Head of Revenues and Benefits

Reading Borough Council is seeking an exceptional Head of Revenues and Benefits to lead one of the Council's most critical frontline and financial services. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, you will provide strategic leadership across Revenues and Benefits, ensuring the effective collection of vital income, delivery of statutory services and continuous improvement of service performance.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

You will act as the Council's senior specialist adviser on Revenues and Benefits matters, providing expert advice to elected members, senior officers and corporate leadership teams. You'll play a key role in maximising income collection, maintaining financial resilience and ensuring the Council's services remain responsive to changing legislation, policy and resident needs.

• Lead and develop the Revenues and Benefits Service, driving a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Provide strategic advice to Members, the Chief Executive, Executive Directors and senior leaders on Revenues and Benefits matters.
• Ensure effective administration of Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
• Maximise collection rates across all income streams and advise on strategies to strengthen the Collection Fund.
• Lead the delivery of the annual Housing Benefit subsidy claim and maximise government grant income.
• Oversee debt recovery, write-off arrangements and implementation of the Corporate Debt Policy.
• Ensure robust performance management arrangements are in place to improve service outcomes and customer experience.
• Lead service transformation, process improvements and systems development initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with organisations including the Department for Work and Pensions, Valuation Office Agency, IRRV and CIPFA.
• Manage significant budgets, contracts and partnerships to ensure value for money and high-quality service delivery.

About you

We're looking for a strategic and innovative leader with significant experience in Revenues and Benefits services.

• Qualified member of the IRRV with evidence of continuing professional development.
• At least five years' experience successfully leading a Revenues and/or Benefits service within a comparable organisation.
• Extensive knowledge of Revenues and Benefits legislation, policy and service delivery.
• Demonstrable experience delivering significant service improvement and organisational change.
• Strong leadership experience managing large teams within complex environments.
• Proven experience of managing substantial budgets and financial resources
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and drive informed decision-making.
• Outstanding communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to identify opportunities, innovate and deliver long-term service improvements

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading

Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively

Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential

Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Darren Carter, Director of Finance at Darren.Carter@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: 22nd November 2026

Interview Date: Week commencing 30th November 2026

Interview Process: Panel Interview via Microsoft Teams