The Rates and Finance Officer is responsible for the accurate and compliant administration of the Shire's rating functions in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995 and associated legislation, together with providing financial and administrative support to Corporate Services to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
1. KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS 1.1. Rates
Interpret, apply and advise legislative requirements relating to rates and service charges, including Local Government Act 1995, State Agreements and Regulations.
Maintain the Shire's rating database, ensuring accuracy and integrity of records, including:
* Processing change of address notifications and other addressing changes such as rural and street number allocations.
* Establishing and monitoring payment arrangements.
* Processing changes of ownership.
Process pensioner rebate applications, claims and rejections, in accordance with legislative requirements.
Prepare and process rate journals including but not limited to refund of overpaid rates.
Respond promptly and professionally to ratepayers enquiries – either written, verbal or in person.
Respond to settlement agents enquiries, including verification of building and planning applications and ensure outstanding rates are recovered at settlement.
Perform monthly reconciliation of the rates database, including rates, valuation register and pensioner rebates.
Perform end of year rating processes, including reconciliations, upload of Landgate valuation rolls ensuring completion within required timeframes.
Provide accurate and timely rating information and reports from the rating database to internal staff as required.
Process rate modelling for budgeting purposes.
Issue rates notices, instalment notices and final notices in accordance with legislation and Council policy.
Report building completion (BA7) of GRV areas to the Valuer Generals Office and supply plans as required.
Process subdivisions, amalgamations and interim rates.
Monitor and recover outstanding rates debtors in accordance with Council Policy.
Generate and submit compliance reports to government agencies including swimming pool inspections, DFES ESL reports and Concession Rebate data, within deadlines.
1.2. Finance / Administration
Process direct deposited receipts and trade payable payments accurately and in a timely manner.
Prepare timely and accurate bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies as required.
Maintain the swimming pool register and coordinate inspection requirements.
Provide support across other finance function as required.
Provide excellent external customer service in accordance with the Shire's Customer Service Charter.
Provide reception and customer service duties, when required (including but not limited to payment processing, animal registrations, rates enquiries and library services, Department of Transport transactions).
Create and maintain accurate and complete records of business activities, in accordance with the Shire's Recordkeeping Plan.
1.3. General
Understand the implications of the Shire's Code of Conduct and comply with all requirements regarding standards of professional and personal behaviour including demonstrating the Shire's corporate values.
Maintain the customer service standards we expect in accordance with the Shire's Customer Service Charter.
Support the principles of equity and diversity within the workplace to be respectful and inclusive.
Adhere to Council policies, procedures, guidelines and standards.
Be open and accountable in participating in all performance management processes.
Participate in learning and development opportunities as agreed.
Undertake any other duties, as reasonably assigned by the Chief Executive Officer or Manager Corporate Services, within known competencies or with adequate instruction / training.
1.4. Work Health and Safety
Worker
* Work with care for their own safety and health and that of others.
* Participate in developing safe work procedures and follow them.
* Participate in training.
* Use equipment properly and report any faults/damage.
* Report hazard and incidents to their Supervisor/Manager.
* Participate in your return-to-work plans.
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