Rates and Property Officer The Opportunity To accurately and efficiently maintain Council’s property and rating system and to assist with the issue of rate notices and timely collection of outstanding rates related debts, whilst providing high level customer service to all customers. About Us Banana Shire is situated in Central Queensland, Australia located 120 km west of the growing industrial city and port of Gladstone - and an easy drive to the city of Rockhampton. Our population is approximately 15,000 people spread over 28,577 square kilometres. Major industries in the area include Coal Mining, Power Generation, Beef Production, dryland cropping and irrigation such as Lucerne and Cotton. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Respond to enquiries from internal and external customers promptly and professionally Maintain Council's rating, water billing and property records, to ensure accuracy of information Process rate searches and special water meter reading requests from legal practitioners Process applications for pensioner rebates subsidy eligibility claims Conduct rate searches and telephone searches Prepare and monitor payment commitments Assist with debt recovery, by assisting customers to set up payment commitments Prepare correspondence in relation to all property maintenance as required Process property record changes and adjustments in accordance with QVAS reports Reconcile land valuation data Liaise with Council’s Debt Collection Agency on accounts that have been referred for further recovery Work within the team in the calculation, identification and processing of supplementary rate levies as and when required Assist with the maintenance of rate charge controls and parameters prior to rates and water levies Assist the Rates Coordinator with the preparation, issue and collection of each Half-yearly Rates Levy Assist the Rates Coordinator with Sale of Land processes in accordance with legislation Contribute to the promotion of the image of the Council and the maximisation of good public relations Liaise with clients, other Council staff, the public, consultants, utility and government authorities in the performance of duties including providing and obtaining information Undertake routine administrative tasks as required by the position e.g. timesheets Assist senior staff to continuously improve work processes and develop new practices as required Participate in training, exercises and response to disaster management and recovery as required Undertake other relevant duties as directed, consistent with skills, competence and training. QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND LICENCE REQUIREMENTS Compulsory Certificate III in Business Administration and/or relevant equivalent experience Queensland class ‘C’ driver’s licence (minimum requirement – provisional licence). ABILITIES, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED Compulsory Proven experience in a high level administrative and/or customer service position including the ability to respond to customer requests efficiently Sound negotiation and conflict resolution skills and the ability to work under pressure when dealing with difficult customers in stressful situations High level of skill in keyboard, data entry and the MS Office suite of programs Proven high level attention to detail Proven ability to work effectively within a busy team; establish work priorities and manage changes to work schedules; meet deadlines; exercise sound judgement and initiative; and maintain confidentiality Well-developed oral and written communication skills Sound knowledge of and commitment to EEO and WHS principles and practices. How to Apply Information on how to apply is in our application package, which can be obtained from our website www.banana.qld.gov.au or by calling 07 4992 9500 .