Council Tax and Recovery Officer

JS/EXE/COM_1724250192

Salary Package: Negotiable
Location: Exeter, England
Consultant: Jade Singh
Posted: 21/08/2024

Description:

Position: Council Tax and Recovery Officer
Location: South Devon
Contract: 6-Month Placement (with possible extension)
Salary: £19.40ph

About the Role:

Our client is seeking an experienced and skilled Council Tax and Recovery Officer to join their busy Council Tax Team for a 6-month placement, with the potential for extension. This role is critical in ensuring the efficient administration, billing, and recovery of Council Tax liabilities within the district. You will work closely with the community to ensure accurate billing, resolve complex issues, and recover outstanding debts, all while maintaining high standards of customer service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Billing & Recovery: Promptly and efficiently administer the billing, collection, and recovery of Council Tax, ensuring compliance with legislation and best practices.


• Decision Making: Make timely and accurate decisions regarding liability, discounts, exemptions, and reductions, including Working Age Council Tax Reduction claims (WACTR).


• Debt Management: Negotiate payment arrangements, initiate legal recovery actions, and work proactively to maximise debt recovery while minimising escalation.


• Customer Interaction: Provide clear, professional, and accurate responses to customer inquiries, ensuring a focus on single-point resolution whenever possible.


• Collaboration: Liaise with internal and external partners to verify data, share information, and maintain accurate records, adhering to data protection principles.

Person Specification:

• Experience & Skills:




• Minimum 5 years of experience in a Revenue and Benefits setting, with detailed knowledge of Revenue (Council Tax and enforcement) legislation.


• Proficient in using Civica systems—Open Revenues and D360 (Comino).


• Strong ability to resolve complex issues independently and effectively.


• Excellent negotiation skills to ensure sustainable debt recovery outcomes.


• Capable of training staff, mentoring team members, and assisting with complex queries.




• Knowledge:




• Comprehensive understanding of Council Tax legislation and best practices in enforcement.


• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and other relevant software tools.




• Attitude & Approach:




• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.


• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with a customer-focused approach.


• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and efficiency.

Why Join Us?

Our client offers a supportive working environment where your expertise will contribute to the effective functioning of our Council Tax Team. This role provides an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the community, ensuring fair and accurate tax administration and supporting the financial health of the district.

How to Apply:

If you have the required experience and a passion for public service, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you’re the ideal candidate for this position .

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their meri