Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland – Townsville QLD
Rural Financial Counselling Service North Qld and Farm Business Planning North Qld (RFCSNQ and FBPNQ) deliver the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments' Rural Financial Counselling Service program, Small Business Financial Counselling Service Program, the Business Wellness Coaching Program, the Farm Business Resilience Program and the Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer program.
RFCSNQ and FBPNQ are businesses falling under the governance of the Central Western Qld Remote Area Planning and Development Board, or RAPAD, as it is more commonly known ( Read more about RFCSNQ and FBPNQ at and RAPAD is a leader in regional and economic development, advocacy, and a proud and effective delivery agency of many government programs.
We are recruiting for 1 Small Business Financial Counsellor (SBFC) to service the North and Far North Flood event region and preference is that this position, is to be located in the southern sector of this region.
The Role
Small Business Financial Counsellors assist and support a client to:
* understand the financial position and viability of the business enterprise
* identify options to improve their financial position
* develop a plan to implement the options chosen by the client and provide advice to implement that plan
* assist in negotiations with lending institutions in relation to loan terms and financial obligations with those institutions
Small Business Financial Counsellors also:
* provide information on, refer clients to, and assist clients access programs provided by government or industry
* assist clients to identify the need for advice from, and to prepare for meetings with, professional service providers
* provide information to assist clients make decisions relating to their business enterprises
* provide advice on generic financial products in accordance with ASIC requirements
Small Business Financial Counsellors DO NOT :
* provide counselling or other services to individuals who are not eligible clients
* charge any form of payment for providing counselling—this includes receiving in‑kind payments, or charging for any expenses associated with delivery of services
* complete any sections of client documentation (i.e. succession plans, application forms etc) where legal, financial, accounting or taxation advice is required
* provide advice on accounting, taxation or legal aspects of a client's enterprise
* provide advice on debt agreement administration under the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth)
* provide family, social or emotional counselling
* provide technical advice for clients' enterprises
* provide advice on specific (branded) products
* provide advice on insurance products, investment products, investment strategies and plans
* representing clients at Administrative Appeals Tribunals, or other legal processes such as a court of law
* Act as a small business operator's advocate or representative in dealings with government agencies
* Use unrealistic value or assets, productions, or prices in a financial analysis or application for assistance
The client makes the decisions: it is up to the client to choose which option is right for them. The Small Business Financial Counsellor will help clients develop some options and will provide support with their decision‑making using a case management approach.
Preference will be given to applicants with proven qualifications and/or skills and experience in financial counselling (small business), business, or related finance or accounting areas. A successful applicant who does not possess a diploma of financial counselling (as set by the employer), irrespective of other tertiary qualifications shall be expected to enroll and complete the diploma expeditiously throughout the term of employment. The employer will pay for the cost of the diploma.
Duty statement
1. Assist SME operators' requesting financial counselling with a financial analysis consisting of annual, or year in year out cash flow budget, statement of assets and liabilities, cash flow analysis and options for business improvement;
2. When appropriate, assist operators to negotiate arrangements with their financial institutions;
3. Encourage operators to seek professional advice to develop longer term strategies and plans to improve preparedness;
4. Refer operators to a network of professional service providers for advice with legal, accounting and financial planning and investment matters and social and welfare matters;
5. Provide Progress Reports on the number of small businesses referred for assistance, activities, outputs and the outcomes they have been helped to achieve;
6. Provide mentoring to individual and client groups regarding business improvement and resilience opportunities.
Selection criteria
1. Demonstrated ability to prepare detailed financial analyses for clients, to develop and present a range of financial and business options for business improvement or adjustment.
2. Ability and preparedness to provide case management support to clients to develop their capacity to take control over the financial affairs of their enterprise and help them adapt and change.
3. Demonstrated high level of oral communication, interpersonal, mediation and networking skills, including the ability to communicate with diverse cultural groups.
4. Demonstrated ability to self‑motivate and to plan, manage and report on work, and to prioritise and meet competing deadlines while working as part of a dispersed team.
5. Demonstrated understanding of small business issues, including financial management, negotiation with creditors, and other business management issues.
6. Demonstrated and proficient computer skills, including skills with Microsoft excel, a client management system, word‑processing software, financial analysis spreadsheets, data entry and email.
7. Demonstrated awareness and understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) issues relating to employment as a Small Business Financial Counsellor.
Please note, for the applicant to be successful they must reside within or be willing to move at their own cost to a location within the North and Far North Flood event region of Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Tablelands, Townsville and Yarrabah.
This role is not suitable for FIFO. The role will be home based.
Benefits
* Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, five weeks' annual leave, and flexible working arrangements.
* Collaborative work environment with a supportive, experienced team.
* Company car, laptop, and mobile phone provided for work purposes.
* Portable Long Service Leave and Salary Sacrificing options available.
* Opportunity to make a significant impact on the resilience and sustainability of small businesses.
Police Checks
Successful applicants may be required to undergo a police check. The fitness of applicants to perform the role of a Small Business Financial Counsellor may depend on the results of a criminal history check performed by the relevant police authority.
How to Apply
Submit a CV detailing qualifications and relevant work experience (maximum three pages). Include contact information for two professional referees. Provide written responses to all selection criteria (maximum three pages in total). If selected for interview, applicants may be asked to demonstrate competencies in financial analysis. If applying direct (not via SEEK) applicants are to send only one (1) copy of their application to **************@rfcsnq.com.au AND cc ***@rfcsnq.com.au, noting in the subject header – Small Business Financial Counsellor Application – North and Far North Flood event.
Closing Date
19 December 2025 although the employer retains the right to close applications earlier.
Contact
David Arnold on *** or ***@rfcsnq.com.au OR Peter David (SBFC Lead) on ***.
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