FINANCE 101

Simplifying Local Government Finance

  • WA Local Government

    Industry specific training

  • Experienced Instructors

    Role-based expertise

  • Flexible & Convenient

    Online delivery mode

  • Hands-On

    Learn with your own data

  • 8 weeks (1-2 hrs each)

    Bite-sized sessions

    • Toolbox

      Downloadable materials
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    Fundamental aspects of local government finance, aiming to equip participants with the foundational knowledge and skills needed for effective financial management within the unique context of local government.

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    Course Overview

    Finance 101 is an eight-week training course designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently perform the core functions of a local government finance officer in Western Australia.

    Ideal for entry-level staff, the course starts with the fundamentals and builds progressively, offering a complete overview of day-to-day finance operations. It has also proven valuable for finance managers and other local government staff seeking a better understanding of the finance role.

    Format & Access

    Finance 101 is delivered online across an eight-week program, with live training sessions held every Wednesday at 10:00am (AWST) via Microsoft Teams. Each session runs for approximately 1 to 2 hours, with plenty of time for Q&A and discussion.

    Participants will gain access to a secure online learning portal, where they can:
    • Access recordings of all sessions (available on-demand for 12 months)
    • Download a toolbox of practical resources — including templates, checklists, and examples
    • Engage with fellow participants through an online discussion forum
    • Submit questions, participate in Q&A, and network with peers from other councils

    In addition, participants receive three hours of complimentary one-on-one mentoring to use at any time within 12 months of completing the course — perfect for clarifying issues or getting tailored guidance on real-world challenges.

    What You'll Learn

    By the end of the Finance 101 course, participants will have the skills and knowledge to confidently carry out the key responsibilities of a finance officer. This course covers the following:

    • Local government structure & function
    • Finance regulations & compliance
    • Internal controls
    • Budgeting basics
    • Financial reporting
    • Chart of accounts
    • Local government planning framework
    • Revenue & expenditure management (including debtors and creditors basics)
    • Debt management
    • Payroll & human resources basics
    • Stress management
    • Professional growth

    This course is highly practical and designed to reflect real-world systems, workflows, and compliance expectations in WA local government.

    Who should attend?

    Finance 101 is designed for entry-level finance officers and team managers wanting to build a strong foundation for their career or effective leadership of finance teams.

    • New or entry-level finance officers who need structured, practical training
    • Administration officers supporting the finance team
    • Team leaders or finance managers seeking a broader view of day-to-day processes
    • Other local government staff who work closely with the finance team

    Whether you're new to local government or seeking a refresher on finance fundamentals, this course provides a solid foundation for confident, compliant performance in a finance-focused role.

    • Live Training
    • Learning Materials
    • Templates & Forms
    • Completion Certificate
    • Ongoing Support

    What's included?

    This course is designed to provide an introduction to the principles and practices of rating in Western Australian local government. You will learn about: 

    • Legislative Framework
    • Refunds
    • Rates Enquiries
    • Ex gratia Payments
    • Rates Receipting
    • Debt Collection
    • Notice Printing
    • Payment Arrangements
    • Electronic Advice of Sales (EAS)
    • Emergency Services Levy
    • Pensioner and Seniors Concessions
    • Month End Processes & Reconciliations
    • Interim Rating
    • Mining Tenements
    • Journals

    Course Content

    Rhona Hawkins

    Rhona Hawkins is a highly respected finance consultant specialising in local government operations across Western Australia. With a strong foundation in financial management, governance, and compliance, Rhona brings decades of experience guiding councils to improve operational efficiency, embed best practices, and build capacity within their corporate services teams.

    As the founder of LG Best Practices, Rhona partners with local governments to deliver strategic advice, targeted training, and hands-on support in areas such as financial reporting, rates, internal controls, and audit preparedness. Her deep understanding of the Local Government Act and associated regulations ensures that her clients meet statutory obligations while building sustainable systems and empowered teams.

    Rhona is known for her pragmatic, solutions-focused approach and her ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of an organisation. She is passionate about knowledge-sharing and mentoring, and is committed to strengthening the capability of the sector through innovative training programs, leadership development, and process improvements.

    Whether she is delivering frontline rates training, facilitating corporate reviews, or advising CEOs and finance teams, Rhona’s work is grounded in integrity, clarity, and a genuine drive to support local government excellence.



    Local Government Finance Expert
    "Throughout my career I dreamt of developing a suite of courses designed for both entry level and seasoned LG finance professionals, so to see this finally come to fruition is quite surreal”

    Rhona Hawkins

    Director, LG Best Practices
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