Department: Finance
Reports to: Supervisor Finance
Commencing Salary: $59,144 per annum + superannuation
Launch Your Finance Career with a Paid Traineeship (2 years)
Looking to build a career in finance? This is your opportunity to earn while you learn, gain a nationally recognised qualification, and develop practical skills that will set you up for a rewarding career. Start your career in finance with real experience from day one!
As our Trainee Finance Officer, you'll work alongside an experienced and supportive Finance team while completing a Certificate III in Financial Administration. Throughout your traineeship, you'll gain hands-on experience across every area of Council's financial operations, including accounts payable and receivable, payroll, rates and water billing, bank reconciliations, procurement and stores, reporting, and customer service. You'll also help update process manuals and documentation, giving you a broad understanding of how a modern finance team operates.
This traineeship is all about learning. You'll receive structured on-the-job training, mentoring and guidance as you build your confidence and skills. We're looking for someone who is naturally curious, enjoys solving problems, and has a genuine interest in finance. You don't need extensive experience, but you should have good computer skills, confidence using Microsoft Office (particularly Excel), a basic understanding of numbers and financial concepts, and a willingness to ask questions and learn. Most importantly, you'll be organised, reliable, friendly and approachable, with the motivation to grow into a valued member of our team.
As our Trainee Finance Officer, you'll enjoy above Award wages, paid study time during work hours, ongoing mentoring and support, an RDO every four weeks, generous Local Government leave entitlements, employer superannuation contributions, salary packaging options, and the opportunity to apply for future positions within Council as they become available.
You'll be joining a collaborative team that enjoys sharing knowledge and supporting each other's success. Every day brings something different, with opportunities to learn new systems, develop practical skills and contribute to meaningful work that supports the delivery of essential Council services. If you're looking for more than just a job—and want to build a long-term career in finance—we'd love to hear from you.
Please click here to view the position description.
Please click here to view the information pack.
Our finance team is spread across two locations, and this position works across both so you can easily be located in Coonabarabran or Coolah.
Coolah is situated on the picturesque Coolaburragundy River and nestled in a valley of the Liverpool Range. The town is surrounded by undulating hills and fertile river flats and is an attractive service town for the surrounding agricultural district. Only an hour south east of Coonabarabran, close to major centres of Dubbo and Mudgee, and with the nearby Coolah Tops National Park offering rugged natural beauty and adventure, Coolah delivers the best of country living.
Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its magnificent landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.
Selection criteria include:
- A genuine interest in finance and eligibility to undertake a traineeship.
- Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent), or Year 10 plus at least two years of work experience.
- Willingness to complete a Certificate III in Financial Administration as part of the traineeship.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions accurately.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills with a positive, collaborative approach.
- Basic computer literacy, including confidence using Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Reliability, punctuality and a willingness to learn in a structured training environment.
- A current Class C driver licence (P‑plates minimum) - this is essential.
- Commitment to completing the full traineeship and building a foundation for a long‑term career in finance.
Why join Warrumbungle Shire Council?
Warrumbungle Shire Council offers more than just a job — we provide the opportunity to build a stable, long-term career while enjoying genuine work-life balance, strong team support, and a rewarding regional lifestyle.
As part of Council, you’ll join a workplace that values professionalism, safety, collaboration, and continuous development, while supporting the essential services and infrastructure that keep our communities thriving.
Council offers a wide range of employee benefits designed to support your wellbeing, career growth, and lifestyle, including:
- Flexible monthly RDO
- Generous leave provisions
- Ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
- Access to thousands of free online learning courses
- Weekly pay cycle
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and immediate family members
- Health and wellbeing initiatives including flu vaccinations, hearing tests and skin cancer checks
- PPE and/or a generous uniform allowance provided, depending on the role
Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran.
With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.
At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community.
Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff, and our vision is Excellence in Local Government.
How to apply
Please provide sufficient detail in your answers to the questions as this information is used to assess your suitability for interview.
- Scroll down and complete the fields below. Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk* are mandatory.
- Attach your resume, covering letter and copies of your qualifications
- Review your application and click ‘Confirm’ to submit your completed application
You will receive an email acknowledgement to confirm receipt of your application. You will receive email notifications regarding the status of your application. It is important that you regularly check your email to ensure you do not miss any notifications from Council. It is also recommended that you check your spam or junk folder and consider adding [email protected] to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.
Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 26 July 2026.
Interviews are expected to be held 10 August 2026. The final date will be confirmed with preferred candidates after applications have closed and shortlisting has been completed.
For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.
Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.
