At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our debt recovery team to help collect Council Tax and Business Rates efficiently.
- Company: Oldham Council, dedicated to creating vibrant and safe neighbourhoods.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, discounted gym membership, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable negotiation and communication skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a knack for organisation are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 25000 £ per year.
Corporate Services Revenues and Benefits Debt Recovery Advisor Ref: 001327 Contract: Fixed Term (18 months) Salary: £25,989 - £28,142 per annum (Grade 3) Hours: 36.66 per week Location: Oldham Council Offices, Spindles Shopping Centre, George Street, Oldham, OL1 1HD Closing Date: Thursday 2nd April 2026 Interview Date: TBC.
Role Overview: Working within Oldham Council's debt recovery team to effectively collect and enforce payment of Council Tax, Business Rates, and Sundry debt to ensure debts are promptly and efficiently collected.
Key Responsibilities:
- Proactively negotiate with debtors by outbound/inbound telephone calling, in person, or by written communication, to secure the prompt payment.
- Prompt and efficient administration of attachment of earnings orders, benefit deductions, payment plans.
- Provide efficient day-to-day administrative support to Enforcement Agents, in person or by telephone, to enable the prompt collection of all Council debts.
- Assist with answering and dealing with telephone calls and providing accurate information and updating accounts accordingly.
Key Requirements:
- Be able to confidently and effectively communicate with customers who are in arrears and effectively negotiate a suitable outcome to recover the money.
- Be able to communicate with customers, set up arrangements and manage their accounts to conclusion.
- Someone who is highly organised and confident in managing and responding to written correspondence in a timely, professional manner.
- You will need excellent written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to keep on top of multiple ongoing enquiries.
About Us: We want Oldham to have vibrant, safe neighbourhoods where people are proud to live with opportunities for healthier, more fulfilled lives; and a sustainable, thriving economy. As we look to the future, the challenges may be significant, but so are the opportunities.
Our Values and Behaviours: By driving innovation, investing in our people, and championing our communities, we will ensure that Oldham continues to be a place where everyone can live their best life. To support this, we have three core values which define who we are and how we operate: 'Proud, Ambitious, and Together'.
Our Benefits Package: At Oldham Council we offer a great benefits package for our employees, which includes the following:
- 25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10-years' service.
- The option to purchase additional annual leave.
- An attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared cost additional voluntary contributions.
- Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active.
- Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating-out, eating-in, travel, motoring and more.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work.
- Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24 hours access to advice and support.
- Staff recognition and celebration events.
- Peer support groups.
Inclusive Recruitment: We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, describing available working patterns, providing equipment or making changes to the workplace.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and therefore expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character.
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship.
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme please indicate this within the 'About You' or 'Supporting Statement' section of your application.
If you’re an applicant with disabilities and have previously been in or currently in care, a carer, someone who has served in the Armed Forces, or you’ve participated in the GM Elevate Programme, and you meet the essential criteria of the role, you are guaranteed to reach the first stage of assessment under our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme.
Data and Privacy: For details of how we use your data please see our privacy notice.
Important Information: Please note that should a vacancy that has been released for internal or external recruitment be deemed suitable for a current employee at risk of redundancy, it can be pulled back at any point, up to the post being formally offered to a candidate who is not at risk of redundancy.
Debt Recovery Advisor employer: Oldham Council
Oldham Council is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and wellbeing support. The work culture is built on core values of being Proud, Ambitious, and Together, fostering a collaborative environment where staff are encouraged to take ownership and drive change. Located in the heart of Oldham, employees have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful community initiatives while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that promotes personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Debt Recovery Advisor
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Oldham Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Debt Recovery Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Oldham Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Oldham Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oldham Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Oldham Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Oldham Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Oldham Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
