At a Glance
- Tasks: Help farmers and small businesses improve their financial situations and achieve self-reliance.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in regional development and support for rural communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks annual leave, flexible work options, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Extensive travel required; opportunity for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of rural communities while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Diploma in Financial Counselling preferred; passion for agriculture and finance is essential.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 $ per year.
We are employing a Rural Financial Counsellor to service the LGAs of Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Cook, Croydon, Etheridge, Flinders, McKinlay and Richmond.
This is a maximum term contract to 30 June 2028. Closing date for applications is 28 October, although the employer reserves the right to close the application closing date earlier.
About us
Rural Financial Counselling Service North Qld is a business unit of the Central Western Qld Remote Area Planning and Development Board, or RAPAD. This role is funded by the Qld Reconstruction Authority, Qld Department of Primary Industries via the Federal Government's Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
About the role
The Rural Financial Counsellor will enhance the quality and quantity of financial support for primary production enterprises and related small businesses within the RFCSNQ catchment, who are recovering from recent severe weather events. The role will be home based with frequent travel throughout the service region.
Key responsibilities:
- Analyse clients' farming or business activities and financial circumstances and provide objective information to help them identify their financial and business options for business improvement or adjustment.
- Provide case management support to clients where appropriate, with the aim of assisting the clients to achieve self-reliance and being better equipped to manage future change.
- Assist clients in negotiations with lenders and financial institutions in the presence of the client or with the written authority of the client.
- Provide information on government and other assistance schemes to facilitate clients' participation in such programs.
- Provide referrals to appropriate professionals, such as accountants, lawyers, social counsellors, agricultural advisers and educational services.
- Maintain client records and electronic data using a client management system.
- Help clients understand their financial and business position and options.
- Improve clients' abilities to plan operations, achieve realistic goals and identify risks.
- Connect clients to information about government and industry assistance.
- Develop a plan to implement the options chosen by the client and provide advice to implement that plan.
About you:
- Demonstrated ability to prepare detailed financial analyses for clients.
- Ability and preparedness to provide case management support to clients.
- Demonstrated high level of oral communication, interpersonal, mediation and networking skills.
- Demonstrated ability to self-motivate and to plan, manage and report on work.
- Demonstrated understanding of rural issues, including production analysis and business management issues.
- Demonstrated knowledge of how Australian banks and rural lenders assess agricultural loans.
- Demonstrated and proficient computer skills.
- Current unrestricted driver's licence.
- Diploma of Financial Counselling or Diploma in Community Services (Financial Counselling) qualifications considered favourably.
Travel: Extensive travel throughout the service region will be required in this role.
Benefits:
- 5 weeks' annual leave.
- Provision of company vehicle, laptop, mobile phone for work purposes.
- Flexible work options.
- Salary sacrificing options.
- Collaborative work environment with a supportive, experienced team.
- Opportunity to make a significant impact on the resilience and sustainability of agricultural businesses.
Rural Financial Counsellor employer: Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland
Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work environment that empowers employees to make a meaningful impact on the resilience of agricultural businesses. With flexible work options, generous leave entitlements, and opportunities for professional growth, including funding for further education, this role in Cairns allows you to contribute to vital community support while enjoying a balanced lifestyle in a beautiful region.
Contact Details:
Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland Recruitment Team
