At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to maximise council revenue and support those in financial difficulty.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, a top-rated local authority in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and free gym access.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant area with excellent transport links and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in local taxation and debt recovery, with strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
This job is an excellent opportunity for a Senior Recovery Officer to join our Recovery Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a Full-time, Permanent basis. As Senior Recovery Officer, you will proactively maximise collection of Council Tax and Business Rates revenue, housing benefit overpayments, and sundry debt by utilising the most appropriate recovery methods. Representing the council at Magistrates Court hearings, you will lead and motivate a team of Recovery Officers while supporting those in financial difficulty through housing benefit, council tax reduction, or appropriate advice and welfare support.
You'll manage a complex portfolio including attachment of earnings, charging orders, and enforcement agent instructions, while supervising a team of 12 across Local Taxation, Adult Social Care, and Sundry Debts. Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders including Enforcement Agents, Collection Agents, CAB, and voluntary sectors, you will ensure cases for Court Hearings are prepared in accordance with the law and good practice guidelines, while maintaining accurate customer records and effective system controls.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an organised, tenacious, and professionally qualified individual with experience in local taxation and debt recovery, particularly in supervising teams, to join our team.
Staff Benefits
- Generous Annual Leave – 28 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- GP Helpline – Available 7 days a week
- Employee Assistance Programme – Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
- Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
- Free Onsite Gym – Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes – Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes
- Local & Lifestyle Discounts – Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
- Move through Menopause Course
- Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more
- Learning & Development Opportunities
- Employee Networks
- And more!
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Recovery Manager in the day‑to‑day management of the Recovery Team – this includes Revenues (Council Tax & Business Rates), Adult Social Care Debt and Sundry Debt.
- Lead, supervise and motivate staff to ensure that all tasks are carried out in an effective and efficient manner.
- Maximise income for the Local Authority via various recovery strategies.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist with the day‑to‑day administration of the Recovery Team, maintaining accurate and up to date customer records and effective controls over the systems employed.
- Work to targets and KPIs.
- Ensure that cases for Court Hearings have been selected in accordance with the law and good practice guidelines and that the Hearings run smoothly.
Candidate Requirements
- Evidence of continuous professional development.
- Excellent understanding of Council Tax, Business Rates, Adult Social Care and Sundry Debts legislation, regulations and working practices, particularly in relation to Recovery and Enforcement.
- Ability to take ownership and manage own workload to meet the demands of the service.
- Experience working in a Local Taxation, Adult Social Care and Sundry debts environment.
- Able to demonstrate the ability to lead and manage a team.
Our Area
Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money. Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We're home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
Contact
If you wish to discuss the role informally, you can contact Becky Mortimer‑Browne, Service Manager – Revenues & Recovery, at Becky.Mortimer-Browne@wokingham.gov.uk.
Closing Date Sunday 14th June 2026 at 11pm
Interview Date TBC
AI in Applications
We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation. However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.
Equal Opportunities
Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
Senior Recovery Officer in Wokingham employer: Wokingham Jobs
Wokingham Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, a Local Government Pension Scheme, and access to a free onsite gym, employees are encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The council's commitment to community service and its recognition as one of the most productive councils in England make it a rewarding place to work for those looking to make a meaningful impact in local governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Recovery Officer in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Wokingham Borough Council and understand their values, mission, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to local taxation and debt recovery. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of a Senior Recovery Officer. Practice articulating your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and ready to take the next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Recovery Officer in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in local taxation and debt recovery. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Recovery Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Recovery Officer, you'll be leading a team. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've motivated teams in the past. We love seeing examples of how you’ve made a positive impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your responses are easy to read and directly address the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wokingham Jobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Council Tax, Business Rates, and the relevant legislation. Brush up on your knowledge of recovery methods and enforcement practices, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Recovery Officer, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing and motivating teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a project or improved team performance.
✨Prepare for Court Scenarios
Since you'll represent the council at Magistrates Court hearings, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of court procedures. Consider preparing a few scenarios where you had to prepare cases for court and how you ensured compliance with legal guidelines.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to talk about your experience working with various stakeholders, such as Enforcement Agents and voluntary sectors. Highlight any successful partnerships you've built and how they benefited your previous roles.
