Council Tax Officer / Revenues & Benefits Officer

neway international; Catford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Catford is seeking experienced Council Tax / Revenues & Benefits Officers to support their team during a busy period. You will handle customer enquiries in a call centre and contribute to the effective administration of Council Tax and other revenue streams. The ideal candidates will have strong knowledge of relevant legislation and excellent communication skills. This is a temporary position that offers valuable experience in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in Revenues & Benefits / Council Tax administration.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced call centre environment.

Responsibilities

• Administer Council Tax accounts in line with legislation.
• Maximise collection of debts according to financial procedures.
• Respond to enquiries via various channels.

Skills

Experience in Revenues & Benefits / Council Tax administration

Strong communication skills

Ability to handle complex queries

Strong IT skills

Tools

Civica

Job description

Lewisham Council is seeking four experienced Council Tax / Revenues & Benefits Officers (SO1) to join the Resident and Business Services team. This is a temporary assignment to support a peak in workload, ensuring the effective administration and collection of Council Tax and other revenue streams.

You will be part of a busy call centre team, handling customer enquiries, and during quieter periods, you will also support back‑office functions. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the Council's commitment to excellent customer service and efficient revenue collection.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer Council Tax accounts and other revenue streams in line with legislation
• Maximise collection of debts in accordance with financial procedures and statutory regulations
• Respond effectively to enquiries via telephone, letter, email, and face‑to‑face contact
• Process applications for discounts, exemptions, and reliefs, ensuring fraud prevention and detection
• Manage difficult queries and complaints, providing accurate and timely responses
• Liaise with Enforcement Agents, solicitors, and other external bodies to ensure effective collection
• Submit irrecoverable debts for write‑off in line with audit requirements
• Maintain accurate databases, records, and statistics to meet audit and accreditation standards
• Undertake proactive and outreach work to improve collection rates
• Mentor and support junior staff as required, contributing to training and service improvements
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, equal opportunities, and council policies

Qualifications

• Previous experience in Revenues & Benefits / Council Tax administration
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and procedures
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to handle complex queries and complaints
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced call centre environment and manage back‑office tasks
• Strong IT skills and experience using revenues systems (e.g., Civica) desirable
• Commitment to customer care, equality, and continuous professional development