The role
As a Revenues Officer, you’ll be at the heart of delivering a high-quality, customer-focused service primarily within the Business Rates section of the Council’s Income Operations team. You’ll take ownership of a caseload involving the billing, collection, and recovery of Business Rates, and BID levies, helping to ensure accuracy in our databases and that income owed to the council is efficiently managed and recovered in line with legislation and council policies. You may also be required to work on the billing, collection and recovery of Council Tax from time to time.
In this varied and fast-paced role, you’ll investigate and resolve complex queries, update customer accounts, and ensure entitlement to discounts and exemptions is correctly applied. You’ll also take appropriate collection and enforcement actions, including representing the council in court when needed. Through clear, professional communication and careful decision-making, you’ll support customers in understanding their liabilities and payment options.
Your work will also contribute to continuous service improvement by identifying trends, supporting audit processes, and helping maintain robust performance and quality assurance standards. Whether you’re engaging with customers, partner agencies, or internal teams, your commitment to delivering a responsive and accurate service will help the Revenues team meet its goals and make a meaningful difference to the wider organisation.
Key responsibilities:
1. Manage a caseload for the billing, collection, and recovery of Business Rates, BID levies and other local taxation in line with legislation and council policies.
2. Provide expert advice and clear communication to customers, resolving complex queries and maintaining accurate account records.
3. Identify and apply relevant discounts, exemptions, and reductions, ensuring fair and consistent decision-making.
4. Take appropriate recovery action, including court representation and liaison with enforcement agents and legal services.
5. Analyse data, contribute to service improvements, and support the preparation of government returns and audit requirements.
6. Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to support performance targets and ensure quality service delivery.
How will you make an impact as our Revenues Officer?
7. In-depth knowledge of revenues legislation and relevant regulations
8. GCSEs (or equivalent experience) including English and Maths
9. Strong background in revenues administration, ideally in a delivery-focused role
10. Confident communicator with the ability to advise customers clearly and effectively
11. Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
12. Strong IT skills including databases, spreadsheets, and case management systems
13. Proven experience dealing with the public in challenging situations
14. Ability to analyse complex issues, spot patterns, and resolve problems efficiently
Why Southwark?
Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues such as The Shard, The Tate Modern and Borough Market along with conservation areas, historic buildings, social enterprises and a young, diverse, and growing population.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals, and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark 2030 and Southwark Stands Together, underpins all that we do.
Additional details
Please note this role requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Basic level.
Employee benefits:
You’ll join a motivated, driven, and supportive team that values each of its members and strives for excellence. You’ll also be part of a successful, high-achieving service making a real difference to the lives of residents across the borough. In return for all your hard work, skills and experience, you will receive:
15. A competitive base salary (pro rata for part time staff)
16. Strong supportive senior management team
17. Regular one to one supervision
18. Professional development & training opportunities
19. Clear career development pathways
20. Agile and flexible working arrangements
21. Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
22. Season ticket and cycle loans
23. Annual Leave starting at 27 days per year, increasing to 35 (with length of service) (pro rata for part time staff)
24. Wellbeing programme
25. HSF Health plan and eye care scheme
26. EAP employee assistance programme, confidential counselling and support
27. Social clubs and staff groups
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
28. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
29. Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
30. If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.