Salary Range: $71,647 - $83,265 per annum + superannuation
Be part of a team that plays a critical role in supporting Council’s financial sustainability and delivering exceptional service to the community.
We are seeking a highly organised and customer-focused Water Rates Officer to join our Finance team. This role is responsible for the timely and accurate management of water rate accounts, ensuring quarterly water billing is completed efficiently, invoices are correctly raised and reconciled, and outstanding accounts are actively monitored and recovered. As a key link between the Water Department and Finance, you will work closely with internal teams while also providing professional and responsive support to customers.
In this varied and hands-on role, you will receive and process water meter readings, generate and reconcile water billing invoices, respond to customer enquiries, and escalate complex matters to the Water Team when required. You will also support debt recovery processes, including reminder notices, payment arrangements, and monitoring overdue accounts to help ensure full revenue is received from quarterly water billing. Strong communication skills are essential, as the role involves regular interaction with both internal stakeholders and external customers via phone, email, and written correspondence. Alongside water billing responsibilities, you will provide general ad hoc support to the Finance team, Supervisor, and Manager across a range of financial administration activities.
You’ll be joining a capable and supportive finance team that works collaboratively, shares knowledge, and looks out for each other. The team is known for delivering accurate, timely financial outcomes and is always looking for ways to improve systems and processes. It’s an environment where attention to detail is valued, and your ideas for improvement are encouraged.
Success in this position will come from your attention to detail, strong numeracy skills, ability to manage competing priorities, and commitment to delivering excellent customer service. You will be someone who can confidently investigate and resolve account discrepancies, maintain accurate records, and work collaboratively across departments to achieve positive outcomes. You will bring previous experience in accounts receivable, debtors, billing, or a similar finance-based role, along with experience raising and reconciling invoices and handling debt recovery processes. You will have sound computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, and be comfortable working with finance systems. Experience within Local Government, particularly water billing or utility services, will be highly regarded, as will experience using Civica Authority or similar financial management systems. Above all, we are looking for someone who is accurate, proactive, resilient, and customer-focused, with excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships across teams and with the community.
Please click here to view the position description.
This position is located in Coolah. Situated on the picturesque Coolaburragundy River and nestled in a valley of the Liverpool Range, the town is surrounded by undulating hills and fertile river flats and is an attractive service town for the surrounding agricultural district. Only an hour south east of Coonabarabran, close to major centres, and with the nearby Coolah Tops National Park offering rugged natural beauty and adventure, Coolah delivers the best of country living.
Selection criteria include:
- Demonstrated experience in debtors/accounts receivable or a related finance function.
- Sound knowledge of billing and debt recovery practices, preferably within local government or utility services.
- High level of accuracy, numeracy, and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to resolve disputes effectively and professionally.
- Competence in using finance systems and Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Proven ability to manage competing deadlines and work effectively under pressure.
- Commitment to providing high quality customer service.
- Current NSW Class C Driver Licence.
It is a plus if you have experience in local government water billing and debt recovery, knowledge of relevant legislation (Local Government Act, State Debt Recovery procedures) and experience using Civica Authority or similar financial management systems.
Benefits of working for Council
Council is committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff, including
- Great leave opportunities
- Long service leave after 5 years
- 1 RDO every 4 weeks
- Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
- Carer’s leave
- 3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year
- Purchase additional leave or cash out leave
- Deferred leave scheme – eg work three years at 75% of your pay and have the following year off at 75% of your pay!
- Support for training and professional development
- Formal training opportunities
- Access to thousands of free online training courses
- Weekly pay cycle
- Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
- Hybrid work and flexible hours by agreement and subject to role requirements
- Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One
- Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available
- Generous uniform allowance
About Warrumbungle Shire Council
Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran.
With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.
At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government.
Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 7 June 2026.
Interviews are expected to be held 15 June 2026. The final date will be confirmed with preferred candidates after applications have closed and shortlisting has been completed.
For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.
Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.