Business Support Officer - South Hams District Council

Fox Morris Group Ltd; Devon and Torbay; Remote; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government consultancy is seeking a Business Support Officer. This fully remote position requires extensive experience with business rates, the NEC Northgate system, and strong customer service skills. Responsibilities include liaising with the Valuation Office Agency and providing technical advice during court hearings. Ideal candidates will have good knowledge of business rates legislation and be able to handle difficult customer interactions.

Qualifications

• Familiar with NEC Northgate revenues system and NNDR schedules.
• Good knowledge of business rates legislation and enforcement process.
• Experience dealing with customers in difficult circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Prioritise tasks and meet performance targets under pressure.
• Liaise with Valuation Office Agency to ensure accurate rateable value.
• Provide technical advice and attend court hearings.

Skills

NEC Northgate system

Business rates legislation

Customer service

Tools

Revenues and Benefits software

Electronic document management system

Job description

We are looking for a Business Support Officer which will be based: South Hams District Council

This role can be fully remote, please ensure that the candidate is flexible to attend the office if required.

MUST ALSO HAVE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE WITHIN BUSINESS RATES AND NEC NORTHGATE SYSTEMS ALONG WITH NNDR

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and performance targets and work effectively under pressure.
• 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.
• To 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.
• Where necessary ensure appropriate enforcement action is taken including referring cases to enforcement agents for collection and identifying accounts where charging orders, winding up proceedings and committal action are the most appropriate enforcement remedies.
• Identify and refer properties needing a visit to the Revenues Inspections Officers.
• To ensure the effective administration of empty properties by making necessary proactive enquiries with estate agents, solicitors and property owners.

Minimum Criteria for the role

• The postholder must be familiar with NEC Northgate revenues system and the processing of NNDR schedules including interest calculations. Also competent with dealing with customers via the telephone and post/ online correspondence.
• 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.
• Experience of dealing with customers, often in difficult circumstances.