Job Title: Council Tax Billing Officer
Location: Based at either Thetford, Melton, Lowestoft or March
Salary: £18,389 – £20,751 per annum (award pending)
Job Type: Full Time and Part Time, Permanent
Closing Date: 8th June 2020
Are you an enthusiastic, team player with a willingness to learn? If so, they would like to hear from you.
Be part of the successful Council Tax team to compile and maintain client records, verify eligibility for reductions (including Local Council Tax Reduction Schemes), make amendments and set up billing, collection of Council Tax. This will include daily telephone communication with the public and various Government bodies.
Purpose of the Role:
To work within a team responsible for the collection of Council Tax and the award of Council Tax Support
Responsibilities:
- To be familiar with Council Tax regulations, Local Council Tax Reduction schemes and current processes and procedures.
- Compiling and maintaining records regarding the occupation and ownership of property and Council Tax Reduction, ensuring that the correct information is extracted from letters, emails, claim forms, survey forms, service requests, etc.
- Determining applications for discounts, exemptions, disregards and reductions after gathering all relevant information and verifying the circumstances of the case.
- Using secure DWP systems to check, download and process confidential information.
- To assist in the review of all discounts, exemptions and reductions.
- Setting up different payment methods as required ensuring compliance with Direct Debit rules as necessary.
- To deal with customer correspondence and enquiries in person, by email, by telephone or by letter, providing an excellent, polite and courteous public service at all times.
- The role will require you to work on a rota basis to help cover incoming phone calls from the public.
- To deal with returned mail to ascertain new contact address, update systems and send copy demand notices etc.
- To monitor customer accounts in credit to ensure that the credit is genuine and is allocated appropriately to reduce arrears or refunded as necessary.
- To promote online services and support customers by offering assistance with online forms.
- To identify and refer cases where Council Tax Reductions may have been fraudulently claimed
- To maintain a high level of accuracy and productivity in order to achieve service targets
- To undertake any other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager commensurate with the grade.
Key Requirements:
- Team player and can work on own initiative
- Great communication skills – written and verbal
- Monitor client accounts to check payments received
- Excellent customer service skills
- Accurately update computer systems & records
- Keep up in a fast-paced partnership environment
- Liaise with other departments, Citizens Advice and Department for Work and Pensions
- Ability to work from home where necessary
- Could be required to travel to Thetford for training although a full programme of remote e-training is currently in place
- And above all enthusiasm!
What they offer in return:
- Competitive starting salary
- Career development opportunities
- Full training
- Flexible working
- Free car parking
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Rewards Package
Additional Note:
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people and they expect all employees to share this commitment. All employees must familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding Children and Young People and Guidelines for Working with Children and Young People policy.
Please click on the APPLY button and CHECK YOUR EMAILS to complete the attached application form.
Candidates with experience of: Council Tax Officer, Revenues Officer, Revenues Assistant, Revenues Collection, Finance Assistant, Finance Executive, Finance Officer, Accounts Officer, Local Government, IRRV, Data Entry, Council Tax Officer, Revenues Compliance Officer, Revenues Administrator, Revenues Manager, Revenues Recovery, Finance Administrator, Accounts Assistant, Accounts Receivable, Credit Control, will also be considered for this role.
