Role

We are seeking a Rural Financial Counsellor based in Central Western Qld.

About the Organisation

Rural Financial Counselling Service North Qld and Farm Business Planning North Qld (RFCSNQ and FBPNQ) deliver the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments' Rural Financial Counselling Service program, Small Business Financial Counselling Service Program, the Business and Rural Wellness Coaching Program, the Farm Business Resilience Program and the Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer program.

RFCSNQ and FBPNQ are registered businesses falling under the governance of the Central Western Qld Remote Area Planning and Development Board, or RAPAD, as it is more commonly known (www.rapad.com.au).

Read more about RFCSNQ and FBPNQ at www.rfcsnq.com.au and www.fbpnq.com.au . RAPAD is a leader in regional and economic development, advocacy, and a proud and effective delivery agency of many government programs.

We are recruiting for a Rural Financial Counsellor (RFC). This role is funded by the Qld Reconstruction Authority, Qld Department of Primary Industries via the Federal Governments Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The Role

Rural Financial Counsellors assist and support a client to:

· understand the financial position and viability of the business enterprise,

· identify options to improve their financial position,

· develop a plan to implement the options chosen by the client and provide advice to implement that plan,

· assist in negotiations with lending institutions in relation to:

- loan applications and contracts with those institutions,

- processes relating to farm debt mediation,

Rural Financial Counsellors also:

· provide information on, refer clients to, and assist clients access programs provided by government or industry,

· assist clients identify the need for advice from, and to prepare for meetings with, professional service providers,

· provide information to assist clients make decisions relating to their business enterprises,

· provide advice on generic financial products in accordance with ASIC requirements.

Rural Financial Counsellors DO NOT:

· provide advice on estate or succession planning,

· complete the sections of succession plans where legal, financial, accounting or taxation advice is required,

· provide financial advice, or advice/assistance on financial, accounting, taxation or legal aspects of a client's enterprise,

· provide debt agreement administration under the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cwlth)

· provide family, social or emotional counselling,

· recommend particular or best options or influence clients' decisions on using particular financial products,

· provide technical or agronomic advice for clients' enterprises.

The client makes the decisions: it is up to the client to choose which option is right for them. The rural financial counsellor will help clients develop some options and will provide support with their decision-making using an action planning approach.

Preference will be given to applicants with proven qualifications and/or skills and experience in financial counselling (rural), business, or related agricultural, finance or accounting areas.

Duty statement

1. Analyse clients' farming or business activities and financial circumstances and provide objective information to help them identify their financial and business options for business improvement or adjustment.

2. Provide case management support to clients where appropriate, with the aim of assisting the clients to achieve self-reliance and being better equipped to manage future change.

3. Assist clients in negotiations with lenders and financial institutions in the presence of the client or with the written authority of the client.

4. Provide information on government and other assistance schemes (including industry and community-based programs) to facilitate clients' participation in such programs.

5. Provide referrals to appropriate professionals, such as accountants, lawyers, social counsellors, agricultural advisers and educational services, and to Centrelink and other relevant government agencies.

6. Maintain client records and electronic data using a client management system.

Selection criteria

1. Demonstrated ability to prepare detailed financial analyses for clients, to develop and present a range of financial and business options for business improvement or adjustment.

2. Ability and preparedness to provide case management support to clients to develop their capacity to take control over the financial affairs of their enterprise and help them adapt and change.

3. Demonstrated high level of oral communication, interpersonal, mediation and networking skills, including the ability to communicate with diverse cultural groups.

4. Demonstrated ability to self-motivate and to plan, manage and report on work, and to prioritise and meet competing deadlines while working as part of a dispersed team.

5. Demonstrated understanding of rural issues, including production analysis, farm enterprise risk analysis and options, and business management issues.

6. Demonstrated and proficient computer skills, including skills with Microsoft excel, a client management system, word-processing software, financial analysis spreadsheets, data entry and email.

7. Demonstrated awareness and understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) issues relating to employment as a rural financial counsellor.

Please note, for the applicant to be successful they must reside within or be willing to move at their own cost to the CWQ region. This role is not suitable for FIFO. The role may be home based.

Australian work rights are required for this position.

Minimum qualifications

· Tertiary qualifications in agri-business, accounting, finance or economics or other related discipline or significant professional experience building financial capacity within the agricultural sector is highly desirable.

· Diploma in Community Services (Financial Counselling) qualifications will be considered favourably, coupled with a passion for supporting sustainable and resilient farming enterprises. Applicants who do not have the diploma must be prepared to begin the diploma within three months of appointment and complete it within this period of employment. Applicants who have other relevant post-secondary qualifications may be able to access recognition of prior learning. Applicants with significant relevant work experience may be able to undertake recognition of current competencies.

· Current unrestricted driver's licence.

Benefits

· Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, five weeks' annual leave, and flexible working arrangements.

· Collaborative work environment with a supportive, experienced team.

· Company car, laptop, and mobile phone provided for work purposes.

· Portable Long Service Leave and Salary Sacrificing options available.

· Opportunity to make a significant impact on the resilience and sustainability of agricultural businesses.

Police Checks

Successful applicants may be required to undergo a police check. The fitness of applicants to perform the role of a Rural Financial Counsellor may depend on the results of a criminal history check performed by the relevant police authority.

How to Apply

Submit a CV detailing qualifications and relevant work experience (maximum three pages).

Include contact information for two professional referees.

Provide written responses to all selection criteria (maximum three pages in total).

If selected for interview, applicants may be asked to demonstrate competencies in financial analysis.

If not applying direct via this SEEK process, applicants can send only one (1) copy of their application to:

[email protected], AND

[email protected] , noting in the subject header – Rural Financial Counsellor Application.

Closing Date: 7 November 2025

For more information, please contact:

David Arnold on 0428 583 301 or [email protected] or Lynette McGufie on 0429231793 or [email protected]