Business Support Officer

i-Jobs; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment agency is seeking a Business Support Officer in Devon and Torbay. This role involves maintaining and protecting Business Rates, providing customer advice, and assessing rate reliefs. Candidates should have 5 GCSEs including Maths and English, experience in Revenues, and strong communication skills. The position offers a pay rate of £14.82 per hour with working hours of 37 per week.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and protect the Council’s Business Rates.
• Provide advice about Business Rates to customers.
• Update the Council’s systems with various information.
• Assess and bill Business Rates, applying reliefs and exemptions.
• Assist in billing and recovery, handling inquiries.

Skills

Experience in Revenues or a similar field

Effective communication skills

Proficient in using ICT and Microsoft applications

Knowledge of business rates legislation and enforcement processes

Experience with customer service

Education

Minimum 5 GCSEs including Maths and English

Tools

NEC and Information at Work software

Revenues and Benefits software

Job description

Overview

Business Support Officer

Location: Follaton House, TQ9 5NE

Start Date: ASAP

Contract Duration: 2+ months

Working Hours: Mon Fri, 09 00, 37 Hours per week

Pay Rate: £14.82 per hour

Job Ref: (phone number removed)

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.

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