What's involved with this role: Job Title: Business Support Officer Ref: S Hams 5279229 Pay rate: £14.82 per hour PAYE Role length: Anticipated 2 months Working arrangements: This role can be fully remote but you need to be flexible to attend the office if required DBS requirement: DBS may be required The role: We are looking for a Business Support Officer for a temporary short-term cover to help the Business Rates team. You must be familiar with NEC Northgate revenues system and the processing of National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) schedules including interest calculations as well as being competent with dealing with customers via the telephone, post and online correspondence. Key responsibilities: Maintain the systems through information received from customers, agents, internal departments and external agencies Assess liability for Business Rates and correctly bill including applying appropriate reliefs and exemptions Assist in all stages of the billing and recovery process including dealing with customer enquiries which arise by email, telephone, letter or in person Understand and be able to explain to customers how changes in rateable value impact the amount they are required to pay Ensure the effective administration of empty properties by making necessary proactive enquiries with estate agents, solicitors and property owners Identify and refer properties needing a visit to the Revenues Inspections Officers Liaise with the Valuation Office Agency regarding amendments to the Rating List and ensure that all schedules and transitional relief certificates are actioned promptly, thus ensuring the Council’s rateable value is accurate and income from Business Rates is fully realised Ensure all amendments to the Valuation List are actioned accurately and promptly so the Council’s income from Council Tax is accurate and fully realised Assess applications for mandatory and discretionary rate relief in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1988 and Council policy guidance and procedures Promote payment by direct debit Provide technical advice to/attend court hearings with the Councils’ representative and discuss cases and offer advice and guidance to business ratepayers who may attend Negotiate and make arrangements to discharge debt owed to the Councils, including determining the most appropriate payment method for the business rate payer and the Councils What the client is looking for: Minimum 5 GCSEs or equivalent, including Maths and English, or equivalent work experience Experience of working in Revenues or a similar environment Good working knowledge of business rates legislation and best practice including the enforcement process Experience of using Revenues and Benefits software including an electronic document management system Effective communication skills, both verbal and written Ability to constructively challenge the way the service works and contribute new ideas Ability to understand and apply complex and changing legislation Proactive approach to work and committed to providing excellent customer service Proficient in the use of ICT including Microsoft applications and specialist systems How to Apply: Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application. Submit your CV in Word format. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early submission is recommended. We will also add your details to our mail out lists. Please note you may receive details of roles outside of your immediate vicinity, as many candidates are able to relocate temporarily for work. Please disregard any such emails that are not of interest and let us know if you would rather not receive such mailouts and/or if you wish us to delete your details and prefer to apply direct to our advertised roles. If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us. Please quote the Job Title & Vacancy Reference No. in your application, or we will be unable to match your CV to the role being applied for. JE Please note that clients invariably ask us to strip out contact details from CVs before we submit them for consideration. This is always quicker and easier to do if you send your CV to us in Word format, rather than as a PDF please.