Revenues Officer – AR

Job Details

Job Description – Revenues Officer

Department: Finance / Revenues
Reports to: Senior Revenues Officer / Revenues Manager
Location: Office-based

Purpose of the Role

To ensure the accurate billing, collection, and recovery of Council Tax, Business Rates (NDR), and other sundry income in accordance with current legislation, council policies, and performance targets.

Key Responsibilities

Billing & Account Administration

  • Maintain and update Council Tax and Business Rates accounts, ensuring liability, discounts, exemptions, and reliefs are applied accurately.
  • Process amendments to accounts, including changes of occupancy and property status.
  • Generate bills, reminders, and recovery notices in line with statutory timescales.
  • Set up and maintain Direct Debit arrangements.
  • Issue sundry income invoices and process refunds where applicable.
  • Reconcile accounts and ensure all financial records are accurate and up to date.

Recovery & Enforcement

  • Monitor arrears and take appropriate recovery action in line with legislation and council procedures.
  • Negotiate and agree payment arrangements based on customers’ financial circumstances.
  • Prepare cases for court proceedings and attend Magistrates Court where required.
  • Liaise with enforcement agents (bailiffs) and external agencies to recover outstanding debts.
  • Identify cases for write-off and escalate appropriately.

Customer Service & Compliance

  • Respond to telephone, written, and face-to-face enquiries from customers and their representatives.
  • Provide clear advice on liability, recovery processes, and available support.
  • Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation governing Council Tax, Business Rates, and debt recovery.
  • Ensure compliance with data protection, health & safety, anti-fraud, and equality policies.
  • Report suspected fraud in line with council procedures.

Person Specification (Summary)

  • Experience in income collection, billing, or local authority revenues
  • Knowledge of Council Tax and/or Business Rates legislation
  • Strong numerical and IT skills
  • Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
  • Ability to manage workload to deadlines and follow procedures accurately