At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage Council Tax billing, collection, and recovery while resolving customer queries.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, a leading local authority in London with a commitment to community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, pension, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to tackling inequalities and improving lives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, strong communication, and organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28044 - 34276 £ per year.
Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues such as The Shard, The Tate Modern and Borough Market along with conservation areas, historic buildings, social enterprises and a young, diverse, and growing population. At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities.
We have an exciting opportunity to join our award-winning Income Operations team, within our Customer and Exchequer Services division. As a Revenues Officer, you’ll be at the heart of delivering a high-quality, customer-focused service primarily within the Council Tax section of the Council’s Income Operations team. You’ll take ownership of a caseload involving the billing, collection, and recovery of Council Tax helping to ensure accuracy in our databases and that income owed to the council is efficiently managed and recovered in line with legislation and council policies.
In this varied and fast-paced role, you’ll investigate and resolve complex queries, update customer accounts, and ensure entitlement to discounts and exemptions is correctly applied. You’ll also take appropriate collection and enforcement actions, including representing the council in court when needed. Through clear, professional communication and careful decision-making, you’ll support customers in understanding their liabilities and payment options. Your work will also contribute to continuous service improvement by identifying trends, supporting audit processes, and helping maintain robust performance and quality assurance standards.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage a caseload for the billing, collection, and recovery of Council Tax and other local taxation in line with legislation and council policies.
- Provide expert advice and clear communication to customers, resolving complex queries and maintaining accurate account records.
- Identify and apply relevant discounts, exemptions, and reductions, ensuring fair and consistent decision-making.
- Take appropriate recovery action, including court representation and liaison with enforcement agents and legal services.
- Analyse data, contribute to service improvements, and support the preparation of government returns and audit requirements.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to support performance targets and ensure quality service delivery.
What We're Looking For:
- In-depth knowledge of revenues legislation and relevant regulations.
- GCSEs (or equivalent experience) including English and Maths.
- Strong background in revenues administration, ideally in a delivery-focused role.
- Confident communicator with the ability to advise customers clearly and effectively.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
- Strong IT skills including databases, spreadsheets, and case management systems.
- Proven experience dealing with the public in challenging situations.
- Ability to analyse complex issues, spot patterns, and resolve problems efficiently.
If you choose to apply, please complete your Supporting Statement focusing on the criteria contained within the Job Description’s Person Specification that is marked as ‘S’ for ‘Shortlisting’.
In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members.
Key Benefits:
- Competitive Salary & Pension: Rewarding your hard work with a great package.
- Growth Opportunities: Access extensive training and development, both internally and externally to progress.
Closing Date: 20/11/2026
Shortlisting Date: 23/11/2026
Interview Date: W/C 07/12/2026
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday (36hrs per week)
Location: Tooley Street, SE1 2QH
Type of Contract: Permanent
A Basic DBS is required for this role.
Southwark Council will only contact candidates through official Council recruitment channels. We will not ask you to provide passport details, proof of address, National Insurance number, bank details or payment at application stage.
This vacancy is subject to the council’s redeployment arrangements. Eligible redeployees will be considered first, and the vacancy may be withdrawn if a suitable redeployee is appointed.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people.
Be a part of something bigger and more rewarding! Apply now to transform lives in your community.
Revenues Officer employer: Southwark Council
Southwark Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration. As a Legal Disrepair Specialist, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while benefiting from a range of professional growth opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance in a vibrant London location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Revenues Officer
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Southwark Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Southwark Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Revenues Officer
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 Southwark Council 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 Southwark Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Southwark Council, 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 Southwark Council.
