Job Description

$82,116.27 - $85,595.19 + Super | Local Government | Career Growth | Meaningful Community Impact

Support financial operations. Strengthen regional services. Build your career in local government.

West Daly Regional Council is seeking an experienced Finance Officer to join our Corporate Services team in Darwin. This role plays an important part in ensuring the accuracy, compliance and efficiency of Council’s financial processes including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and financial reporting.

This permanent Council role offers strong job stability, professional development opportunities and the chance to contribute to essential services that support remote Indigenous communities across the West Daly region.

Why Join West Daly Regional Council

• Competitive salary: 82,116.27 - $85,595.19 per annum + 12% Super
• 6 weeks paid annual leave + 17.5% Leave Loading
• Additional NAIDOC Day public holiday
• Permanent, full‑time local government employment
• Meaningful work supporting remote Indigenous communities
• Supportive team culture with long‑term career opportunities
• Opportunity to develop strong finance and payroll expertise
• Work that directly supports remote Indigenous communities
• Career growth within local government
• Modern office environment in Darwin

About the Role

The Finance Officer supports Council’s financial operations across payroll processing, accounts payable, accounts receivable and financial compliance.

You will work closely with internal stakeholders across Council while maintaining high standards of financial accuracy, reporting and legislative compliance.

This role is suited to a detail-oriented finance professional who enjoys working collaboratively while maintaining strong attention to financial processes and systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and timely interpretation of employee conditions including relevant Enterprise Agreement, relevant Award, legislation and employment contracts to ensure compliance and the provision of an accurate payroll service;
• Process end to end periodic payroll as required including adjustments, administration of leave, salary packaging, reporting and payroll filing;
• Maintain databases and report on numerous People and Culture metrics;
• Competence in interpretation of Awards/Agreements (seek counsel/advice when necessary for more complex matters);
• Ensure the processing and payment of creditors’ accounts is undertaken in an accurate, timely and efficient manner while maintaining a high level of customer service, utilising Council and other software products;
• Continually review and update the process of Accounts Payable to ensure that it complies with procurement policy and legislative requirements (and is achieved with efficiently);
• Respond to and coordinate enquiries from suppliers, creditors and customers;
• Calculate, check and administer employee’s leave reports and leave provisions;
• Reconcile, prepare, and pay monthly superannuation within prescribed time frames;
• Timely resolution of employee enquiries;
• Produce month end tasks and financial audits assistance;
• Administer Fringe Benefit Tax annual return and Workers Compensation related tasks;
• Administer the Accounts Receivable and Payable functions of Council, split between Trade (AP and AR) and Rate customers;
• Develop a team approach to problem solving and encourage innovative practice;
• Follow up on outstanding customers in a timely manner, and facilitate recovery of debts in conjunction with the Finance Manager;
• Liaise with Customer enquiries as and when required;
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team, Finance Officers, Coordinators (and other Council staff) as and when required;
• Contribute to continuous improvement processes aligned to accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll systems, tools, manual and procedures;
• Keep abreast of relevant legislation and changes (i.e. changes to ATO requirements, Superannuation, relevant Awards, Enterprise Agreement, National Employment Standards and the Local Government Act 2019);
• Reconcile end of month statements;
• In collaboration with the Executive Director Corporate Services, ensure Council’s relevant financial policies, procedures and processes are adhered to, ensuring that transactions comply with Council’s financial policies and procedures, Local Government Act 2019, Local Government Regulations and Australian Accounting Standards;

About You

You are a highly organised and detail-focused finance professional who thrives in a structured environment and takes pride in maintaining accurate financial records.

You communicate effectively with stakeholders, manage competing priorities and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.

Essential

• Previous experience in a similar end-to-end role within payroll;
• Completion or working towards a certificate in Finance, Accounting or Business (preferred) or equivalent relevant experience;
• Understanding of payroll processing;
• Strong attention to detail and numeracy skills
• Ability to interpret employment conditions such as awards or agreements
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and finance/payroll software
• Current Northern Territory Driver’s Licence;
• National Criminal History Check clearance;
• Current Working with Children (Ochre Card).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

About West Daly Regional Council

West Daly Regional Council spans 14,000 km² across the remote communities of Wadeye, Peppimenarti and Nganmarriyanga, located 300–420 km south‑west of Darwin.

We deliver essential local government services that support safe, respectful and healthy communities. Guided by our mission to walk alongside culture, country and people, we work together to maintain infrastructure, provide services and create meaningful employment across the region.

Important Information

• Applicants must have the right to work in Australia
• Pre‑employment checks include criminal history, right‑to‑work, qualification and licence verification
• Applications assessed as received
• Position open until filled

How to Apply:

• Click ‘Apply’ and submit your resume.
• For the full Position Description or enquiries, contact: recruitment@westdaly.nt.gov.au