At a Glance
- Tasks: Administer and recover Council Tax while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join a supportive council committed to community welfare and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus experience in administration.
- Other info: Be part of a Disability Confident Employer with great career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As a Council Tax Officer you will play a key part in securing vital income for the authority by administering, billing and recovering Council Tax in line with current legislation. You will provide accurate information, resolve queries and ensure all accounts are managed efficiently.
Responsibilities
- Administer council tax accounts in accordance with current legislation, policy and best practices
- Monitor accounts, process changes of circumstances, make payment arrangements and update accounts to ensure recovery processes are followed
- Respond to customer queries via telephone, face‑to‑face and in writing
- Review accounts, suggest appropriate recovery action and prepare accounts for enforcement agents
- Produce letters and reports
- Set up direct debit, deal with recalled direct debits, check and issue summons, check and action refunds
- Identify and set up attachment of earnings
- Manage diary and tracing codes on the system
- Identify appropriate accounts for write‑off, bankruptcies and arrangements
- Promote good relationships with internal and external parties
- Assist with the billing and recovery of NNDR as required
- Demonstrate awareness of equal opportunities and comply with the council’s policies and procedures
- Understand the council’s commitment to corporate parenting
Qualifications
- English and Maths GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent)
- Experience in administration and processing of council tax (Billing and Recovery)
- Computer literate with good attention to detail
- Ability to work to deadlines and targets
- Ability to understand, interpret and explain complicated legislation and keep up to date with frequent legislative and procedural changes
- Good verbal and written communication skills; fluent English
- Ability to support and negotiate with customers, landlords and stakeholders in a calm, sensitive way in difficult situations
- Proven ability to work on own initiative with minimum supervision and use own discretion and judgement
- Aware of equal opportunities and sensitivity to the needs of others, including physical, social and welfare needs
Benefits
- A competitive salary
- A pension scheme with significant contribution and life cover/ill‑health protection
- Generous leave entitlement (28 days rising to 33 days) plus bank holidays and the option to buy up to ten additional days
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where practicable
- Employee Assistance Programme, Employee Benefits Scheme, wellbeing support, travel rates at HMRC rates and support for an active Employee Network Groups
- We are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. Eligible disabled applicants will be offered an interview as part of the assessment.
Council Tax Officer - Internal only employer: North Northamptonshire Council
Contact Detail:
North Northamptonshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Council Tax Officer - Internal only
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current Council Tax Officers or people in similar roles. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. You never know, they might even give you a heads-up about job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of council tax legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios, like resolving customer queries or managing accounts efficiently.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! Whether it’s face-to-face or over the phone, practice explaining complex information clearly and concisely. This will help you stand out as someone who can effectively support customers and stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our recruitment process.
We think you need these skills to ace Council Tax Officer - Internal only
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Council Tax Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be dealing with customer queries, it's essential to demonstrate your verbal and written communication skills. Keep your language clear and professional, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos!
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got experience in administration or council tax billing and recovery, make it shine! Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed accounts or resolved customer issues in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Northamptonshire Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the current legislation surrounding council tax. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re ready to tackle the complexities of the job.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be dealing with customer queries, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and calmly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully resolved difficult situations in the past, as this will highlight your ability to negotiate and support customers effectively.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
As a Council Tax Officer, accuracy is key. Bring examples of how you've managed accounts or processed information meticulously in previous roles. This could be anything from handling billing discrepancies to ensuring compliance with policies.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to account management or customer interactions. Think through how you would handle changes of circumstances or payment arrangements, and be ready to explain your thought process.