Rates & Revenue Officer
Tablelands Regional Council
About the position
- Issue rate notices and correspondence in line with TRC policies and the Local Government Act 2009 and Regulation.
- Maintain accurate property and customer records and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.
- Manage land title transfers and changes of ownership within council systems.
- Prepare rate search applications and liaise with solicitors and conveyancers to ensure legal compliance prior to settlement.
- Address difficult, distressed, or highly sensitive customer enquiries with professionalism, empathy, and discretion, ensuring all interactions align with organisational values and customer service standards
- Process rates, charges, adjustments, refunds, and journal entries accurately and on time.
- Coordinate monthly and annual land valuation updates in line with State Valuation Service records.
- Manage rates arrears (3+ years), working with the Debt Recovery Team and progressing to ‘Sale of Land’ actions as required.
- Process supplementary rates and monitor changes in property data throughout the year.
- Negotiate and manage payment arrangements, including special agreements, ensuring compliance.
- Investigate and resolve water billing discrepancies, process water meter readings in coordination with the Water Team.
- Communicate updates and changes to relevant departments (e.g. Planning, GIS, Water).
- Deliver timely, empathetic, and effective customer service to over 13,000 ratepayers.
- Support data reviews, audits, and testing for system upgrades and projects.
- Other duties as reasonably expected.
Who we are looking for
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Proven experience in administering property rates, land title changes, and related functions within a local government or similar setting.
- Sound understanding of the Local Government Act 2009, Local Government Regulation 2012, and applicable rating and financial standards.
- Highly developed verbal and written communication skills, with proven ability to manage difficult customer interactions, de-escalate conflict, and provide empathetic support in sensitive or emotionally charged situations
- Demonstrated accuracy in managing property records, billing processes, and land valuation updates.
- Ability to identify issues, investigate discrepancies, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Skilled in using business systems for rating, property, and finance tasks, including data maintenance and participation in system testing.
How to apply
1. Visit the Tablelands Regional Council 'Work with Us' page. 2. Download the Position Description. 3. Complete the ‘Personal Detail’ & 'Question' sections. 4. Attach your current resume and cover letter.