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, pension scheme, and discounted gym membership.
- 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 skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to manage multiple enquiries effectively.
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.
Right to Work in the UK from 1st July.
Debt Recovery Advisor in Manchester 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 in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Oldham Council's values and behaviours. This will help you align your answers with what they care about, showing you're a perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how you can demonstrate your communication skills and ability to negotiate effectively, which are key for the Debt Recovery Advisor role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your success stories! Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed accounts or resolved disputes. This will show your potential employer that you have the experience and skills they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Debt Recovery Advisor in Manchester
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 Debt Recovery Advisor. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of written communication, be sure to demonstrate your writing prowess. Keep your language clear and professional, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:We need someone who can juggle multiple tasks effectively. In your application, mention any experiences where you've successfully managed various responsibilities, especially in a fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oldham Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Debt Recovery Advisor. Familiarise yourself with Council Tax, Business Rates, and Sundry debt processes. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves negotiating with customers in arrears, practice your communication skills. Role-play common scenarios with a friend or family member to get comfortable with handling difficult conversations. This will help you demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Being organised is key for this role. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or enquiries. Bring these examples to the interview to showcase your ability to stay on top of things and handle administrative duties efficiently.
✨Align with Their Values
Oldham Council values being Proud, Ambitious, and Together. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to discuss this in the interview. Showing that you share their commitment to the community can set you apart from other candidates.