Finance Officer — Rates & Revenue

Department: Corporate Services
Reports to: Margaret Chen, Director of Corporate Services & Finance
Employment Type: Graduate Position (12-month program with permanent opportunity)
Location: Perth, Western Australia

About the Role

Metro Council WA is seeking a motivated finance graduate to join our Corporate Services team as a Finance Officer specialising in rates and revenue. This graduate position offers an excellent opportunity to develop your career in public sector finance while contributing to essential services for our community of 85,000 residents across Perth's inner and middle suburbs.

Working directly with Margaret Chen and our finance team of six professionals, you'll gain hands-on experience in local government finance, from rates modelling through to budget preparation and financial reporting. This role is perfect for someone who wants to understand how public finances work at the grassroots level while developing technical skills in a supportive environment.

As part of our ongoing digital transformation, you'll also contribute to modernising our financial processes and systems, giving you exposure to contemporary fintech solutions in the public sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Rates Administration: Process rate enquiries, manage payment arrangements, and support the annual rates modelling process for residential and commercial properties
• Revenue Management: Monitor and reconcile revenue streams including rates, fees, fines, and government grants totalling $95M annually
• Budget Support: Assist with quarterly budget reviews, annual budget preparation, and variance analysis reporting to senior management
• Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly financial reports, assist with statutory reporting requirements, and support audit processes
• System Modernisation: Contribute to our digital transformation by testing new financial systems and documenting improved processes
• Stakeholder Liaison: Work with other departments to ensure accurate financial data and respond to councillor enquiries about financial matters
• Community Service: Provide courteous assistance to ratepayers with billing enquiries and payment options

What You'll Bring

Essential Requirements: - Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field (recent graduate preferred) - Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy - Proficient in Microsoft Excel and willingness to learn specialised local government financial systems - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment - Interest in public sector finance and community service

Desirable Qualifications: - Previous experience with financial software (MYOB, SAP, or similar) - Understanding of local government operations - Currently pursuing or planning to pursue CPA/CA qualification - Experience in customer service or public-facing roles

What We Offer

• Professional Development: Comprehensive graduate program with mentoring, training opportunities, and support for professional accounting qualifications
• Competitive Package: Starting salary $65,000-$70,000 plus superannuation and annual leave loading
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working arrangements, 20 days annual leave plus purchased leave options
• Career Growth: Clear progression pathways within our expanding Corporate Services division
• Community Impact: Meaningful work that directly supports local infrastructure, parks, libraries, and community programs
• Modern Workplace: Recently renovated offices with collaborative workspaces and up-to-date technology
• Learning Environment: Exposure to major digital transformation project and modern financial systems implementation

How to Apply

Submit your application including a cover letter addressing the key requirements and your current CV through our online careers portal. Applications close Friday, 15 March 2024 at 5:00 PM AWST.

For questions about this role, contact Margaret Chen at margaret.chen@metrocouncilwa.gov.au or phone (08) 9234 5678.

Metro Council WA is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of our community.

Metro Council WA — Building stronger communities through excellent local government services.