Local government revenues officer

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Benefits officer

Revenues and benefits officers work for local councils and deal with housing benefits, rents, council tax and business rates.

Salary Range: £16,000 to £36,000

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You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
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You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like public administration or business administration, although it’s not essential.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Business and Administration.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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You can get into this job through a revenue and welfare benefits practitioner higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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You could start as an administrative assistant and work your way up with training on the job. For example, by taking courses offered by the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation.

Direct application

You can apply directly for jobs. Employers will expect you to have:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths
  • experience in customer service, especially in accounts and finance, or in local government

Some employers may put you through assessment tests to check that you have the skills needed for the job.

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Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

  • administration skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work on your own
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
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Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks as a revenues officer may include:

  • calculating rents, council tax and business rates
  • sending bills and reminders
  • collecting and processing payments
  • recovering arrears of rent or council tax
  • arranging legal action against debtors
  • getting money back from customers who have been overpaid
  • attending court

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client’s home.

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With experience and qualifications you could progress into more senior roles, including fraud investigations or property valuation.

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