07.1994 - 12.2012
- Processed invoices and payments, ensuring adherence to compliance standards and timelines.
- Supported development of financial forecasts by analyzing historical data trends and patterns.
- Established strong relationships with key vendors, negotiating favorable terms to benefit the organization''s bottom line.
- Developed strategic plans for day-to-day financial operations.
- Complied with established internal controls and policies.
- Performed banking, business administration and financial tasks to guarantee five-star service for clients.
Administrative Support Officer
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission
03.1991 - 06.1994
- Managed administrative tasks to support organizational operations and enhance service delivery.
- Developed and implemented efficient filing systems for improved document retrieval and management.
- Coordinated logistics for meetings, ensuring timely communication with stakeholders and resource allocation.
- Streamlined office procedures to optimize workflow and increase productivity across departments.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly while adhering strictly to company policies regarding confidentiality or legal compliance requirements.
- Reduced workload for senior staff by handling routine tasks such as correspondence, scheduling, and document preparation.
Acting Administrative Support Officer
Department of Aboriginal Affairs
03.1990 - 05.1990
- Managed administrative tasks to support organizational operations and enhance service delivery.
- Developed and implemented efficient filing systems for improved document retrieval and management.
- Coordinated logistics for meetings, ensuring timely communication with stakeholders and resource allocation.
- Streamlined office procedures to optimize workflow and increase productivity across departments.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly while adhering strictly to company policies regarding confidentiality or legal compliance requirements.
- Reduced workload for senior staff by handling routine tasks such as correspondence, scheduling, and document preparation.
Account Clerk
Island Co-Ordinating Council
09.1989 - 11.1989
- Managed accounts payable and receivable processes to ensure timely transactions.
- Reconciled financial discrepancies by analyzing records and resolving issues.
- Processed invoices and payments efficiently, maintaining accurate financial documentation.
- Assisted in monthly closing procedures, ensuring compliance with accounting standards.
- Created and distributed invoices and processed incoming payments to keep records accurate and current.
- Provided back-up support for payroll processing, ensuring timely disbursement of employee wages while maintaining compliance with tax regulations.
Teachers Aide
Department of Education
10.1988 - 03.1989
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback and encouragement to facilitate academic growth.
- Organized classroom materials and resources, ensuring accessibility for both students and teachers.
- Supported teachers in creating differentiated instruction materials, catering to diverse learning needs.
Shop Assistant
See Hop and Company
12.1984 - 09.1988
- Assisted customers with product selection and inquiries to enhance shopping experience.
- Maintained organized stock levels and ensured merchandise displays remained appealing.
- Processed transactions accurately and efficiently at point-of-sale systems.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize store operations and drive sales initiatives.
- Completed daily tasks accurately and on-time to support shop needs.
- Maintained a clean and organized shop floor, optimizing space for ease of customer navigation.
- Swept and mopped floor, wiped windows and fixtures after closing to support cleanliness and maintain organized store.
- Provided excellent customer service, promptly addressing inquiries and resolving issues.
- Checked incoming orders and organized new stock.
- Contributed to team success by supporting colleagues during peak periods or staff shortages.
- Assisted customers in locating items, ensuring a positive shopping experience.
- Assisted customers in finding items and explained benefits and services to increase sales and satisfaction.
- Reduced wait times by efficiently processing transactions at the cash register.
- Maintained cleanliness and order in all areas of store, creating welcoming environment for shoppers.
Education
Trinity Bay High School
Cairns, QLD11-1984
Thursday Island High School
Thursday Island, QLD12-1983
Thursday Island Primary School
Thursday Island, QLD12-1978
Skills
- Bank reconciliation
- Accounts payable
- Accounts receivable
- Account reconciliation
- Customer service
- Staff management
- Willing to learn
- Planning and coordination
Certification
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
Timeline
Finance Officer
Torres Strait Regional Authority
05.2025 - Current
Project Officer BD & S
Torres Strait Regional Authority
02.2012 - 05.2013
Finance Officer
Torres Strait Regional Authority
07.1994 - 12.2012
Administrative Support Officer
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission
03.1991 - 06.1994
Acting Administrative Support Officer
Department of Aboriginal Affairs
03.1990 - 05.1990
Account Clerk
Island Co-Ordinating Council
09.1989 - 11.1989
Teachers Aide
Department of Education
10.1988 - 03.1989
Shop Assistant
See Hop and Company
12.1984 - 09.1988
Trinity Bay High School
Thursday Island High School
Thursday Island Primary School