Senior Arrears Prevention and Recovery Officer (Finance)

TL;DR

Senior Arrears Prevention and Recovery Officer (Finance): Managing income services and leading a team to achieve top-quartile arrears recovery in social housing with an accent on service improvement and data-driven performance. Focus on reducing rent arrears, implementing housing legislation, and mentoring staff to enhance operational efficiency.

Location: Onsite in Romford, United Kingdom

Salary: £49,056 – £53,172 per annum

Company

The hirify.global is a local government authority serving the easternmost borough of London, focused on delivering high-quality services for its residents.

What you will do

• Lead and manage a team consisting of Arrears Prevention and Recovery Officers, Financial Inclusion Officers, and Sundry Debt Officers.
• Drive service improvements to achieve top-quartile performance in arrears recovery.
• Provide direct oversight and decision-making for highly complex debt and recovery cases.
• Utilize data and technology to redesign services and maximize recovery efficiency.
• Mentor staff and develop their professional capabilities to support career progression.
• Collaborate with colleagues at all levels within a complex political and service environment.

Requirements

• Minimum of two years’ experience leading income recovery, credit control, or financial inclusion teams in social housing or local authority settings.
• Proven track record of reducing debt and rent arrears to support the Housing Revenue Account.
• Expert knowledge of housing legislation, debt management, and welfare benefit processes.
• Strong people management skills with experience in motivating staff and handling performance issues.
• Proven experience using data and technology to drive service redesign and performance.
• A degree or professional housing qualification (e.g., CIH) is preferred.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive salary and a generous Local Government Pension scheme.
• 26 days’ annual leave, increasing to 29 days after 5 years of service.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Supportive, approachable, and visible leadership team.
• Agile and modern working environment within a forward-thinking council.