At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead income recovery and client charging services for vulnerable residents in Adult Social Care.
- Company: Reading Borough Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for innovation and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable people while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or social care, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 44075 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for a finance or social care professional who has experience in income recovery, client charging, debt management or financial assessment services and is ready to take on a senior role supporting service delivery, complex case management and continuous improvement.
Working closely with the Charging, Monitoring & Recovery Manager, you will play a leading role in ensuring that vulnerable people receive the right support while maintaining effective charging, invoicing and debt recovery processes across Adult Social Care services.
About The Role
As Senior Income, Recovery & Client Charging Officer, you will play a leading role in delivering high-quality client charging, invoicing and debt recovery services within Adult Social Care, ensuring that vulnerable residents receive the support they need while meeting their financial obligations. Acting as a senior technical specialist and escalation point within the team, you will manage complex cases, support and mentor colleagues, oversee recovery and prevention activities, maintain accurate financial records and management information, and build effective relationships with service users, carers, social care professionals and health partners. Working closely with the Charging, Monitoring & Recovery Manager, you will also contribute to service improvement, performance monitoring, audits, policy development and staff development, helping to ensure the service remains effective, compliant and focused on achieving positive outcomes for residents.
About You
- Experience within social care, health, local government or a related sector.
- Strong knowledge of income recovery, client charging, debt management or related financial services.
- Excellent numeracy and analytical skills with the ability to interpret and explain complex financial information.
- Experience supporting or mentoring colleagues and helping develop team capability.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Confidence working with financial systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
- A customer-focused approach and a commitment to delivering positive outcomes for vulnerable people.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Benefits
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
- Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our Offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A Competitive Salary Alongside a Range Of Benefits Including:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
For more information on this position please contact Micheala Smith, Charging, Recovery and Monitoring Manager on Micheala.Smith@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: Sunday 23rd August 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 31st August 2026
Interview Setup: In person at the Civic Centre, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU
Senior Income and Recovery and Charging Officer – Client Finances Team in Reading employer: Local Government South East
Reading Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives in Adult Social Care while enjoying hybrid working arrangements and generous benefits, including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, this role provides a meaningful career path in a vibrant community setting.
Contact Details:
Local Government South East Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Income and Recovery and Charging Officer – Client Finances Team in Reading
✨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 Local Government South East. 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 Local Government South East.
✨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 Local Government South East. 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 Senior Income and Recovery and Charging Officer – Client Finances Team in Reading
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 Local Government South East 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 Local Government South East how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government South East
✨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 Local Government South East.
✨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 Local Government South East'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!
