Debt Recovery Officer - Local Authority

About the company

Berkshire - Hybrid Working* Reed Public Sector is delighted to be supporting a Local Authority in Berkshire in their search for an experienced Debt Recovery Officer** to join their team on an initial 3-month temporary contract.

Your tasks

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced debt recovery or income collection professional to play a key role in maximising income recovery while supporting residents and maintaining excellent customer service standards.

As a Debt Recovery Officer, you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of outstanding debts, recovering arrears, negotiating payment arrangements, and ensuring all recovery action is carried out in accordance with relevant legislation and council policies.

• Manage a caseload of overdue accounts and outstanding debts.
• Contact customers via telephone, email, and written correspondence to recover unpaid balances.
• Negotiate realistic repayment plans and monitor ongoing arrangements.
• Assess customer circumstances and provide appropriate support and guidance.
• Maintain accurate records and update case management systems.
• Liaise with internal departments, legal teams, and external agencies where required.
• Prepare documentation for legal proceedings and enforcement action where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with debt recovery policies, procedures, and relevant legislation.
• Support the council's income collection targets while delivering a customer-focused service.

Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Previous experience in Debt Recovery, Income Recovery, Revenues, Credit Control, Housing Income, or a similar role.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• The ability to handle sensitive and challenging conversations professionally.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Experience using financial, revenues, or case management systems.
• A proactive and solution-focused approach to debt collection.
• Experience working within a Local Authority, Housing Association, or wider Public Sector environment is desirable.

How to apply

alternatively contact Muzna Naqvi at Reed Reading office

Other

Debt Recovery Officer £15.69 - £17.53 per hour PAYE Initial 3-Month Contract