At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to manage and collect personal and commercial debts.
- Company: Thurrock Council, a forward-thinking local authority on the River Thames.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Confident communicator with knowledge of debt collection processes.
The predicted salary is between 29253 - 32736 £ per year.
Situated on the River Thames, Thurrock is an ambitious unitary with vision and opportunities for its residents and businesses. Thurrock’s Debt Management Team is a highly recognised service having been nominated twice for the IRRV (Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation) Most Improved Team of the Year Award and was in the finalists in 2012 and achieved a Bronze Award in 2013. The team are currently looking for a Recovery Officer to join this dynamic team.
You would be involved in the collection of personal and commercial debt totalling over £230m per year. We make collections on services such as Revenues and Benefits, Non-Domestic Rates, Trade Waste and Sundry debts. You will have a portfolio of accounts which will require a variety of contact streams including telephone calls, written enquiries, emails, face-to-face visits and attendances to Court.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Confidence to be able to manage difficult conversations
- A knowledge of debt collection processes
- A full knowledge and understanding of the Thurrock Fair Debt Policy
- Experience using negotiation skills
- Experience of communicating with members of the public
Benefits of Working with Us:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable to the role)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
DBS Check: At Basic level is required for this post.
Important Dates:
- Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 30th July 2026
- Closing Date (Internal & External): 16th August 2026
- Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
Additional Information: To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below: Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
Debt Recovery Officer in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact local governance and community development. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will receive comprehensive support in your role as a Political Assistant, fostering both professional and personal development. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Debt Recovery Officer in Grays
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Thurrock Council. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Thurrock Council.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Thurrock Council. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Debt Recovery Officer in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Thurrock Council and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Thurrock Council how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Thurrock Council.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Thurrock Council's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
