At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage debts, resolve enquiries, and represent the Council in court.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a champion for diverse communities and refugees.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in debt collection or customer service with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 41739 - 43014 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK's first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Join Lewisham Council as a Corporate Debt Collection Officer and help deliver an effective, customer-focused service. You will bring debt collection experience or relevant transferable skills, a basic understanding of recovery principles, and strong communication, negotiation and organisational skills. You must work accurately under pressure and respond sensitively to individual needs.
What's the role?
You will manage outstanding sundry debts, investigate accounts, agree payment arrangements, resolve complex enquiries and disputes, and maintain accurate records. Working with council services and external agencies, you will maximise income through appropriate recovery action, prepare legal cases and represent the Council in court if required.
What's in it for you?
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What we're looking for:
Individual that will bring experience in debt collection or a similar customer focused environment, with basic knowledge of recovery legislation and court procedures. Strong communication, negotiation, organisational and IT skills are essential, alongside the ability to handle challenging enquiries sensitively and work accurately to tight deadlines. You will be confident interpreting legislation, analysing data and preparing reports, with a commitment to customer care, equality and a high-quality service.
Location
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special Condition
This job is subject to a Basic Disclosure.
Salary
£41,739 - £43,014 per annum (SO1)
Diversity Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response. The recruitment process is anonymous and we don't accept CVs. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Barbara.O'Neill@lewisham.gov.uk
Debtors Officer in City of London employer: Lewisham Council
Join Kender Primary School in Lewisham, where your role as a SEND Teaching Assistant Apprentice will not only contribute to the development of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities but also immerse you in a vibrant, culturally rich community. With dedicated mentoring, high-quality training, and opportunities for permanent employment, you'll thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment that champions diversity and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Debtors Officer in City of London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Lewisham Council. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Lewisham Council.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Lewisham Council. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Debtors Officer in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Lewisham Council and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Lewisham Council how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Lewisham Council.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Lewisham Council's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
