Account Manager in Manchester

The role will be on the South Recovery Team aimed at driving forward a series of initiatives to enhance the administration and collection of Council Tax. The initiatives may include:

• Targeting large property owners
• Using information from HMRC to negotiate with debtors and apply Attachment of Earnings (AoEs) or Attachment of Benefit
• Supporting the further development and future implementations of systems to help benefit collection
• Managing advanced recovery cases while also supporting the wider council tax services which could include progressing cases to Bankruptcy
• Reviewing Recovery Accounts for Large Debtor balances acting as a point of contact
• Working on absconder accounts to secure payment on arrears cases

This list is not exhaustive. This role is part of a team who help maximise collection of Council Tax to enable Manchester City to provide the best service to the residents of the city. This is an excellent chance to be part of significant changes within the Council Tax Service, working on various initiatives and making a real impact on the collection of Council Tax, which funds vital services.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a proactive attitude, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, excellent communication skills, and a solid understanding of Council Tax administration, collection, and recovery.

Essential requirements for the role:

• Communication Skills: Good literacy and numeracy skills to undertake calculations and produce letters and other documentation. Demonstrates an understanding of the views of others and communicates in a realistic and practical manner using appropriate language and medium, listens attentively to views and issues of others and responds to issues arising.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to review, understand and quickly assimilate complex information and concepts and compare information from a number of different sources.
• Planning and Organising Skills: Demonstrate the ability to organise multiple tasks in the most effective way and allocate time and energy according to the task complexity and priority.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills: Is able to make effective decisions on a day-to-day basis, taking ownership of decisions, demonstrating sound judgement in escalating issues where necessary, be logical in thinking and explain reasoning behind decisions or actions taken.
• ICT Skills: Ability to use multiple applications, systems and associated software packages.
• Administrative Skills: Good level of literacy and numeracy skills to undertake calculations and produce letters and other documentation.
• Strategic Thinking Skills: Understands the importance of organisational strategy and how they contribute to it.

The experience below would be beneficial but is not essential:

• Knowledge of Council Tax and/or NNDR and associated legislation to the extent that it can be practically applied.
• Knowledge of debt recovery as it relates to Council Tax and/or NNDR and the legislation, policies and practices of the service that ensure income is maximised.
• An understanding of the principles of data management and security.
• Knowledge of Academy Council Tax system and NEC Document Imaging System.

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Working for Manchester isn’t just a job - it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Benefits We Offer:

• Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
• A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
• Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
• A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council: At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process: Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview. Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.

What We Will Need From You If You’re Successful: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.

Pre-Employment Checks Required: If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Please note, visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance: BPSS clearance is primarily used for roles that involve access to government data, systems, or assets. It ensures that individuals meet basic security requirements and can be trusted with sensitive information.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other Relevant Information: We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.