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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to manage Business Rates and support local services.
- Company: Colchester City Council, dedicated to high-quality public services.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: GCSE-level education; training provided for Business Rates administration.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Contract type: 12 Months Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)
Working Hours: 37 hours a week
Colchester City Council is committed to delivering high-quality and accessible services to residents, visitors, and businesses. We are a local government authority providing a diverse range of public and commercial services across Colchester, the second largest district in Essex.
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Business Rates Officer to join our Business Rates team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a small, dedicated, and fast-paced team that plays a vital role in collecting over £70 million in Business Rates every year. You will work closely with businesses, internal teams, and external partners such as the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to maintain accurate records, process changes, and help maximise collection rates. The role also involves property inspections, managing empty property lists, and supporting projects that improve service delivery. This vacancy is a full-time fixed term position for a period of 12 months.
Duties of the role:
- Accurately process Business Rates accounts, including changes, payments and applications for reliefs.
- Provide excellent customer service and resolve queries promptly, via both telephone and email.
- Liaise with the VOA and internal teams to ensure accurate valuations and records.
- Inspect properties to determine correct liability and issue Completion Notices where required.
- Contribute towards achieving collection targets and support service improvement projects.
- Ensure compliance with data protection and Council policies.
Qualifications and skills required:
- GCSE-level education or equivalent.
- Knowledge and experience in Business Rates administration, however, training will be provided.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office 365.
- Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work to deadlines and manage your own workload effectively.
- A basic understanding of Business Rates legislation and procedures.
We also hope you have:
- Experience using MRI Revenues and Benefits, and EDMS systems.
- Full UK driving license and knowledge of Colchester area.
What we offer:
- The Council encourages all employees to maximise their potential.
- You will be entitled to join an attractive pension scheme and will receive a generous annual leave entitlement, including two extra company holidays during the Christmas period.
- Other benefits include:
- Flexible working
- Opportunity to work from home
- Opportunity to make a real impact on local services
- Gym, travel and online retail discounts
- Excellent training, development and progression opportunities
For an informal discussion about this vacancy, please contact Rhiannon Archer.
Business Rates Officer in Colchester employer: Colchester City Council
Contact Detail:
Colchester City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Rates Officer in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with current employees at Colchester City Council. You never know who might give you the inside scoop on the role or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're genuinely interested in how the Business Rates team contributes to the community. Tailor your answers to reflect your understanding of their goals and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your customer service skills! Since you'll be dealing with queries from businesses, think of scenarios where you can demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. Role-play with a friend to get comfortable with handling different types of inquiries.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Rates Officer in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in Business Rates administration. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your attention to detail and customer service abilities!
Show Off Your IT Skills: Since strong IT skills are a must, be sure to mention your proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and any experience with systems like MRI Revenues and Benefits. We love tech-savvy candidates who can hit the ground running!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can manage their workload effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester City Council
✨Know Your Business Rates Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of Business Rates legislation and procedures. Familiarise yourself with common terms and processes, as this will show your potential employer that you're serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves providing excellent customer service, prepare examples of how you've resolved queries or handled difficult situations in the past. Think about specific instances where you went above and beyond to help someone, as this will demonstrate your commitment to service excellence.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
As a Business Rates Officer, accuracy is key. During the interview, highlight your attention to detail by discussing how you've managed complex data or ensured compliance with policies in previous roles. You might even want to mention any tools or methods you use to stay organised.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how success is measured in the role. Asking questions shows your interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
