At a Glance
- Tasks: Help collect local taxes and educate customers on Council Tax and Business Rates.
- Company: Join a supportive council team dedicated to improving lives in Leicester.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements after training and a diverse, welcoming workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Empathy and customer service skills are essential; training provided for legislation.
Here in the Revenues and Benefits Service we are looking for a Revenues & Benefits Officer to join a large team and assist with the billing and recovery of both Council Tax and National Non-Domestic Rates to ensure that the collection of Local Taxation is maximised. This vacancy is a 37 hours per week on a permanent contract. Core working hours are 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am - 4:30pm on Fridays. You will adopt flexible working arrangements to meet the demands of the service. Training will be undertaken at the Council offices for approximately 6 months after which hybrid working arrangements may be considered. This is a career graded post (LG Band 3 – LG Band 6). Appointment to a level will depend on the outcome of the selection process and experience of the successful candidate.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- As a Revenue and Benefits Officer, you’ll mainly be responsible for collection of local taxation in Leicester City.
- A key purpose is to maximise collection of Council Tax and Business Rates through educating your customers on both subjects.
- You’ll ensure the maintenance of accurate records of Council Tax and Business Rates.
- A typical day would include updating customer accounts either by emails or letters, along with telephone duties whereby you’ll help educate your customers to understand their Council Tax and Business Rates.
- You’ll be promoting online services and encouraging the take up of various discounts, exemptions and reliefs relating to both Council Tax and Non-Domestic rates.
- You’ll ensure that customers occupying and vacation dwellings are dealt with in a timely manner to ensure that all records are accurate.
What You’ll Need:
- Many of our customers are vulnerable members of society so being able to deal with difficult and distressed customers in a sensitive and empathetic way is essential to the role.
- Experience of working in Council Tax, Business Rates or a similar field is desirable, however full legislation training will be given.
- The ability to learn, understand and apply complex legislation to a variety of scenarios is key.
- You’ll have knowledge of using and managing a range of computers and software packages, preferably a large customer database, to perform day to day tasks and accurately enter and update customer records.
What We Can Offer You:
- A work environment that encourages a healthy work/life balance.
- Generous annual leave, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and the option of flexible working.
- Opportunities to develop your skills and expertise with a variety of training and development opportunities.
- A number of flexible benefits, including discounts on city buses and trains.
Join us:
We're committed to recruiting a diverse and highly talented workforce as we continue to build a council that is fitting and representative of our great city. That's why we've designed our recruitment process to put you at your ease; make you feel welcome and bring the best out of you. We’ll do all we can to make our recruitment process as fair as possible. To help you with your application, take a look at the ‘our approach to recruitment' page. Interview/Assessments will take place week commencing 7th of September.
Region: Central
Location: City Hall
Salary: £25,583 - £34,434 Per Year
Package: Total benefit value (includes pension contribution and full holiday entitlement): £46,953.83
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time, Full Time / 37 Hours Per Week / Permanent
Revenues and Benefits Officer in Leicester employer: Leicester City Council
Leicester City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Trainee Accountant, you will benefit from a structured training programme, mentorship, and the opportunity to work on real projects while enjoying flexible working arrangements and generous annual leave. With a clear pathway to a permanent qualified accountant role, this position not only provides valuable experience but also fosters ambition and leadership in the finance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Revenues and Benefits Officer in Leicester
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Leicester City Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Leicester City Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Revenues and Benefits Officer in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Leicester City Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicester City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Leicester City Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Leicester City Council.
