At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team managing Council Tax billing and customer service in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Luton Borough Council, dedicated to community wellbeing and support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and contribute to local governance.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while building your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in office environments and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and professional development in local government.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Contract with a Local Authority
The Council Tax Officer will work as part of the team responsible for the effective billing, administration and collection of Council Tax. The role involves processing amendments, managing Direct Debits, handling correspondence, determining eligibility for discounts and exemptions, and maintaining accurate customer and billing records. The post-holder will ensure compliance with statutory requirements, contribute to performance targets, and provide a high standard of customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Key Duties / Accountabilities:
- Process credit balance reports, action refunds, manage suspense items and complete financial transfers.
- Set up, amend and cancel Direct Debits for Council Tax in line with agreed procedures.
- Produce and issue bills, amendments and correspondence relating to occupation changes, banding, discounts, exemptions and payment method adjustments.
- Update and maintain manual and computerised records to agreed accuracy and timeliness targets.
- Handle incoming correspondence, emails and telephone enquiries, ensuring outstanding items are followed up promptly.
- Assist in the determination and renewal of statutory reliefs, discounts and exemptions.
- Refer void properties and suspected exemption cases to Visiting Officers.
- Update the Council Tax list, ensuring accuracy and reconciliation with Valuation Officer totals.
- Contribute to local and national performance indicators (e.g., collection rates, response times and letter turnaround).
- Carry out any additional duties commensurate with the post.
Skills / Experience:
- Experience working in an office environment using manual and computerised systems.
- Experience working within a high-volume billing environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally with a wide range of customers.
- Ability to use tact and sensitivity when dealing with customers who may be upset, distressed or angry.
- Competent in accurate data entry and record maintenance.
- Ability to plan, organise and manage own workload to meet targets and deadlines.
- Numeracy skills: able to add, subtract, multiply and divide accurately.
- Knowledge of high-volume billing procedures.
- Some understanding of equality principles and their relevance in customer-facing services.
Additional Information:
- The closing date: 28 / 11 / 2025.
- IRRV Technician qualification or working towards it, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Location: Luton Borough Council (LBC), Population Wellbeing Directorate.
Council Tax Officer in Luton employer: CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD
Contact Detail:
CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Council Tax Officer in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the local authority sector, especially those already working as Council Tax Officers. A friendly chat can lead to insider tips and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of council tax processes and legislation. We recommend practising common interview questions related to customer service and billing procedures to show you’re the right fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of how you've handled high-volume tasks or resolved customer issues in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, just like the one at Luton Borough Council.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Council Tax Officer in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in billing and administration. We want to see how your skills match the role of a Council Tax Officer, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your customer service skills and ability to handle high-volume tasks.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of correspondence, make sure your written application reflects your strong communication skills. Keep it clear, concise, and professional – we love a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply 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 CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Council Tax Officer. Familiarise yourself with billing procedures, Direct Debit management, and customer service expectations. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be dealing with a variety of customers, practice how you would handle different scenarios, especially with upset or distressed individuals. Think about examples from your past experiences where you successfully resolved issues or provided excellent service.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Prepare to discuss how you manage your workload in a high-volume environment. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in data entry and record keeping.
✨Understand Compliance and Performance Metrics
Brush up on statutory requirements related to Council Tax and be ready to talk about how you can contribute to performance targets. Showing that you’re aware of local and national indicators will demonstrate your commitment to the role and its impact on the community.