Local government revenues officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like public administration or business administration, although it's not essential.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Business and Administration.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a revenue and welfare benefits practitioner higher apprenticeship.

This typically takes around 12 months to complete and is a mix of workplace learning and study.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an administrative assistant and work your way up with training on the job. For example, by taking courses offered by the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation .

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs. Employers will expect you to have:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths
• experience in customer service, especially in accounts and finance, or in local government

Some employers may ask you to sit assessment tests to check that you have the skills needed for the job.

OtherRoutes

If you are a graduate, you can apply for a place on the Local Government Association National Graduate Development Programme .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• administration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work on your own
• business management skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• knowledge of English language
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• thinking and reasoning skills
• a desire to help people
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Revenues and benefits officers work for local councils and deal with housing benefits, rents, council tax and business rates.

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

• calculate rents, council tax and business rates
• send out bills and reminders
• collect and process payments
• recover rent and council tax arrears
• arrange legal action against debtors
• get money back from customers who have been overpaid
• attend court

Location : You could work in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £17,500
Experienced : £37,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience and qualifications you could progress into senior roles, including fraud investigations, property valuation or management.