At a Glance
- Tasks: Support tax and benefits services while gaining practical experience and developing leadership skills.
- Company: Join Gwynedd Council's graduate scheme for a rewarding career in local government.
- Benefits: Receive training, support for higher qualifications, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to engage with the public and various agencies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while building a successful career.
- Qualifications: Must have or expect a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
Company Description
Location: Pencadlys, Pwllheli and Dolgellau.
THINK. TRY. THRIVE. Have you considered a career in tax and benefits? Cynluit Yfory (Gwynedd council's graduate scheme) is a unique opportunity for anyone with a grade of 2:2 or equivalent to develop a career in Cyngor Gwynedd. It's an opportunity for you to develop expertise in a key area and understand more about working in local government. You will receive practical experience and opportunities to develop your specialist and personal skills to ensure a long and successful career here.
Purpose of the Post
Receive workplace experiences and support to complete a higher qualification and develop into a leader and expert in the field. The Gwynedd Benefits and Tax Service processes applications for financial support such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and education support, as well as efficiently collecting taxes to help citizens cover their essential costs.
Main Duties
- The main purpose of the Benefits Service is to process applications for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction Scheme, Education Benefits (Free Lunch and Pupil Development Grant), Discretionary Housing Payments.
- The trainee will support the administration of a range of tax and benefit services, the processing of grants and bills, the running of reports on specialist systems, and the response to queries, correspondence and appeals.
- Work with specialist systems such as MRI and Opentext, and assist with testing and software upgrades.
- Support internal and external audits, including the preparation of relevant responses and documents.
- Dealing directly with the public on Benefits, Council Tax and Non-Domestic Tax matters, including discussing sensitive issues.
- Attend benefit appeals and assist with the preparation of court documents and cases involving fraud or tax arrears.
- Shadow Local Tax Inspectors and engage with a wide range of external agencies.
- Contribute to the service's projects, collect data, respond to Freedom of Information requests and promote services such as online self-service.
- Apply the relevant law to the situations of Gwynedd residents and gain experience of other units in the Department of Finance.
- Follow the Council's policies on health and safety, equality, data protection and carbon reduction.
Personal Features
- Delivering the highest quality work
- Demonstrate a high level of Self awareness
- Demonstrate the potential to be an expert and a leader
- Ready to challenge
- Working with people effectively
- Prioritising well-being.
Relevant Qualifications and Training
Possess or are likely to earn a class grade of 2:2 or higher. Your degree should be in a subject that is relevant to the field.
Specialist Skills and Knowledge
- DBS
- A valid current driving licence
Language Needs
- Listening and Speaking – Higher Level: Be able to follow a conversation or discussion through the medium of Welsh and English at a professional level and discuss general topics on a daily basis in the field in order to present information and express opinions.
- Reading and Understanding – Higher Level: Be able to understand standard, formal and informal Welsh and written English. Be able to gather information from various sources such as letters, reports, articles, through the medium of Welsh and English in order to carry out the job.
- Writing – Higher Level: To present written information with confidence in the form of a letter, a more detailed and technical report and to respond to written requests conveying information, ideas and views through the medium of Welsh and English. (It is possible to get help to check the language).
Tax and Benefits Professional Trainee employer: Darogan Limited
Cyngor Gwynedd offers a unique and supportive environment for aspiring Tax and Benefits Professionals, providing practical experience and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Located in the picturesque areas of Pwllheli and Dolgellau, employees benefit from a strong work culture that prioritises well-being and community engagement, alongside the chance to develop expertise in local government services. With access to a graduate scheme that fosters leadership skills and a commitment to high-quality service delivery, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tax and Benefits Professional Trainee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Gwynedd Council or similar organisations on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role in tax and benefits.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to tax and benefits. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence and get feedback on your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your work or projects that relate to the role. This could be anything from coursework to volunteer experiences that demonstrate your understanding of financial support systems.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace Tax and Benefits Professional Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Tax and Benefits Professional Trainee. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant qualifications!
Showcase Your Passion:Let us know why you're excited about a career in tax and benefits! Share your enthusiasm for local government work and how you see yourself growing in this field. A little passion goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your key points shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Darogan Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of tax and benefits, especially how they apply to local government. Brush up on key terms like Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, as well as any relevant laws. This will show your interviewers that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Prepare for common interview questions related to the position. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated skills like problem-solving or working with sensitive information. Practising your answers out loud can help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Show Your People Skills
Since you'll be dealing directly with the public, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Be ready to discuss how you would handle sensitive issues or difficult conversations. Share examples from past experiences where you've successfully navigated similar situations.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role or the team. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the training process or how success is measured in the role.
