Business Rates Manager (WSP GL Hearn)

WSP; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading valuation firm in Birmingham seeks a skilled individual to manage complex client portfolios and provide exceptional rating services. Responsibilities include verifying rates bills, liaising with clients and authorities, and delivering accurate reports. Ideal candidates should possess strong negotiation skills, a sound understanding of rate legislation, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Join us to shape your career in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Good understanding of rating appeal and relief application processes.
• Experience with business rate legislation and case law.
• Ability to explain complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Manage client portfolios and verify rates bills.
• Liaise with clients and billing authorities.
• Create and deliver quality reports to clients.

Skills

Understanding of rate liabilities

Negotiating and reasoning skills

Client reporting accuracy and timeliness

Sound financial and numeracy skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role…

The Rating team at WSP GL Hearn is a highly skilled and specialised group, dedicated to providing exceptional Rating and Valuation services to clients in the commercial real estate sector. With an in-depth understanding of the complex rating landscape, our team combines extensive industry knowledge with strategic insights to deliver accurate and insightful assessments.

We pride ourselves on our ability to navigate changing regulations and market conditions, providing clients with the expertise they need to optimise their property portfolios and minimise their tax liabilities.

With a proven track record of excellence and a commitment to delivering results, the Rating team at WSP GL Hearn is the trusted partner that clients turn to for comprehensive and reliable rating services.

This role will involve, but not be limited to:

• Daily operational management of one large complex client portfolio or multiple smaller portfolios.
• Verification of rates bills issued by billing authorities in respect of properties throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Resolving queries where rates bills are not approved.
• Liaising with clients and with billing authorities to correct matters relating to occupational changes, changes to the rating list and exemptions and reliefs.
• Obtaining information from clients and responding to queries.
• Ensuring all portfolio movement is actioned appropriately.
• The creation and delivery of quality and accurate reports to clients and senior management.
• The development and maintenance of client relationships, including attendance at client meetings when appropriate.
• Meeting all KPIs as set out in Client Contracts and Service Level Agreements to agreed deadlines and to standards agreed with the Client Director and Line Manager.
• Assisting in carrying out one-off audits of historic rate payments.
• Explaining the functions of the Client Monies service to clients and colleagues and undertaking Client Monies tasks when appropriate.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• A good understanding of the complexities of calculating rate liabilities together with rating appeal and rate relief application processes in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Eire and the Channel Islands.
• Working knowledge of business rate legislation and case law and able to explain this clearly to clients and junior colleagues.
• Excellent negotiating and reasoning skills when dealing with billing authorities, utilising knowledge of business rate legislation and case law to support their requests.
• Understanding of the importance of accuracy, timeliness and presentation in client reporting.
• Sound financial and numeracy skills which demonstrate accuracy and financial priority.
• A complete understanding of the functions of the Client Monies Service and the requirements of RICS Rule 8 Protecting Client Money.
• Proficient in use of desktop software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. Able to apply intermediate formulas to manipulate data

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can.Apply today.

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