Customer Service Officer L1 - Āpiha Ratonga Kiritaki

New Zealand Government; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency is seeking a full-time Customer Service Officer in Canterbury. This role involves assisting diverse customers in understanding their obligations and guiding them through repayment options for overdue accounts. Applicants should have strong communication skills, a knack for problem-solving, and experience in customer service. The position offers a salary of $60,385 per annum with generous leave entitlements and ongoing training opportunities.

Benefits

Generous leave entitlements

Ongoing training and development

Financial wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service or contact centres is required.
• Interest or experience in debt recovery or financial hardship support is a plus.
• Confidence in negotiating debt collection over the phone.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for a diverse range of customers.
• Guide customers with overdue accounts through repayment options.
• Ensure effective contribution from day one in all service areas.

Skills

Clear and effective communication

Problem-solving

Empathy and understanding

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Customer service experience

Digital tools proficiency

Job description

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**About the role - Mō te Tūranga****About Inland Revenue - Mō te Tari Taake**Inland Revenue is the backbone of New Zealand's revenue system, collecting the funds that support essential services and programmes. Through a focus on excellent service and fair compliance, our work supports the country's economic strength and social wellbeing.As a Customer Service Officer based in **Christchurch**, you'll be part of a dynamic frontline team. Our work goes beyond tax - we help fund and deliver services that support people across Aotearoa. This role is about more than numbers; it's about people. You'll be the first point of contact for a diverse range of customers, helping them understand their obligations and get things right from the start.In this role, you'll take the time to understand each customer's unique situation and use your judgement to help them achieve the best outcomes. A key part of your role will involve working with customers who have overdue accounts, guiding them through repayment options, and taking fair and empathetic steps to recover outstanding debts.We support customers across six different service areas, each with its own unique mix of communication channels. Some teams operate as fast-paced phone contact centres, while others focus more on email and online messaging. By applying, you're expressing interest in all areas of our customer service network. Placement will be based on where your skills are most needed, ensuring you can contribute effectively from day one.We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and are looking for individuals who:* Communicate clearly and effectively* Solve problems with confidence and care* Show empathy and understanding* Adapt to different situations and people* Collaborate well in a team environment* Are comfortable using digital tools and systems* Pay attention to detail* Have experience in customer service or contact centres* Have an interest or experience in debt recovery or financial hardship support (a plus)* Have experience making outbound calls to negotiate debt collection and confidence in assessing financial positions* Ongoing training and development* Generous leave entitlements (annual, sick, parental)* A supportive, inclusive workplace culture* Financial wellbeing support, including payroll giving and KiwiSaver contributionsThis is a full-time role of 75 hours and 50 minutes per fortnight, worked between 8:00am and 6:15pm, Monday to Friday, with scheduled shifts based on business needs. The salary for this position is $60,385 per annum, with a start date of 2 March 2026.**How to apply - Me Pēhea te Tuku Tono****Apply online and attach your CV**. For questions, please email [e-mail] and one of our team members will be in touch after 5 January 2026.**Applications close on Sunday, 4 January 2026.*****Important note**: Our recruitment process includes a short video interview, cognitive test, face-to-face interview, and reference checks.***Cultural Commitment - Te Tautoko Ahurea**At IR, we work together to make a meaningful difference for all New Zealanders. We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and uphold the principles of democracy, equity, and service. Our values guide us in creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.| Location: | Canterbury || Category: | Customer services |