Rates Manager - Local Council

Osborne Richardson are public sector recruitment specialists with over 30 years’ experience. 

• To 28 Oct 2027
• $ negotiable
• Wollongong / Hybrid
• Immediate start

About the role:

Reporting to the CFO, this key leadership role ensures the effective management of Council’s Rating and Debtor functions, supporting the organisation’s financial sustainability and strategic objectives. The Rates Manager holds organisation-wide responsibility for the development and implementation of Council’s rating policies and systems and the recovery of Council’s debts.

Key responsibilities:

• Strategic development, calculation and communication of Council’s Revenue Policy as it relates to Rates, Annual Charges and associated policy frameworks, ensuring alignment with legislative requirements and organisational priorities.
• Leading Council’s customer service functions for Rates and Sundry Debtors, ensuring a responsive, professional and customer-focused experience.
• Designing and managing Council’s Hardship and Debt Recovery Policies and Processes, optimising the collection of outstanding accounts while upholding Council’s values of equity and compassion.
• Managing and directing the Rates Unit, overseeing the efficient and timely planning, printing and issuing of Rates Notices, Annual Charges, instalments and Sundry Debtor accounts in accordance with relevant legislation and Council policy.
• Ensuring the accuracy, integrity and currency of property rating information, supporting high-quality customer service and informed decision-making.
• Leading the delivery of organisational services including cash collections, payment gateways and receipting systems, with a strong emphasis on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Ensuring compliance with statutory, policy and accounting standards in relation to Rates, Annual Charges and Sundry Debtors, acting as a key advisor on regulatory matters.
• Creating and continuously enhancing the financial control environment for rating and debtor functions, ensuring robust systems and practices across the organisation.
• Representing Council in legal proceedings related to Rates and Sundry Debtor matters, ensuring professional and effective advocacy
• Research, develop and implement technical and organisational policies in areas relating to Rates and Sundry Debtors.
• Apply Local Government Rates and associated legislation and represent Council in Court on rates and Debt Recovery related matters.
• Negotiate, procure and manage contracts to support Council’s
• Ensure the accurate calculation of Council’s General Income and Revenue Policy requirements in accordance with legislation, Council Policy and government
• Ensure the efficient levying and collection of Council’s rates &
• Ensure the accuracy and currency of Rates Property
• Ensure compliance with legislative requirements in the structure, calculation, levying, collection and recovery of rates and sundry debtors and provide information in relation to these functions.
• Oversee the organisation’s legal recovery process through the Courts and other recovery or legal
• Manage and control expenditure and activities against budgets in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
• Monitor budgets, resource allocation, procurement and capital expenditure across allocated programs and budgets.
• Lead and manage projects to ensure achievement of
• Deploy and manage resources to achieve predetermined milestones and financial
• Ensure timely delivery of financial and program
• Develop, monitor and review budgets, resource allocation and procurement to achieve efficiency

Key experience:

• In-depth understanding and practical application of the Local Government Act 1993, Rating Regulations, the Valuation of Land Act, and other relevant legislation governing debt recovery.
• Extensive experience in the development and application of rating models, ensuring compliance with legislative frameworks and alignment with Council’s financial strategy.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing and utilising computerised rating and accounting systems, with the ability to optimise system performance and support accurate financial operations.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service excellence, with a proven ability to lead customer-focused teams and deliver responsive, empathetic and effective service outcomes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience in, legislation, policies and practices relating to Rates, Annual Charges, property valuations, Sundry Debtors and debt recovery, with the ability to interpret and apply these in a complex organisational setting.
• Extensive experience in a senior management role within a large and complex organisation, with a track record of delivering high-quality outcomes in Rates and Sundry Debtor operations and service
• Proven leadership capability, including the ability to motivate, support and develop high-performing teams in a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Demonstrated coaching and mentoring skills, with the ability to build capability and foster professional growth across the team.
• Ability to lead and influence organisational change, cultivating a performance-driven culture aligned with Council’s values and strategic direction.
• Strong financial management skills, including the ability to prepare, analyse and manage budgets
• Strategic planning and implementation expertise, with the ability to research, develop and monitor strategies and operational plans that support organisational objectives.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing and monitoring WHS systems, policies and procedures, with a commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.

Thank you for your interest. We regret that, due to the number of applications received, we will not be able to respond to all applicants.