You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like public administration or business administration, although it's not essential.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Business and Administration.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

You can get into this job through a revenue and welfare benefits practitioner higher apprenticeship.

This typically takes around 12 months to complete and is a mix of workplace learning and study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You could start as an administrative assistant and work your way up with training on the job. For example, by taking courses offered by the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation.

You can apply directly for jobs. Employers will expect you to have:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths
• experience in customer service, especially in accounts and finance, or in local government

Some employers may ask you to sit assessment tests to check that you have the skills needed for the job.

If you are a graduate, you can apply for a place on the Local Government Association National Graduate Development Programme.

You'll need:

• administration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work on your own
• business management skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

• calculate rents, council tax and business rates
• send out bills and reminders
• collect and process payments
• recover rent and council tax arrears
• arrange legal action against debtors
• get money back from customers who have been overpaid
• attend court

You could work in an office.