Finance Officer – Accounts Receivable – AR in London

The Finance Officer – Accounts Receivable is responsible for supporting the Shared Finance Service in maximising income collection and ensuring effective management of council debt. The role focuses on billing, monitoring, collection, and recovery of various income streams including sundry debts, Adult Social Care charges, Housing Benefit overpayments, BID/CIL charges, and other council income. The post holder ensures accurate financial processing, supports debt recovery activity, and delivers a high level of customer service while working in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, and financial regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Income Collection & Debt Recovery
  • Raise and process sales orders and invoices for council services
  • Monitor and manage unpaid accounts and outstanding debt
  • Contact customers regarding overdue payments and arrange repayment solutions
  • Refer complex or high-risk cases for legal recovery or write-off consideration
  • Support insolvency claims and debt enforcement processes
  • Ensure timely and accurate income collection in line with council procedures
• Customer Service & Case Management
  • Respond to enquiries via telephone, email, and face-to-face communication
  • Provide clear, accurate advice and guidance on council charges and accounts
  • Handle sensitive and complex customer situations with empathy and professionalism
  • Resolve complaints and queries within area of responsibility or elevate when necessary
• Financial Processing & Administration
  • Maintain accurate financial records and update relevant systems
  • Produce, check, and analyse data for reporting and statutory requirements
  • Ensure compliance with financial regulations, standing orders, and data protection requirements
  • Assist with system development and improvements within Accounts Receivable systems (e.g. Agresso)
  • Support investigations linked to performance reporting and fraud initiatives
• Partnership Working
  • Liaise with internal departments including Housing, Adult Social Care, Legal Services, and Welfare teams
  • Work with external partners such as Citizens Advice and DWP where required
  • Support collaborative approaches to debt recovery and financial inclusion
• Team Support & Development
  • Assist in training and induction of new staff members
  • Share knowledge and support junior colleagues where appropriate
  • Contribute to service improvement and team objectives
  • Manage own workload and prioritise tasks effectively
• Performance & Accountability
  • Work towards and achieve individual and team performance targets
  • Take responsibility for own performance and development
  • Maintain high standards of accuracy, efficiency, and customer service

Person Specification

• Essential
  • GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths
  • Experience in credit control, accounts receivable, finance, or debt recovery
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Ability to handle sensitive and potentially stressful customer interactions
  • Good organisational and time management skills
  • Competent in using IT systems and financial software
• Desirable
  • Working towards or holding a finance qualification (AAT, CICM, CIPFA, CIMA)
  • Experience in local government or public sector finance
  • Knowledge of welfare benefits and related systems

Skills & Behaviours

• Customer-focused with a professional and empathetic approach
• Able to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial processing
• Team player with ability to work independently
• Confident in dealing with internal and external stakeholders
• Commitment to confidentiality, compliance, and safeguarding standards