Finance Officer

• Play a pivotal role in managing revenue streams and ensuring financial stability.
• Elevate your career through gaining local government experience.
• Remuneration package which ranges between $1, $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

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.

Life in Walgett Shire offers the best of outback living—open skies, a strong sense of community, and endless opportunities to explore. For more information about Walgett and the Lightning Ridge area, please click here.

About the role:

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

The Finance Officer (Rates and Accounts Receivable):

• 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; and
• 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.

About you:

• 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

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, Alistair Cochrane on during business hours.

What we offer:

• Attractive salary
• 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
• The benefits of regional living in a welcoming and fascinating location

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. Applications that do not conform with these requirements will not be considered.

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 21 September 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.