Rates Officer

Role overview

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley is seeking a highly organised and service-oriented Rates Officer to join its Corporate Services team in Kununurra, Western Australia. Reporting to the Manager Finance, this permanent full-time position focuses on the administration, accuracy and ongoing maintenance of rating functions, while supporting compliance with applicable legislation and providing responsive service to ratepayers and other stakeholders.

This role plays an important part in managing rates, property records and debt recovery activity efficiently and accurately. It suits someone who enjoys working with data, legislation, customer enquiries and finance-related processes in a local government environment.

Organisation and location

The Shire places a strong emphasis on workplace safety, health and inclusion, and seeks team members who align with its values of Safety, Teamwork, Accountability, Communication and Respect. The role is based in Kununurra in the East Kimberley region, described as a remote part of Western Australia and a distinctive area known for its tourism appeal, natural beauty, outback lifestyle and cultural diversity.

The employer welcomes applications from people of all abilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ applicants, and candidates across all age groups.

Key responsibilities

• Keep the rating system and property records up to date, with careful attention to assessments, valuations and ownership information.
• Process property transfers and update valuations using Landgate data.
• Prepare and distribute rate notices, instalment plans, reminder notices and related correspondence.
• Handle pensioner and senior concessions, service charges and Emergency Services Levy obligations.
• Oversee overdue rates and support debt recovery actions in line with internal policies and legislation.
• Work with ratepayers, settlement agents, collection agencies, lawyers and other parties to answer enquiries and arrange payment solutions.
• Assist with annual rates modelling, budget preparation and supporting schedules for Council consideration.
• Compile and reconcile rates schedules, penalty interest summaries and required statutory reports.
• Help implement and maintain SynergySoft rating modules, electronic notices and improved business processes.
• Ensure work complies with the Local Government Act 1995, relevant procedures and other legal requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to a cooperative, customer-focused team culture.

Requirements

• A Certificate IV in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a closely related field is preferred, although equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
• A current unrestricted Class C driver’s licence is essential.
• National Police Clearance is required.
• Experience in rates administration, finance or local government operations is needed.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately under pressure are important.
• You should be able to interpret legislation, policies and procedures confidently.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills are required.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills are essential.
• You must be able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high standard of accuracy.
• Knowledge of local government rating legislation and experience using SynergySoft will be an advantage.

Salary and benefits

The salary offered is competitive and sits within the annual range of $90,000 to $109,999, depending on skills and experience.

• 6 weeks of annual leave
• 12% employer superannuation, plus a matching co-contribution of up to an additional 5% when the employee contributes an equivalent amount
• Salary packaging options for motor vehicles, rent or mortgage interest costs
• 11 public holidays and 2 extra Local Government Days each year
• Flexible working arrangements
• Corporate uniforms provided by the Shire
• Access to professional development opportunities
• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including free membership to the Kununurra Leisure Centre and Wyndham Pool, free health assessments, mental health programs and Employee Assistance Provider services

Eligibility and application information

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Australia and will need to provide documentary proof. Acceptable evidence includes an Australian passport, New Zealand passport, birth certificate, or a foreign passport with the relevant visa.

A National Police Clearance must be supplied before the interview stage.

The closing time for applications is 9:00 AM AWST on 26 July 2026.

Additional note: where relevant, benefits will be applied on a pro-rata basis for casual, part-time and maximum-term roles.

Attachment

A position description is available as an attached PDF.