3-4 months contract with a local authority

Job Purpose

This role is the strategic and operational lead on all matters relating to the Revenues and Benefits Service encompassing Council Tax, Non Domestic Business Rates, and Housing Benefits. Ensuring that the customer is at the heart of our services. Delivering high-performing, well-managed Revenues and Benefits services and that the Council’s policy objectives in relation to Revenues and Benefits are determined and met.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

Council’s Lead technical expert on all matters relating to Council Tax, Business Rates & Benefits
Help formulate Council Policy in relation to these Services, working with Councillors (and having delegated powers directly from Councillors) and monitor adherence to policy
Appoint, monitor and contract manage contractors who run much of the Council Tax, Business Rates & Benefits Service
Appoint, monitor and manage other agents and staff who help in the billing, appropriation and collection and maximisation of the Council’s income (External collection Agents, Rates finding Agent, Cashiering, banking, Invoicing & Credit Control functions)
Ensure all central government returns are completed correctly and on time (Benefits Subsidy returns are necessary to achieve approx. £40 million per annum and Council Tax and Business Rate returns ensure the correct accounting of over £300 million of income per annum).

Essential Experience Required

Wide breadth of senior management experience and extensive knowledge in the Revenues & Benefits sector
Ideally educated to degree level or equivalent experience relevant to the role description
Full Institute of Revenues and Rating Qualification
Experience of developing synergies and partnerships within organisations and with external partners
General senior management skills to drive services and ensure the strategic direction of the Council is effected on a value added basis and motivational style
Significant financial knowledge of managing high value budgets
Requires ability to produce written communication to customers, reports to Directors, Corporate Board and Members and be able to compile and negotiate Service Level agreements.

Essential Qualification Required

Ideally educated to Degree level and or possess an Institute of Revenues Rating & Valuation (IRRV) qualification or Snr Manager/specialist experience in the field of Revenue and Bens.

Additional information to note

Head of Service Revenues and Benefits