Principal Local Taxation Officer

Are you an experienced Local Taxation professional looking for a new challenge within a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation? West Berkshire Council is seeking a Principal Local Taxation Officer to join our Revenues and Benefits team, reporting to the Revenues and Benefits Manager. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the effective delivery of local taxation services and play a key role in ensuring the financial sustainability of our Council.

The Role

As the Principal Local Taxation Officer, you will be responsible for:

• Leading and supervising a team of Local Taxation Officers, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of Council Tax registrations, discounts, exemptions, and cancellations.
• Overseeing the billing and collection of Council Tax, including the management of arrears and enforcement action.
• Providing expert advice and guidance on local taxation issues, both internally and externally.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, and Council policies.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of processes and procedures to improve service delivery.
• Producing accurate and meaningful management information and reports for senior management and elected members.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Extensive experience and knowledge of local taxation, specifically Council Tax.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with excellent attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders.
• Sound understanding of relevant legislation and regulations governing local taxation.
• Experience in managing change and driving service improvements.

 

West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as:

• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-21.00
• Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities 
• Generous Local Government pension scheme
• Family friendly policies
• A range of local discounts
• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
• You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service.

 

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jane Knight on 01635 519146 or email jane.knight@westberks.gov.uk.