Business Support Officer
Location: Follaton House, TQ9 5NE
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 2+ months
Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00, 37 Hours per week
Pay Rate: £14.82 per hour
Job Ref: (phone number removed)
Job Responsibilities
Maintain and protect the Council’s Business Rates by establishing liability and managing collection and enforcement.
Provide advice about Business Rates to customers.
Keep the Rating List and Valuation List accurate.
Update the Council’s systems with information from various sources.
Assess and bill Business Rates, applying necessary reliefs and exemptions.
Assist in billing and recovery, handling customer inquiries via email, phone, or in person.
Explain how rateable value changes affect payments.
Manage empty properties by coordinating with agents and property owners.
Refer properties for inspection as needed.
Coordinate with the Valuation Office Agency for Rating List updates.
Process applications for rate relief per legislation and Council policies.
Promote direct debit payments.
Provide technical advice and attend court hearings if required.
Maximize revenue collection for the Council.
Prioritize tasks to meet service targets and collection rates.
Negotiate and arrange debt payments.
Initiate enforcement actions when necessary.
Report suspected fraudulent applications for further investigation.
Support projects aimed at improving service delivery.
Person Specifications
Must Have:
Minimum 5 GCSEs including Maths and English, or equivalent experience.
Experience in Revenues or a similar field.
Knowledge of business rates legislation and enforcement processes.
Experience with customer service, especially in challenging situations.
Effective communication skills.
Ability to understand and apply complex legislation.
Proficient in using ICT and Microsoft applications.
Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
Commitment to excellent customer service.
Nice to Have:
Experience with NEC and Information at Work software.
Experience with Revenues and Benefits software.
Ability to challenge valuation decisions.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Team player who can work independently.
DISCLAIMER: By applying for this vacancy, you consent to your personal information being shared with our client and any relevant third parties we engage with, for the purpose of assessing your suitability for the role. You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to inform i-Jobs in advance if there are any specific organizations or hirers to whom you do not wish your details to be disclosed