• Play a pivotal role in ensuring financial stability.
• Elevate your career within a highly regarded organisation.
• Attractive salary of up to $111,353.00 plus 11.5% superannuation.
• Generous benefits, including 5 weeks of annual leave, long service leave after 5 years, flex leave arrangements, and more!

About us:

Walgett Shire Council proudly serves a diverse and unique region in the heart of outback New South Wales. Covering over 22,000 square kilometres, the Shire includes the towns of Walgett, Lightning Ridge, and Collarenebri, along with the villages of Carinda, Cumborah, Rowena, and Burren Junction, as well as expansive rural areas. With a population of approximately 7,000, the Shire supports key industries such as agriculture, grazing, grain handling, opal mining, and tourism.

Nestled at the junction of the Namoi and Barwon Rivers, Walgett is rich in history and natural beauty. Once a bustling paddle-steamer port, it is now the northern gateway to the iconic Darling River Run, offering breathtaking landscapes and a deep connection to Australia’s heritage.

Just an hour north, Lightning Ridge is famed for its vibrant opal mining culture and distinctive outback charm. Whether it’s fossicking for opals, exploring underground art galleries, soaking in naturally heated artesian springs, or enjoying the tranquillity of river fishing, the region offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Life in Walgett Shire offers the best of outback living—open skies, a strong sense of community, and endless opportunities to explore.

About the role:

The Rates Specialist is a key role within Council’s Finance team, responsible for the effective coordination and administration of Council’s rates and revenue functions. This includes preparing and issuing rate notices, managing arrears and debt recovery processes, maintaining the property and valuation database, and ensuring statutory compliance with relevant legislation.

The position plays a critical role in revenue forecasting, financial reporting, and supporting Council’s financial sustainability. It also involves leading and mentoring a Finance Officer (Rates and Accounts Receivable), as well as working closely with internal stakeholders and customer service staff to resolve enquiries and improve processes.

The role requires a high degree of accuracy, accountability, and professional judgement, with a focus on improving systems, streamlining operations, and delivering responsive and reliable service to the community.

About you:

• Demonstrated experience in rates administration, revenue management, or financial operations within a local government or similar environment.
• Proven ability to prepare and reconcile complex financial data and reports.
• Strong understanding of rating legislation and debt recovery processes.
• Experience maintaining property and valuation databases, including change of ownership and exemption updates.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and engage with external stakeholders.
• High-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using financial and property systems (e.g. Authority).
• Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and contribute to a positive team culture.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage deadlines, prioritise tasks, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

At Walgett Shire Council, we understand that not every candidate will meet every criterion, and that is perfectly fine—your passion and potential matter most to us.

For further information or discussion about the position, contact our Chief Finance Officer, Ernest Mhande on 02 6828 6100 during business hours.

What we offer:

• A highly competitive total salary of up to $111,353.00 per year.
• 11.5% Superannuation
• Relocation assistance to support your transition to the region.
• Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
• Generous benefits, including 5 weeks of annual leave and long service leave after 5 years.
• Flex-time arrangements, promoting a healthy work/life balance.
• Professional development opportunities to support your growth and success.
• Employee Assistance Program available to support you and your family through all life’s challenges.
• Exceptional working conditions within a family-friendly and supportive environment.

How to apply:

To apply, follow the instructions below, where you will be diverted to our website and requested to complete the selection criteria and attach your resume and cover letter. All correspondence regarding your application status and interview will be forwarded via email.

1. Complete the information below as requested
2. Click ‘NEXT’
3. Attach your resume and cover letter
4. Click ‘NEXT’ and ‘CONFIRM’

A failure to answer selection criteria and to attach your resume will result in your application being rejected.

Further information regarding the online application process may be obtained by contacting Council’s People and Culture Team via email [email protected]

Please Note: All correspondence regarding your application status and interview will be sent to you via email.

Closing date for applications:

Applications close at 9:00am on Monday 5 May 2025.

Council reserves the right to close, withdraw or extend vacancies without prior notice.

Walgett Shire Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage applications from people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse persons, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.