Business Rates Officer – Revenues & Benefits Location: South East London Pay Rate: £29.85 per hour (Umbrella) – Paid Weekly Contract: 3 Months Ongoing Working Pattern: Hybrid – 3 Days Remote, 2 Days Office-Based Department: Resident and Business Services Job OverviewWe are currently recruiting for an experienced Business Rates Officer to join a busy Revenues & Benefits team within a local authority in South East London. The successful candidate will be responsible for administering and collecting Business Rates (NNDR), ensuring accurate billing, maintaining accounts and providing a high standard of customer service to businesses and ratepayers.
Key Responsibilities
Administer and maintain Business Rates accounts, ensuring accurate billing, adjustments and account updates.
Process changes in liability, including new occupiers, changes of ownership and vacant properties.
Assess and apply Business Rates reliefs, discounts and exemptions in accordance with relevant legislation.
Manage Business Rates enquiries from businesses, ratepayers and other stakeholders.
Investigate account discrepancies and resolve complex billing and liability issues.
Monitor outstanding Business Rates balances and support recovery and enforcement procedures.
Issue bills, reminders, final notices and other statutory correspondence where appropriate.
Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
Liaise with internal departments, external agencies and businesses to resolve enquiries and disputes.
Support the wider Revenues & Benefits team in achieving collection targets and maintaining service standards.
Essential Requirements
Previous experience working as a Business Rates Officer or NNDR Officer within a local authority.
Strong knowledge of Business Rates legislation, billing, collection and recovery procedures.
Experience processing Business Rates reliefs, exemptions and liability changes.
Ability to manage a varied caseload and work to deadlines.
Good communication skills, with experience handling complex customer enquiries.
Experience using a local authority revenues system, such as NEC Revenues & Benefits or Civica, would be advantageous.
Additional Information
Initial 3-month contract with potential for extension.
Hybrid working arrangement offering 3 days working from home and 2 days in the office.
£29.85 per hour, paid weekly via umbrella company.
If you have previous experience in Business Rates administration within a local authority and are interested in this opportunity, please apply with your most up-to-date CV. Please note: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via telephone or email.