Rates And Property Officer

Randstad geelong is currently working with a colac based local gov organisation - seeking a Rates and Property Officer on a 3 months contract wit potential for extension at pay rate of $50.18/hr + super. ASAP Start.

Position Objective
The primary purpose of the role is to be responsible for the rates function within the Finance Services team. This position shall ensure the timely issue of rates levies, collection of outstanding rates assessments and the ongoing maintenance of the property database.

Key Responsibilities

Property Database

• Record and maintain accurate property data in accordance with organisation policies and accounting procedures;
• Ensure change of ownership and Property data is updated in a timely manner;
• Ensuring data is up to date and maintained in organisation's mapping system;
• Conduct monthly reconciliations to ensure the integrity of the rates system;

• Prepare biannual rate levy in consultation with senior management and ensure the preparation and timely distribution of rates notices;
• Prepare rate claims required by Government departments including pensioner subsidies, rebates and fire levies;
• Conduct rates searches as required within industry time frames;
• Perform regular and consistent follow-up of outstanding rates arrears in accordance with organisation's debt collection policies and procedures;
• Prepare reports for Senior Management on outstanding debts with recommendations for recovery or write-off;
• Prepare quarterly rates report for organisation;
• Ensure prompt preparation, distribution and follow up payment of debtor invoices.

• Create and maintain all rates codes, zone balances and system parameters in the rates module of the software system;
• Identify and resolve operational problems within the rates module in conjunction with
• organisation's Information Technology Coordinator and system technical support;
• Provide customer service and administration support to ratepayers and other external customers as well as within the Corporate Services Team;
• Handle all customer enquiries or complaints in a timely manner;
• Ensure all electronic and hard copy records are maintained and stored in a timely manner;
• Assist in other areas of the finance and administration functions of organisation where required;
• Other duties as reasonably requested within the scope of the position.

• Possess demonstrated knowledge of legislation, policies and procedures relating to Rates and revenue or the ability to rapidly acquire;
• Possess demonstrated knowledge of local government operations, structure, services, programs and policies or the ability to rapidly acquire;
• Possess excellent customer service skills with the ability to provide accurate timely advice in a helpful and supportive manner to both internal and external stakeholders;
• Possess a high level of interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to the extent required to communicate with persons with varying levels of education and understanding;
• Possess demonstrated well-developed time management skills including the ability to set project priorities and establish activity / project outcomes to achieve set and agreed departmental goals;
• Possess demonstrated well-developed analytical and problem solving skills;
• Possess a high level of confidentiality, tact and discretion when dealing with employees, clients, elected members and sensitive correspondence.
• Practical working knowledge of Windows based software and computerised financial management systems.

• Possess qualification in Accounting, Business Administration or Local Government (highly desirable).

At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.