At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a large team in managing Revenues and Benefits services, ensuring compliance and financial stability.
- Company: High-performing local authority focused on service transformation and community support.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunity to drive impactful change.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and collaboration at a senior level.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior-level experience in Revenues and Benefits with strong leadership skills.
My high performing local authority is looking to recruit an Interim Head of Revenues and Benefits to lead and develop its large team as well as overseeing the full scope of statutory Revenues and Benefits functions including Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Benefits, Local Council Tax Support and the Council's Corporate Fraud Team. This is a senior leadership role with a strong focus on the Collection Fund, policy development and service transformation. The successful candidate will act as the Council's lead expert on Revenues and Benefits legislation, advising senior leadership and driving performance, compliance and financial stability across a large and complex service.
The Role
- Lead and manage the Council's Revenues and Benefits service, overseeing c90 staff across multiple teams delivering Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Benefits, Local Council Tax Support and Corporate Fraud.
- Take strategic responsibility for the Collection Fund, ensuring effective billing, collection and financial control across Council Tax and Business Rates.
- Oversee the administration and delivery of Housing Benefits and Local Council Tax Support, ensuring support is targeted to vulnerable residents and statutory requirements are met.
- Oversee the administration of discretionary schemes including housing payments and council tax 13a (1) (c) hardship payments and business rate reliefs.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, government policy and regulatory requirements across Revenues and Benefits services.
- Act as the Council's lead advisor to senior leadership, including the s151 Officer, on all Revenues and Benefits matters, strategy and performance.
- Lead on system re‑procurement and digital transformation, ensuring systems support efficient, automated and customer‑focused service delivery.
- Lead financial monitoring, forecasting and reporting, supporting budget management, audit requirements and government returns.
- Develop and embed performance frameworks to monitor productivity, mitigate risk, prevent fraud and drive continuous service improvement.
- Build and maintain strong internal and external partnerships, representing the Council at senior level and driving collaborative working.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, learning and innovation to enhance service delivery and resident outcomes.
- Deputise for senior leadership and contribute to corporate priorities, strategy and cross‑council initiatives.
Key Requirements
- Extensive experience operating at senior level within a Revenues and Benefits service in a local authority or similar environment.
- Strong expertise in Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Benefits and income collection, including Collection Fund management.
- Proven experience leading large, multi‑disciplinary teams and delivering high‑performing services.
- Strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulation and government policy relating to Revenues and Benefits.
- Experience overseeing or leading system implementation or re‑procurement within a Revenues and Benefits environment.
- Demonstrable experience improving collection rates, service performance and customer outcomes.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing large budgets, forecasting and audit processes.
- Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships, including senior leadership, members and external partners.
- Excellent leadership, communication and strategic thinking skills.
- Ability to drive service transformation, innovation and continuous improvement.
This is an interim role with a rate of £550 to £650 a day inside IR35. The role offers hybrid working arrangements with 1 day a month needed in the office.
Head of Revenues & Benefits employer: Morgan Law
Join a high-performing local authority that prioritises employee development and fosters a collaborative work culture. As the Interim Head of Revenues and Benefits, you will lead a dedicated team in a role that not only offers competitive remuneration but also the opportunity to drive meaningful change in service delivery for the community. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and innovation, this position allows for professional growth while making a significant impact on residents' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Revenues & Benefits
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the local authority sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an interim role. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise in Revenues and Benefits.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current legislation and best practices in Revenues and Benefits. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and improved service delivery in the past, as this will show you're the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to leverage social media! Use platforms like LinkedIn to highlight your experience and connect with decision-makers in local authorities. Share insights on industry trends to position yourself as a thought leader in Revenues and Benefits.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing the job. Tailor your application to highlight your leadership skills and experience in managing large teams, as well as your financial acumen and strategic thinking abilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Revenues & Benefits
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Revenues and Benefits. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior role, emphasise your experience leading large teams and driving performance. Share specific examples of how you've transformed services or improved outcomes in previous positions.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen:Highlight your experience with budget management, forecasting, and compliance. We want to see that you can handle the financial responsibilities that come with overseeing the Collection Fund and other financial aspects.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Law
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on all things related to Revenues and Benefits legislation. Understand the nuances of Council Tax, Business Rates, and Housing Benefits inside out. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also position you as a knowledgeable candidate who can advise senior leadership effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large teams and driving performance. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This role requires strong leadership, so demonstrating your ability to manage and inspire a diverse team will be key.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Since this role involves strategic responsibility for the Collection Fund and service transformation, be prepared to discuss your approach to financial control and policy development. Have a few ideas ready on how you would drive continuous improvement and innovation within the service.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This position requires managing complex stakeholder relationships, so think about how you would build and maintain these connections. Be ready to share your experiences in collaborating with senior leadership and external partners, and how you’ve navigated any challenges in those relationships.
