Finance Officer

Finance Officer (Rates and Accounts Receivable) – Walgett Shire Council. Full-time role based in Walgett, New South Wales.

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.

This role is integral to maintaining high-quality financial controls and delivering efficient and professional services to internal and external stakeholders. The primary focus is administering rates and accounts receivable functions, including debt recovery, water billing, and statutory compliance.

• Provides essential support to the Rates Coordinator.
• Supports the broader finance team, including performing the duties of the Finance Officer (Accounts Payable) during periods of leave or absence.
• Engages with other departments such as IT and Customer Service to streamline the management of rates, enhance customer service delivery, and contribute to the development of policies related to rates and debt recovery.

• Demonstrated experience in financial administration, including rates and accounts receivable.
• Demonstrated experience in reconciliation processes and preparing financial reports.
• Ability to maintain accurate financial records in compliance with audit and statutory requirements.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality customer service.
• High level of literacy, numeracy, and data entry accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to identify risks related to the rates and accounts receivable functions, address errors, develop controls to mitigate these risks, and ensure adherence to fraud prevention measures within the department.

• Attractive salary with remuneration between $1,218.03 - $1,487.80 per week plus superannuation.
• Generous benefits, including 5 weeks of annual leave, long service leave after 5 years, flex leave arrangements, and more.
• Salary packaging options to maximise your take-home pay.
• Flex-time arrangements, promoting a healthy work/life balance.
• Professional development opportunities and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Exceptional working conditions in a family-friendly and supportive environment.

To apply, follow the instructions on the council's website, complete the selection criteria, and attach your resume and cover letter. Applications not conforming to these requirements will not be considered. For more information, contact the Council's People and Culture Team via email at peopleandculture@walgett.nsw.gov.au.

Closing Date for Applications: 9:00am on Monday 21 September 2025.

Walgett Shire Council is 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.

For more information about the role or to discuss duties, contact the Chief Finance Officer, Alistair Cochrane, on 02 6828 6100 during business hours.