Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for service improvement and a deep understanding of Revenues and Benefits systems? We’re looking for a Revenues and Benefits Control Manager to lead our Control Team in delivering high-quality, customer-focused IT and systems support across Council Tax, Housing Benefit, and Business Rates.

This is a pivotal role where you’ll ensure the smooth operation of critical systems, manage key relationships with IT providers, and drive continuous improvement through innovation and collaboration.

What’s the role?

This role requires the ideal candidate to have experience in working within a Revenues and Benefits environment using both the MRI Revenues and Benefits system and Enterprise (Information@Work). In addition, the following requirements would be desired.

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of all legislation relevant to the accurate administration of Housing Benefit, Council Tax and Business Rates.
• Excellent knowledge of Housing Benefit subsidy.
• Manage the team to ensure all staff carryout their duties and responsibilities as defined by their job description. Update the Business Rates Support & Development Manager on all system related issues pertaining to Housing Benefit, Council Tax, and Business Rates performance on a regular basis.
• Oversee the Revenues and Benefits year end reconciliation and annual billing process as directed. Ensure accurate bills and benefit award letters are produced in line with legislation.
• Manage all third-party contract relationships. Ensure rigorous monitoring of third-party contract performance by regularly reviewing KPIs, implementing regular reporting and performance reviews.
• Demonstrate good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Innovative thinking with the ability to generate new ideas and contribute to service improvements.
• Ensure qualitative and quantitative performance standards and targets are in place that meet expectations, highlight staff training needs, and support improvements and that performance against standards and targets is monitored, and, where appropriate, action is taken in line with the Council’s capability procedures.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

You are someone who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and brings a sharp eye for detail. You’re confident navigating complex situations and can communicate clearly and professionally with a wide range of people. You enjoy problem-solving, take ownership of your work, and are motivated by making a difference in your community. If you’re proactive, resilient, and ready to grow your expertise in local government finance - this role is for you.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

• The successful candidate will need to be highly motivated, able to work unsupervised and committed to early mornings, evening and weekend work when required, particularly at key times of the year.
• The job is subject to an Basic DBS check

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact John Organ - john.organ@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£52,269-£54,360 per annum (PO4)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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