Council Tax Officer

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Luton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority organization in Luton is looking for a Council Tax Officer to manage billing and collections. The ideal candidate will have experience in a high-volume billing environment and strong communication skills. Responsibilities include processing amendments, managing Direct Debits, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. This role requires a detail-oriented individual capable of providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in an office using manual and computerised systems.
• Ability to handle upset or distressed customers.
• Knowledge of billing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for billing and collection of Council Tax.
• Process amendments and manage Direct Debits.
• Maintain accurate customer and billing records.

Skills

Office experience

High-volume billing experience

Strong communication skills

Data entry accuracy

Numeracy skills

Education

IRRV Technician qualification or equivalent

Job description

Contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary

• The Council Tax Officer will work as part of the team responsible for the effective billing, administration and collection of Council Tax.
• The role involves processing amendments, managing Direct Debits, handling correspondence, determining eligibility for discounts and exemptions, and maintaining accurate customer and billing records.
• The post-holder will ensure compliance with statutory requirements, contribute to performance targets, and provide a high standard of customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Key Duties / Accountabilities (Sample)

• Process credit balance reports, action refunds, manage suspense items and complete financial transfers.
• Set up, amend and cancel Direct Debits for Council Tax in line with agreed procedures.
• Produce and issue bills, amendments and correspondence relating to occupation changes, banding, discounts, exemptions and payment method adjustments.
• Update and maintain manual and computerised records to agreed accuracy and timeliness targets.
• Handle incoming correspondence, emails and telephone enquiries, ensuring outstanding items are followed up promptly.
• Assist in the determination and renewal of statutory reliefs, discounts and exemptions.
• Refer void properties and suspected exemption cases to Visiting Officers.
• Update the Council Tax list, ensuring accuracy and reconciliation with Valuation Officer totals.
• Contribute to local and national performance indicators (e.g., collection rates, response times and letter turnaround).
• Carry out any additional duties commensurate with the post.

Skills / Experience

• Experience working in an office environment using manual and computerised systems.
• Experience working within a high-volume billing environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally with a wide range of customers.
• Ability to use tact and sensitivity when dealing with customers who may be upset, distressed or angry.
• Competent in accurate data entry and record maintenance.
• Ability to plan, organise and manage own workload to meet targets and deadlines.
• Numeracy skills: able to add, subtract, multiply and divide accurately.
• Knowledge of high-volume billing procedures.
• Some understanding of equality principles and their relevance in customer-facing services.

Additional Information

• The closing date: 28 / 11 / 2025.
• IRRV Technician qualification or working towards it, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Location: Luton Borough Council (LBC), Population Wellbeing Directorate.