Rural Financial Counsellor

Job No: 307403
Location: Macksville, NSW

  • A steady hand when life gets unsteady — use your financial expertise to support rural people through drought, flood and financial hardship
  • Circa $100,000–$107,000 + PBI salary packaging + vehicle, in a role driven by impact, not sales targets
  • Work autonomously within your community, backed by a connected regional team
  • Join a respected organisation with strong retention, and professional support

Where Finance Meets Humanity

Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW – Northern Region (RFCSNSW-NR) provides free, confidential and impartial financial counselling to primary producers, fishers and small rural businesses across Northern NSW.

For decades, we’ve supported rural people through drought, flood, bushfire and financial hardship. Our funding comes from government, but our accountability sits with the communities we serve. Client details remain confidential. Trust is earned locally.

With 15 offices across the region, our model balances autonomy with strong governance and leadership support. Staff turnover is low because the work is meaningful — and because we take care of the people doing it.

The Role in Real Terms

You’ll help rural clients understand their financial position, explore options, and develop practical, structured plans forward. Sometimes that means cash flow forecasting and lender negotiations. Sometimes it means restoring clarity when someone feels overwhelmed.

Your responsibilities include:

  • Assessing business viability and financial position
  • Preparing clear financial analysis and scenario planning
  • Supporting clients through restructuring and lender discussions
  • Assisting with farm debt mediation processes
  • Meeting clients on-farm where appropriate
  • Building strong regional networks with banks and service providers
  • Maintaining accurate case records and simple monthly reporting

This is structured, case-managed support — not high-volume, KPI-driven work.

Your First Few Months, and Beyond

You won’t be left to work it out alone.

Your first week includes structured induction, policy familiarisation, and hands-on training in Salesforce and our case management framework. The systems are clear and practical, particularly for those with a financial background.

While each office operates with autonomy, you’ll be part of a connected regional team. During peak demand — especially after natural disasters — additional support is deployed across offices to share the load.

We are realistic about the emotional weight of this work. Professional debriefing is built into employment (minimum four times per year), helping protect against burnout and vicarious trauma. The aim is meaningful work that is sustainable.

The Capability, and the Character

To qualify, you will need a Diploma of Financial Counselling (or a commitment to complete it within two years, supported by us).

You’ll bring experience in agribusiness lending, rural banking, financial counselling, or business advisory. You’re confident analysing financials, discussing restructuring options, and explaining complex matters clearly.

Additionally, you will have:

  • Strong case management capability
  • High-level communication and mediation skills
  • Understanding of rural business realities
  • Confidence using Microsoft Office and CRM systems
  • A current, unrestricted Driver’s Licence

Just as important is your character.

You’re steady under pressure. You can listen without absorbing everything as your own. You balance empathy with boundaries and build trust without over-promising. For the right person, this work is deeply rewarding.

The Backing You’ll Have

You will receive:

  • Base salary range of approx. $100,000–$107,000 (based on qualifications)
  • PBI salary packaging (up to ~$16,000 plus ~$2,500 meals & entertainment)
  • A work vehicle with reasonable private use
  • Structured induction and ongoing professional development
  • Professional support, and funded debriefing to protect against burnout
  • Funded professional debriefing
  • Additional regional support during high-demand periods

You’ll work with independence — backed by leadership that understands the responsibility of this role and the importance of protecting the people doing it.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to use your financial capability to make a tangible difference in rural communities, we invite you to apply.


 

Apply Now

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NSW Mid-North Coast lifestyle

Located in the beautiful NSW Mid-North Coast region of NSW, Macksville offers a relaxed, community-driven lifestyle surrounded by stunning landscapes.

Macksville is known for its relaxed riverside charm and strong community spirit. The town provides the perfect balance between work and life, with easy access to national parks, rivers, and the coast, offering countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you're into riverside walks, fishing, beach days, or simply soaking up nature, the NSW Mid-North Coast has something for everyone!