Welcome

Introduction
Revenues officers are responsible for the administration, collection and recovery of Council Tax liabilities within a local authority. The role is essentially that of a financial administrator. 

Work Environment
The work is generally undertaken within an office setting but may also include regular visits to members of the public in relation to specific issues related to the assessment and collection of Council Tax.

Daily Activities
The role can cover a wide range of responsibilities and includes such elements as discounts, billing, collection and recovery, and may include responsibility for the necessary legal action (i.e. liability orders, committal etc.) through the Magistrate's Courts including action by the use of bailiffs. Officers are also required to provide interpretation and advice to debtors, make attachment of earnings orders, and deal with correspondence and general enquiries from the public.

Skills & Interests
Revenues officers need to have the ability to interpret complex information and have a thorough understanding of the legislative requirements in respect of Council Tax.  Previous experience of working in public finance would be a distinct advantage.  The post involves the use of various IT systems and software packages therefore applicants need to be computer literate and possess good keyboard skills.  Good communication skills and a customer care approach are also required.

Entry Requirements
As the role is chiefly administrative based, relevant qualifications are the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation or BTEC/BTEC Higher in Public Administration or Finance or the equivalent NVQ Level.  You will therefore need to satisfy the entry requirements for acceptance on the above courses of study as well as possessing a working knowledge of Council Tax and Business Rates.

Future prospects & opportunities
Management posts are available within this area of work and there are opportunities to specialise in particular aspects of the work e.g. appeals and court work.

Further Information & Services
HM Revenue & Customs www.hmrc.gov.uk
Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation www.irrv.net
Revenue Management Society www.revenuemanagement.org.uk
The Revenue Society www.revenuesociety.org.uk

You may find further information about this area of work through Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or in your local library, careers office or school careers library.