Recovery Officer - Council Tax

Recovery Officer - Council Tax

Oxford Temporary No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Collect outstanding Council Tax and Business Rates, negotiate repayment plans, and support debt recovery.
  • Company: Join Oxford City Council's Financial Services team, dedicated to community support and financial management.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay rates and the opportunity for temporary work with potential for growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills in finance and negotiation.
  • Qualifications: Previous experience in Council Tax recovery and strong negotiation skills are essential.
  • Other info: This is a temporary role for 3 months, perfect for gaining experience in local government.

Oxford City Council is seeking a dedicated professional to join their Financial Services team on a temporary basis.

THE ROLE

  • As a Recovery Officer, you will be responsible for the collection of outstanding Council Tax and Business Rates, ensuring effective debt recovery and enforcement.
  • Contact customers who have fallen behind with payments and negotiate repayment plans.
  • Process incoming data in line with legislation and council policies.
  • Identify and escalate cases for legal enforcement or write-off where appropriate.
  • Maximise take-up of benefits, discounts, exemptions, and reliefs for eligible customers.
  • Use recovery systems and applications to support debt collection.
  • Refer suitable debtors to Advice Centres for additional support.
  • Support service improvements and continuous development of the Revenues team.

THE CANDIDATE

  • The successful candidate will have previous experience in a similar role, specifically within local authority Council Tax and Business Rates recovery.
  • Strong negotiation skills to secure realistic repayment plans.
  • Experience in financial collection or debt recovery, particularly Council Tax and Business Rates.
  • Ability to manage a busy workload and meet targets while maintaining high service levels.
  • Proficiency in Civica (Open Revenues) – experience with Civica Pay is not sufficient.
  • Excellent communication skills to explain legislation and recovery processes to customers.

THE CONTRACT

  • Temporary – 3 months.
  • The pay range for the role is Β£20.43 to Β£23.00 per hour LTD company rate. The PAYE equivalent is Β£17.42 to Β£19.61 per hour, inclusive of holiday.

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re interested in this role please apply directly!

Recovery Officer - Council Tax employer: Hazz Design Consulting, Inc.

Oxford City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values dedication and professional growth. As a Recovery Officer, you will benefit from a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement, with opportunities to enhance your skills in financial services while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in the historic city of Oxford, employees enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and access to various local amenities, making it an ideal place for both work and leisure.
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Contact Detail:

Hazz Design Consulting, Inc. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Recovery Officer - Council Tax

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific legislation and policies related to Council Tax recovery. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your negotiation skills. Practice scenarios where you might need to discuss repayment plans with customers, as strong negotiation abilities are crucial for this position.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the local authority sector. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who work in Council Tax recovery; they may provide insights or even referrals.

✨Tip Number 4

Gain hands-on experience with Civica systems if you haven't already. Familiarity with Civica (Open Revenues) can set you apart from other candidates, so consider seeking out training or resources to enhance your skills.

We think you need these skills to ace Recovery Officer - Council Tax

Negotiation Skills
Debt Recovery Expertise
Knowledge of Council Tax Legislation
Financial Collection Experience
Proficiency in Civica (Open Revenues)
Data Processing Skills
Customer Service Skills
Ability to Manage Workload
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of Benefits and Exemptions
Escalation Procedures Knowledge
Service Improvement Mindset

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Council Tax and Business Rates recovery. Include specific examples of your negotiation skills and any relevant systems you've used, such as Civica.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the Recovery Officer role. Emphasise your ability to manage workloads, meet targets, and your communication skills in explaining legislation to customers.

Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, detail your previous roles related to financial collection or debt recovery. Mention any specific achievements or improvements you made in past positions that relate to the job description.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hazz Design Consulting, Inc.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Make sure to highlight your previous experience in Council Tax and Business Rates recovery. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you successfully negotiated repayment plans or managed difficult situations.

✨Demonstrate Negotiation Skills

Since strong negotiation skills are crucial for this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with customers to secure realistic repayment plans. Practice articulating your approach to resolving conflicts.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation

Brush up on the legislation and council policies related to debt recovery. Being able to explain these processes clearly during the interview will show your understanding and readiness for the role.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as a customer refusing to pay or needing to escalate a case for legal enforcement.

Recovery Officer - Council Tax
Hazz Design Consulting, Inc.
Location: Oxford
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