Rates Administrator in Kent

This job is with JCDecaux, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

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.

Desirable:

• 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.

A little bit more about us...

We believe in building a diverse and inclusive culture and positive employee experience. We are One Team, more than just ourselves. We are customer first, we understand, and help solve our customers' problems. We Test & Learn, we are empowered to learn and grow, unafraid of change. We choose to care, we are committed to doing the right thing, the right way. It's really important to us that we give as much to our colleagues as they give to us. Our latest Belonging Survey showed that our colleagues feel valued and listened to as we continue to build an environment where everyone can thrive, grow, belong and be their authentic selves. We believe that diversity of thought, experience and background provides the platform for great creativity. 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. Many of our Colleagues work flexibly in many different ways. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need. We can't promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking.

About our recruitment process....

1. You find or get sent this job advert, read it, and feel like you're you'd be a great addition to the JCD family.
2. You send in your application to let us know you're interested.
3. We see your application, get excited, and give you a call.
4. You'll meet us twice, depending on the role prepare a presentation and we'll get to know each other.
5. You'll begin your journey with us, we're excited to support and develop you throughout your career.