At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage temporary accommodation bookings and oversee financial processes within the Housing and Wellbeing Service.
- Company: Watford Borough Council, a vibrant urban borough with strong community ties.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your organisational and financial skills.
- Qualifications: GCSE level education, experience in finance or administration, and strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 30800 - 40800 £ per year.
Watford is an urban borough in South West Hertfordshire; The borough has excellent transport links with mainline rail connections to London. Watford is the centre of a sub region serving around 500,000 people living within a 20 minute travelling time catchment. As part of the London commuter belt Watford is strongly influenced by London which brings the benefits of a buoyant economy.
At a glance:
- £1.4bn local investment happening
- Mix of public and private funding
- 5 major development and regeneration projects happening
- 3500 registered businesses
- Higher than average working age population
- Skilled workforce
- Affordable local housing market
- Home to many major international head offices
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: maternity cover (9 month fixed term contract)
Salary: £36,457 per annum (pro rata)
We are seeking a highly organised and detail-focused Housing Revenue & Booking Officer to take lead responsibility for the administration of temporary accommodation bookings and the associated financial processes within the Housing and Wellbeing Service. As the sole officer managing this function, you will oversee the end-to-end process for bed and breakfast and nightly-let placements. This includes sourcing and arranging accommodation, maintaining accurate records, setting up and managing rent accounts, updating housing and finance systems, raising invoices, monitoring payments and taking action to recover outstanding accommodation charges.
You will maintain detailed financial records across multiple systems, including the council's housing and finance systems and Excel spreadsheets. You will reconcile payments, track balances, ensure charges are applied correctly and make sure all records remain accurate and auditable. You will notify households of their accommodation placements and clearly explain booking details, including location, costs and any limitations. This will sometimes involve sensitive conversations. You will therefore need to communicate decisions confidently, sensitively and professionally while managing expectations.
The role involves regular direct contact with customers to explain accommodation charges, issue rent statements, agree repayment arrangements and actively follow up arrears, maintaining a firm but customer focused approach. You will also liaise with accommodation providers and internal teams to ensure placements remain suitable, bookings are reviewed regularly and all administrative and financial information is kept up to date. This is a varied role with significant amounts of manual administration and use of different IT systems plus Excel. The role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, confidence working with financial information and the ability to take ownership of bookings, income monitoring, and customer communication.
What we are looking for
Essential
- Education to GCSE level or equivalent experience
- Experience working in a finance, invoicing, income collection, housing or administrative role
- Experience raising invoices, maintaining accounts or monitoring payments
- Strong Excel skills, including maintaining spreadsheets, tracking payments and reconciling figures
- Experience using finance systems or databases to maintain accurate accounting records
- Strong numeracy skills and excellent attention to detail
- Experience providing a customer-focused service and working with the public
- Ability to explain charges, discuss payments and follow up arrears with customers
- Ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with distressed or frustrated clients
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Ability to manage your own workload with minimal supervision
Desirable
- Knowledge of Housing Benefit or rent accounting processes
- Experience working with vulnerable households or complex cases
Closing Date: 18/3/2026
For an informal discussion please contact Laura Marland Housing Enabling and Development Manager on 01923 278105
A basic Disclosure check will be carried out for this post.
At Watford Borough Council we consider equality issues alongside other factors when making decisions as an employer of choice. We are committed to ensuring that we have effective policies, strategies, procedures, and processes and that we encourage behaviour which promotes equality, encourages diversity, and contributes to an inclusive organisational culture.
Housing Revenue and Booking Officer in Watford employer: Catalyst Design
Watford Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on community service and a commitment to equality and diversity, employees can expect meaningful work in a dynamic environment, enhanced by the borough's strategic location with excellent transport links and ongoing local investment. The role of Housing Revenue and Booking Officer provides a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of residents while enjoying a competitive salary and a collaborative team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Revenue and Booking Officer in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Watford Borough Council and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to housing, finance, and customer service. Role-play with a friend or use our resources to boost your confidence and ensure you can articulate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring examples of your work, like spreadsheets or reports, to demonstrate your strong Excel skills and attention to detail. This will give you an edge and prove you can handle the administrative side of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Revenue and Booking Officer in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in finance, invoicing, and customer service. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the Housing Revenue and Booking Officer role.
Show Off Your Excel Skills:Since strong Excel skills are essential for this position, don’t forget to mention any specific projects or tasks where you’ve used Excel effectively. We love seeing examples of how you’ve maintained spreadsheets or reconciled figures!
Communicate Clearly:In your written application, demonstrate your ability to communicate professionally and sensitively. This role involves explaining charges and discussing payments with customers, so showcasing your communication skills is key for us.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Catalyst Design
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Housing Revenue and Booking Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around financial processes and customer communication. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Excel Skills
Since strong Excel skills are essential for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with spreadsheets. You might even want to bring examples of how you've used Excel to track payments or maintain records in previous jobs. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the technical aspects of the job.
✨Practice Sensitive Conversations
Given that you'll be dealing with customers who may be distressed or frustrated, practice how you would handle these conversations. Think about how to explain charges clearly and compassionately. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more comfortable and prepared for these situations.
✨Organise Your Thoughts
With so many responsibilities in this role, it's crucial to show your organisational skills during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. This will highlight your ability to stay on top of things and manage your workload effectively.
