Rates Administrator

The Rates Administrator will be responsible for the effective administration of all JCDecaux UK’s Non-Domestic Business Rates liabilities across our portfolio of Advertising, Non-Advertising, Office and unoccupied properties nationwide. The role ensures that business rates are accurately assessed, correctly paid, efficiently appealed where appropriate, and fully compliant. Working closely with local authorities, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), external rating consultants and internal stakeholders, this is a key position that safeguards the company’s cost base and supports the Estate team’s and the Finance function’s strategies.

What you'll be doing:

• Administer all aspects of JCDecaux’s Non-Domestic Business Rates liabilities for sites and properties across the UK, covering Advertising, Non-Advertising and unoccupied properties.
• Act as a primary point of contact with councils and rating authorities for all business rates matters.
• Liaise with councils on rates payments, refunds, rateable value clarifications and miscellaneous queries via email and telephone.
• Raise appeals on the VOA online portal for Check, Challenge and Appeal stages, including uploading and processing appeals once liability ceases and liaising with all related parties on removal-related queries.
• Use the VOA online portal to propose rateable value reductions where appropriate, providing robust supporting evidence to justify reductions.
• Prepare and complete "Request for Information" forms from the VOA, in discussion with the Rates Team Leader, ensuring accurate and timely submission.
• Update and maintain all business rates information on the bespoke rates application, ensuring data is accurate, complete and up to date.
• Manage property, site and liability records, ensuring correct start/cessation dates and references align across councils, VOA and internal systems.
• Maintain clear digital filing and documentation to support audit, reconciliations and historic enquiries.
• Where appropriate, use digital tools and AI solutions to streamline data management, document handling and query resolution, and contribute ideas for further automation and efficiency.
• Respond to business rates queries from other departments (e.g. Estates, Finance, Commercial, Operations) in a timely and professional manner.
• Request and collate removal evidence on advertising assets (e.g. removal dates, photos, work orders) from internal teams to support VOA and council updates, as well as appeals.

A little bit about you:

• Demonstrable experience in business rates / rating administration, local taxation, or a closely related area (e.g. working with councils, VOA, rating assessments or appeals).
• Strong understanding of Non-Domestic Business Rates concepts, including rateable values, liability periods, refunds, exemptions/reliefs and appeal stages (Check, Challenge, Appeal).
• Confident dealing with councils, the VOA and external rating consultants by email and telephone, including discussion and query resolution.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Competent user of Excel and other MS Office tools (e.g. lookups, filters, pivot tables, basic analysis).
• Experience working with databases or bespoke applications for data entry, maintenance and reporting.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple councils, cases and deadlines concurrently.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience within property, estates management, media, advertising, or multi-site corporate environments.
• Previous hands‑on use of the VOA online portal for checks, challenges and appeals.
• Familiarity with accounting / finance processes relating to payments, refunds, reconciliations and audit.
• Experience using AI tools (e.g. for document analysis, data extraction, summarising correspondence or automating routine tasks) and an interest in leveraging technology to improve efficiency.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity.