Principal System Support Officer

Could you help us ensure the efficient running of the revenues and benefits systems, including managing over £250m in payments? We’re looking for an organised and motivated individual to join our systems team — a key part of the Council’s Revenues and Benefits service.

Supporting the Council Tax and Business Rates, Benefits & Financial Welfare, and Corporate Debt teams, you’ll help to administer and develop the Revenues and Benefits IT systems and maintain effective financial controls. You’ll also help to identify and implement improvements to systems and processes to ensure both operate in the most efficient manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the accurate and timely collection of Direct Debit payments, payment of benefit, and production of bills and recovery notices, in accordance with legislation.
• Develop, implement and update procedures and controls to meet the audit framework and liaise with accountants and auditors to assist with their work.
• Administer and develop the existing NEC systems and other associated systems in use within Revenues and Benefits, including testing and implementing new software releases.
• Identify opportunities for new or improved systems, processes and procedures, project managing the implementation of any such systems and designing associated procedures.
• Contribute to service plan objectives and participate in performance appraisals and development activities.
• Promote diversity, inclusion, and health and safety standards across all aspects of the role.

What we are Looking For

• Experience of systems administration within in a Benefits, Council Tax and Business Rates environment
• Experience of financial controls and reconciliations – including multiple large financial transactions.
• Educated to A-level or equivalent
• Excellent ICT skills in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Experience of working under pressure to meet strict deadlines
• Good attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of GDPR, equality and diversity, and safeguarding responsibilities.

The successful post holder will be subject to a Standard DBS check.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager please call Craig Back on 01634 333729

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. The salary you will be offered will be at level A. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:

Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.

Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.

Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

Finance are seeking a Principal System Support Officer to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

Important Information-

• Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria at level A which are essential for appointment to the role.

• Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK.

• For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

• Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

• We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.