As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley values inclusivity and promotes a workplace that actively seeks to welcome contributions from all people. We encourage people of all abilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, diverse cultures and backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and all age groups to apply.

The Organisation
The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley (SWEK) believes that providing a safe and healthy workplace for our employees is extremely important. We are committed to employing people who share the SWEK Values of Safety, Teamwork, Accountability, Communication, and Respect; these Values are incorporated into all aspects of employment at SWEK.

The East Kimberley
The East Kimberley is a stunning and sparsely populated area in the northeast corner of Western Australia and is known as one of the world's last wilderness frontiers. As a global tourism attraction, it is also known for its pristine kaleidoscope of colour, outback adventures, world-class fishing, excellent caravan parks, luxury accommodation options, great food, and friendly locals. It is an amazing and very unique part of Australia. The East Kimberley is diverse in many ways, with a unique mix of cultures, lifestyles, and abundant opportunities.

The Opportunity
We are looking for a motivated Rates Officer to join our Corporate Services Team in Kununurra and surrounds to assist in ensuring efficient and effective rating and property management processes and relevant statutory obligations are met by the Shire. The role will also assist to contribute to the development, implementation and achievement of the Department’s Business Plan including supporting Manager Finance and Director Corporate Services in the preparation of information for the annual statutory financial statements, monthly Council Reports and other management reports as required. Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintain the rating database (SynergySoft) and accurate assessment details
• Process land transactions including ownership transfers with settlement agent
• Apply land use and valuation codes in accordance with Landgate updates and maintain rate record
• Process requests for new/changes to existing bins and amendments to rates bills
• Ensure compliance with legislation, including application of pensioner/senior rebates and deferments and maintenance of rating records
• Manage overdue rates and legal recovery and liaise with debtors, collection agents, legal representatives and landowners
• Maintain professional communication with ratepayers and negotiate payment arrangements
• Undertake rates modelling and scenario testing for annual budget planning and apply differential rates, minimum payments and interest based on the adopted strategy
• Import of interim and general valuations and generation of instalment schedules and penalty configurations
• Finalise and issue rate notices via post and/or electronic service and assist with distribution of communications to ratepayers
• Draft and reconcile full rates schedules for Council adoption, including: Schedule of Rates and Charges, Statement of Objects and Reasons, Instalment Options and Penalty Interest Summary, ESL levy calculations, Pensioner Concessions and Service Charges Summary
• Maintain SynergySoft rating modules and assist with configuration changes including other software updates
• Lead implementation of electronic rates delivery and eNotices service and identify process improvement

Relevant qualifications in Local Government, Business, or Finance (Diploma level or higher) or equivalent industry experience, current National Police Clearance (within the last 6 months), and current unrestricted WA C Class Driver’s Licence are essential for this role.

You will also need:

• Substantial experience in managing rating functions within a WA local government
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation
• Experience with SynergySoft (Rates and Property modules) or the demonstrated ability to quickly develop system proficiency
• Proven ability to conduct rates modelling and prepare rate schedules.
• Experience coordinating debt collection and legal escalation.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to communicate confidently in writing and in person
• High level of accuracy, data management, and financial reconciliation ability
• Ability to prepare reports, handle audit queries, and manage competing deadlines
• Familiarity with settlement agent practices and rating exemptions

More information about the position and the requirements are in the Position Description at the bottom of this page.

Salary and Benefits
Working for SWEK means that in addition to the competitive annual salary range indicated at the top of this page (inclusive of allowances and superannuation, dependent on skills and experience), you may also enjoy a range of benefits including:

• 6 weeks annual leave
• 12% superannuation with the option to co-contribute a further 3%
• 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

Please note that, where applicable, benefits will be applied pro-rata to casual and part-time roles.

APPLY NOW!
If you are ready to be part of our diversely talented team and to build your future with an organisation that makes an impact, improves lives and inspires others please click the ‘Apply’ button at the bottom of this page or contact Liam Moore, our Acting Manager Finance on 08 9168 4152 for a confidential discussion.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Australia and will be required to provide evidence of this entitlement — acceptable evidence includes an Australian or New Zealand passport, birth certificate, or foreign passport with a relevant visa. Applicants will also be required to provide a National Police Clearance before the interview stage of the recruitment process.