Council Tax Officer

3-month contract with a Local Authority

Umbrella Rate: £27.00 per hour umbrella

Summary

• We are seeking an experienced Council Tax Billing Officer to support the Revenues team. You will be responsible for the accurate and timely processing of Council Tax billing, ensuring compliance with complex legislation, maximizing collection, and delivering a high level of customer service to residents.
  

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain Council Tax accounts, processing changes in liability, billing amendments, and account updates.
  
• Assess and process applications and reviews for discounts, exemptions, disregards, and Council Tax Reduction schemes.
  
• Apply Council Tax legislation and case law to ensure accurate account determination and maximize collection.
  
• Set up various payment methods, ensuring compliance with direct debit rules.
  
• Respond to customer enquiries and provide expert advice via telephone, email, written correspondence, and face-to-face interviews.
  
• Liaise with internal departments and external stakeholders to provide a high-quality, customer-focused service.
  

Experience

• Recent experience working within a Local Authority Council Tax Billing or Revenues team.
  
• Experience processing discounts, exemptions, disregards, and Council Tax Reduction schemes.
  
• Experience using MRI Revenues & Benefits (formerly Academy) is essential (knowledge of Capita or Northgate is desirable).
  
• Proven ability to prioritize large volumes of complex work to meet tight deadlines and targets while maintaining accuracy.
  

Qualifications

• English and Maths GCSE grade C or above (or proven literacy and numeracy skills).
  
• Strong knowledge of Council Tax legislation and billing processes.
  
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to make difficult decisions showing tact and diplomacy.
  
• Strong ICT skills, including Microsoft Office.
  

Additional Information

• Working hours: 37 Hours Per Week.
  
• We work on a biweekly payment schedule.
  
• Contract expected to run for 3 months initially, with potential extension.
  
• This is a Hybrid role (1-2 days per week on-site) based in Northampton.