At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage recovery accounts and support residents through financial challenges.
- Company: Join Runnymede Borough Council, a progressive and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 29 days annual leave, and excellent pension schemes.
- Other info: Exciting career pathways with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Good GCSEs, strong customer service skills, and ability to handle complex cases.
The predicted salary is between 34388 - 37589 £ per year.
We're looking for a Recovery Officer to join our Revenues team and play a key role in maximising the collection of Council Tax and Business Rates while supporting residents and businesses through financial challenges.
This is a rewarding and varied role where you'll manage a caseload of recovery accounts, apply legislation and professional judgement, and work closely with customers, enforcement agencies and internal partners to achieve positive outcomes.
If you have excellent customer service skills, a passion for problem solving and the ability to manage complex cases with professionalism and empathy, we'd love to hear from you.
As a Recovery Officer, you will be responsible for progressing Council Tax and Business Rates accounts through the recovery process, ensuring all actions are compliant with legislation, council policy and best practice.
You will handle a wide range of recovery activities, from managing payment arrangements and enforcement action through to dealing with more complex cases involving insolvency, bankruptcy, charging orders, Debt Relief Orders and Breathing Space regulations.
The role requires strong communication skills, sound decision-making and a customer-focused approach.
You'll work with residents, businesses and external agencies to maximise collection rates while identifying vulnerable customers and ensuring they receive appropriate support and advice.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of Council Tax and Business Rates recovery accounts.
- Progress recovery action in line with legislation and council procedures.
- Prepare and process court and post-court recovery work.
- Handle complex customer enquiries relating to recovery and enforcement action.
- Liaise with Enforcement Agents, court officers and other stakeholders.
- Administer technical recovery processes including insolvency, IVAs, Debt Relief Orders and charging orders.
- Conduct tracing and investigations to maximise revenue collection.
- Support vulnerable customers by identifying appropriate financial assistance and support services.
- Monitor payment arrangements and take timely action where necessary.
- Contribute to achieving service targets for collection, arrears reduction and income maximisation.
- Represent the Council at court hearings and tribunals when required.
- Hybrid working 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home
- Flexible working and Flexi-leave
- 29 Days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Excellent Pension Scheme
- Free Parking
- Training and development opportunities
- Payment of one professional membership per annum
- Cycle to work + further related discounts
- Season ticket loan
- Health insurance plan after 1 years’ service/Dental after 3 years' service
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Please note that Runnymede Borough Council is currently undertaking a pay and grading review, which is expected to be implemented during the summer.
The successful applicant will be appointed under the Council’s current grading and salary structure and, following implementation of the new framework, will be assimilated into the revised pay structure in line with all existing employees.
This grading in the new pay structure for this role will be RBC4 (£34,388 - £37,589)
About You
We're looking for someone who can combine strong customer service skills with the ability to interpret legislation and make informed decisions. You will have:
- Good GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
- Experience working with a variety of IT systems.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. A flexible and adaptable approach.
- Excellent customer care skills.
- Experience working in a busy office environment.
- Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, complex legislation.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- A collaborative and team-focused approach.
- Self-motivation and a proactive attitude.
- Interview Date: 21st August 2026
- About Runnymede
Runnymede is an ambitious, passionate, and progressive council with a forward- thinking attitude and award-winning departments.
As a Borough Council, we are committed to our core values which we demonstrate through our ongoing policies and projects.
We continually strive to improve our services and welcome innovative and proactive individuals who are open minded and have a positive approach in supporting our vision.
From March 2027, Runnymede Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey Unitary Council as part of the Local Government Reorganisation across Surrey.
West Surrey will bring together the full range of local government services under one organisation, creating simpler, more efficient and more responsive services for our communities.
As one of the largest unitary authorities in the country, West Surrey will serve a diverse population across a region with a strong economy, vibrant communities, and significant opportunities for growth and innovation.
The scale and variety of our work will provide a wide range of career pathways, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to shaping an ambitious, modern, resident‑focused council.
It is an exciting time to join us as we build West Surrey together.
Runnymede Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults with care support needs and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
You may be requested to present your identification at the interview stage and there will be several checks conducted during the onboarding process inclusive of an enhanced DBS check for specified roles.
We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.
All submitted information whether supported by AI or not must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience, and qualifications.
Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.
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Recovery Officer in Addlestone employer: Runnymede
Runnymede Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises teamwork and exceptional customer service. With generous benefits such as 29 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and health insurance after one year, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recovery Officer in Addlestone
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Recovery Officer in Addlestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Runnymede and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Runnymede
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Runnymede, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Runnymede.
