Job title: Council Tax Officer
Responsible To: Council Tax Team Leader
Job Purpose:
To be a member of a team administering Council Tax billing and collection but with no direct cash-handling. Authorising and processing complex discounts and exemptions. Dealing directly with customers and other professional bodies in advice, data gathering and research. Proper use of office and computer equipment. Correct handling of confidential information.
Key Responsibilities:
- Administration of Council Tax billing and collection according to current law, best practice and internal policies and procedures.
- Providing a high standard of Customer Service in accordance with Customer Standards
- Undertake research and liaise with other officers and external agencies in order to correctly apply and authorise charges, discounts, exemptions and refunds and any other notified change, including notifications from the Valuation Office or Property Inspector.
- Negotiate and make arrangements with customers by phone, digitally or in person for prompt payment of Council Tax up to pre-liability order stage and liaise with the Transactional Finance team at post liability order stage.
- Take direct payments by debit/credit card from bill payers, maintaining confidentiality of account details at all times.
- Process and issue bills, reminders, refunds and summonses promptly and accurately and update systems, and manual records as appropriate according to internal procedures.
- May assist with the preparation and evidence for court hearings and other complex cases and provide relevant information to the court officer.
- Undertake processing of direct debits accurately including cancelled and unpaid direct debits and credit balance reports resulting in refunds or transfers.
- Assist with the support of new staff and contribute to new procedures, initiatives and projects as required.
- Keep accurate records ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act by protecting all confidential information held and not disclosing personal information without the written consent of the data subject.
- Work in a safe manner following all health & safety procedures, including not putting yourself or others at risk by your actions or omissions.
The post holder is required to carry out any other duties appropriate for the grade and responsibility level of the post.
The post holder will be required to comply with relevant legislation and in accordance with the Council’s policies and procedures.
The post holder will be employed under the NJC Conditions of Service for Local Government Services.
Last Updated on Tuesday, April 8, 2025