Revenues Officer (local Government)

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Revenues Officer for our client a local government organisation in East Devon.

The successful candidate will be proactive, effective and efficient in the collection of debts owed to the organisation whilst minimising fraud and balancing the welfare needs of debtors; ensuring the constructive and timely engagement of customers and maintenance of records by using the most appropriate communication channels.

This role is initially a 3 month contract with the possibility to extend. This role can be fully remote working for the right candidate.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Making and processing decisions by referencing legislation, policy, or contractual agreements in the administration, collection and enforcement of council debts whilst balancing the welfare needs of tax payers. This will include billing, discounts, exemptions and rateable value changes as well as maintaining a knowledge of the welfare benefits that are available and helping customers to obtain them.
• Support the /Manager in taking effective action in billing, recovery and enforcement of debts. Proactively engage with debtors to influence prompt payment of debt to prevent debts escalating resulting in improved collection performance. Take action to trace absconders and identify cases for write offs.
• For Sundry Debt income process all invoices requests and cancellations including issuing annual bills. Prepare and process payments runs and ensure payments are allocated correctly. Report outstanding debts as directed by the Manager.
• Help to maintain property records in accordance with the Council Tax and Business Rates lists and process schedules, ensuring that changes are reported in a timely manner and that the organisation’s list reconciles to that of the Valuation Officer.
• Prepare cases for court for both criminal and civil matters. Liaise with legal as appropriate.
• Regularly monitor Service Level Agreements with enforcement agents and the Valuation Office Agency and work in partnership with statutory and voluntary external agents to maximize business productivity and welfare support for tax payers when appropriate.

Personal Requirements:

• Recent experience of successfully working in a local government revenues team (desirable).
• Knowledge of council tax legislation.
• Knowledge of business rates.
• Knowledge of effective recovery methods (Desirable).
• Fully conversant with Microsoft Office suite and customer relationship management systems.

Working Hours: 36hrs / 9:00am - 17:00pm / Monday to Friday

Pay: £16.25 per hour (rate negotiable)

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.