[Hiring] Rates Officer @Shire of Wyndham

Role Description

We are looking for an organised and customer-focused Rates Officer to join our Corporate Services Team in Kununurra. Reporting to the Manager Finance, this position is responsible for the administration and maintenance of the Shire’s rating functions, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and delivering a high level of service to ratepayers and stakeholders. Working closely with internal and external customers, the role supports the accurate and efficient management of rates, property records and debt recovery activities. Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining the Shire’s rating database and ensuring the accuracy of property, valuation and assessment records;
• Processing land ownership transfers and applying valuation updates in accordance with Landgate information;
• Generating and issuing rate notices, instalment schedules, reminders and other correspondence to ratepayers;
• Administering pensioner and senior concessions, service charges and Emergency Services Levy (ESL) requirements;
• Managing overdue rates and debt recovery processes in accordance with Shire policies and legislative requirements;
• Liaising with ratepayers, settlement agents, collection agencies, legal representatives and other stakeholders to resolve enquiries and negotiate payment arrangements;
• Assisting with annual rates modelling, budget preparation and the development of schedules and supporting documentation for Council adoption;
• Preparing and reconciling rates schedules, penalty interest summaries and statutory reporting requirements;
• Supporting the implementation and maintenance of SynergySoft rating modules, electronic rates notices and process improvements;
• Ensuring compliance with the Local Government Act 1995 and other relevant legislation, policies and procedures;
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to a positive, collaborative and customer-focused workplace.

Qualifications

• A Certificate IV in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related discipline, or equivalent experience, would be highly regarded.
• A current unrestricted “C” Class Driver’s Licence and National Police Clearance are essential for this role.

Requirements

• Experience in rates administration, finance or local government operations;
• Strong attention to detail;
• The ability to interpret legislation and policies;
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent customer service and communication skills;
• The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of accuracy;
• Experience with SynergySoft and knowledge of local government rating legislation will be highly regarded.

Benefits

• 6 weeks annual leave;
• 12% employer superannuation, with the Shire offering to match up to an additional 5% in co-contributions when the employee contributes an equivalent amount;
• Salary packaging opportunities for motor vehicles, rent or mortgage interest expenses;
• 11 public holidays with 2 additional 'Local Government Days' per year;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Shire provided corporate uniforms;
• Opportunities for professional development;
• A variety of health and wellbeing programs including free membership to the Kununurra Leisure Centre and Wyndham Pool, free health assessments, mental health programs and Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) services.