At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial processes and manage customer accounts for the council.
- Company: Join the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, a vibrant and innovative local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible hybrid working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic finance team making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Good qualifications in English and Maths; customer communication experience preferred.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for diverse candidates meeting minimum requirements.
The predicted salary is between 24160 - 26800 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Business Services Officer to join us!
This is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £28,193 – £32,104 per annum.
About Us
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority – takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.
Given our Royal connections, the eyes of the world are often on us and we continue to rise to the challenge.
The Role
This is an exciting time to join our finance team at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Under new leadership, we are looking to build a world-class finance team to support all our services navigate the challenging financial environment in which local authorities operate. With the lowest Council Tax of any unitary authority outside of London we have a record of delivering efficiently. However, we cannot stand still and strengthening the finance team so that is fit to meet future demands is a priority.
This role will report directly to the Exchequer Services Manager and will provide financial support to ensure that all processes are in place to effectively recover sums outstanding to the council.
Your Role Will Include
- Ensuring that any actions relating to new and existing Direct Debit instructions, including setting up new accounts, amendment of existing instructions etc. are processed in a timely and accurate manner.
- Raise Credit notes in accordance with the remission forms received together with the appropriate approval.
- Process refunds for credit balances on accounts in accordance with the refund forms received together with the appropriate approval.
- Maintaining the customer database and undertaking regular account cleansing.
What We Are Looking For
- Someone with good basic qualifications including English and Maths.
- Experience in communicating with customers relating to collection of outstanding payments.
- Experience in working effectively to deadlines and able to manage conflicting priorities.
- Confidence in using IT systems within both a financial and accounting environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels especially with non-financial colleagues.
What We Offer
- 32 days annual leave.
- Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance, although there is an expectation of at least one day a week in the office.
- Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
- Free employee parking close to the offices.
- Give As You Earn scheme.
- Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
- Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
- Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.
If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.
Interview dates: week commencing 28 July 2025
If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Jo Cooke Head of Operational Finance on joanna.cooke@rbwm.gov.uk or Deepali Gotiwale Exchequer Services Manager on Deepali.gotiwale@rbwm.gov.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr
Business Services Officer employer: Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
Contact Detail:
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Services Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the financial processes and systems used by local authorities. Understanding how councils manage their finances, especially in relation to Direct Debits and refunds, will give you a significant edge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your communication skills, particularly in explaining financial concepts to non-financial colleagues. Being able to convey complex information simply can set you apart as a candidate who can bridge gaps within the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your ability to manage conflicting priorities by preparing examples from your past experiences. Highlighting your organisational skills and how you've successfully met deadlines will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Services Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Business Services Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have in financial support roles or customer communication, particularly in relation to payment collections. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage deadlines and conflicting priorities.
Showcase IT Proficiency: Since confidence in using IT systems is crucial for this role, mention any relevant software or systems you are familiar with. If you have experience in financial or accounting software, be sure to include that in your application.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your enthusiasm for working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Make sure to express your understanding of their values and how you can contribute to their finance team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Services Officer, you'll be dealing with financial processes. Brush up on your basic maths and accounting principles to demonstrate your competence in handling financial data during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to communicate effectively with both financial and non-financial colleagues. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information in the past, especially regarding payment collections.
✨Demonstrate Time Management
This role requires managing conflicting priorities and meeting deadlines. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you successfully juggled multiple tasks and how you prioritised them to achieve your goals.
✨Familiarise Yourself with IT Systems
Confidence in using IT systems is crucial for this position. Research the software commonly used in finance roles and be prepared to discuss your experience with similar systems or your ability to learn new technologies quickly.