Kara Parkes

Role Summary

As a Finance Officer in the Revenue team, I support the charging and collection of Council rates, fees, charges, fines, and other revenue streams. My role ensures the integrity of Council’s financial systems and compliance with relevant legislation, while delivering high-quality service to internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with levying and collecting Council rates and charges, including debt recovery processes
• Reconcile daily receipts against rates debtor accounts
• Process remittances and returns such as Queensland Fire Levy, Rural Fire Levies, and Pensioner Remissions
• Respond to customer queries, direct debit requests, and conduct rates searches
• Support revenue modelling and policy reviews during the annual budget cycle
• Ensure compliance with the Local Government Act and other relevant regulations
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to maintain accurate financial records and reporting

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of financial systems and attention to detail
• Ability to interpret legislation and apply it to operational processes
• High-level organisational and time management skills
• Excellent customer service and communication abilities
• Proficient in using business software and information systems
• Team-oriented with a proactive and adaptable mindset

• Maintained accurate records for fuel consumption, mileage logs, repair costs.
• Monitored performance metrics to measure efficiency and effectiveness of the fleet operations team.
• Collaborated closely with other departments within the organization to ensure alignment between business objectives and goals set forth by senior leadership.
• Maintain a service-oriented approach, fostering a positive and flexible work environment.
• Utilize Microsoft Office tools to streamline administrative processes and improve team communication
• Resolve operational issues by collaborating with various departments, enhancing workflow efficiency
• Analyze and interpret data from multiple reporting files and spreadsheets for informed decision-making

• Maintained files and filing, keeping sensitive information confidential.
• Organized and maintained filing systems to ensure accurate record keeping.
• Processed invoices, purchase orders, expense claims and other transactions according to established procedures.
• Organize and maintain records, prepare reports for purchasing and fleet servicing; ensure accuracy
• Use MYOB, Gearbox Fleet Maintenance, and Log checker to streamline office tasks and improve efficiency
• Manage payroll for two companies, including driving hours and load calculations, ensuring timely payments
• Act as HR Advisor, handling offers, contracts, inductions, and operating procedures for workshop and driving team
• Ensure confidentiality of sensitive information, adhering to company policies and regulations
• Served as primary point of contact for facilitating operational and administrative inquiries.

• Coordinated training sessions for new employees on relevant topics such as safety protocols or company policies.
• Communicated effectively with internal staff members as well as external vendors to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
• Worked with supervisors, managers and business owners to develop schedules, monitor deadlines and coordinate resources.
• Built and maintained key client relationships, offering service information and advice.
• Streamlined logistics processes, ensuring accuracy in clinical rooms, flights, and accommodation.
• Coordinated centre operations for smooth activity flow Led cross-functional team to streamline operations, resulting in substantial cost savings and improved efficiency.

Implemented data-driven strategies for measurable growth

Fostered key client relationships, offering expert advice while coordinating cross-functional teams to implement data-driven growth strategies Mentored staff to enhance professional and technical skills, ensuring high-quality service delivery and promoting a culture of continuous improvement