OverviewRates Manager at Wollongong City Council. This role focuses on financial sustainability, strategic development, and customer-focused service across the Rating and Debtor functions. You will lead, coach, and develop a team and collaborate across the organisation to deliver outstanding results.ResponsibilitiesLead the strategic development, calculation, and communication of Council''s Revenue Policy for Rates, Annual Charges, and associated frameworks.Champion customer service excellence for Rates and Sundry Debtors, ensuring a responsive, professional, and empathetic experience.Design and manage Hardship and Debt Recovery Policies, balancing efficient collection with equity and compassion.Oversee the planning, issuing, and management of Rates Notices, Annual Charges, and Sundry Debtor accounts.Ensure the accuracy and integrity of property rating information, supporting informed decision-making and high-quality service.Deliver organisational services including cash collections, payment gateways, and receipting systems.Advise on compliance with statutory, policy, and accounting standards, acting as a key regulatory adviser.Represent Council in legal proceedings related to Rates and Debtors, providing expert advocacy.Drive continuous improvement, process reengineering, and change management across the Rates Unit.Lead key projects in the first 12 months, including process improvements, strategic rating reviews, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.About youYou''re an experienced rates professional with a passion for customer service and a proven ability to lead, coach, and develop teams. You bring deep knowledge of local government rating, debt recovery, and relevant legislation, complemented by a strategic mindset, analytical skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. You value collaboration, empathy, and excellence, and you are ready to make a real difference for our community. You should have extensive experience in rates management within local government or similar environments, strong leadership and mentoring skills with a track record of building high-performing, customer-focused teams, and a comprehensive understanding of rating legislation, policies, and financial management. You possess advanced communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, as well as expertise in strategic planning, project management, and analysis. A commitment to WHS compliance and maintaining a safe, supportive workplace is expected, and you should hold relevant tertiary qualifications and/or extensive experience in Local Government Rating and Debt Recovery.Benefits and cultureTrue work-life balance with hybrid work options, flex-time, and rostered days off.Great working conditions with a 35-hour week or a 9-day fortnight and regular rostered days off.Career growth, recognition, and leadership development opportunities.Generous leave provisions: five weeks of annual leave per year (pro rata) and long service leave after five years.Health, safety, and wellbeing programs, including Employee Assistance Program, wellness checks, vaccinations, and discounted gym memberships.Participation in social clubs and community events.Note: This description reflects the role and responsibilities as provided by Wollongong City Council. For more information, click Apply to be redirected to the job vacancy page. We invite everyone to apply regardless of identity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, CALD communities, people with disability, and veterans. Wollongong Council adheres to child-safe organisation principles and is committed to the care and protection of children and young people. Applicants must undergo employment screening including reference, identity, medical history, and may include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of these checks.Seniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionFinance #J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title
Rates Manager