Rates Officer - Full Time Contract

About the Organisation

This role is offered by a progressive local council serving the greater Hobart area. The council is committed to delivering essential services and infrastructure while focusing on sustainable social, environmental, and economic outcomes. The workplace culture values teamwork, high ethical and professional standards, continuous improvement, and accountability, all aimed at serving residents and ratepayers effectively in the public sector.

Role Overview

The Rates Officer will be part of the Rates, Procurement, and Risk team, primarily responsible for the administration of council rates. Acting as a vital point of contact for ratepayers, the role contributes to maintaining a positive team environment and delivering excellent customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform general accounting functions related to rating and valuation, including preparation of correspondence, reports, journals, rate calculations, debt recovery, and legal actions as necessary.
• Serve as the first contact for council rates, addressing queries related to rating, property, valuation, and local government elections.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships to enhance customer service delivery.
• Manage and negotiate outstanding rates agreements using modern debt management approaches.
• Conduct property audits and inspections of vacant land within the municipality.
• Review and process electoral enrolment forms to assist with updating the Electoral Roll.
• Issue and approve S132 Rate Certificates and assist with new property street numbering.
• Compile building lists for submission to the Valuer-General.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Previous experience in administrative support and customer service in the property sector (rates, valuation, real estate, property management or related areas).
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer communication skills, with confidence in handling rating and property-related issues.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and property/rating-specific systems.
• Strong organizational skills capable of prioritizing tasks under pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and negotiation expertise, particularly in debt management.

Additional Information

This position is a full-time contract role based onsite in Hobart and offers an hourly rate of $46.70 plus superannuation. The contract is expected to run immediately through to 31 July 2027.