Business Rates Officer
Company: Sunderland City Council
Salary: £20,001 to £30,000 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: Sunderland, SR1 3AA
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 22 Oct 2026
Closing date: 2 Nov 2026
Sunderland City Council are looking for a motivated and customer-focused Business Rates Officer to help administer and collect Business Rates across the city. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong administrative, communication and problem-solving skills who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.
About the role
As a Business Rates Officer, you will be responsible for maintaining Business Rates accounts, determining liability, assessing entitlement to reliefs and exemptions, and supporting the recovery of outstanding debts. You will work closely with businesses, council services and external organisations to ensure the efficient administration and collection of local taxation.
Key responsibilities
- Administering Business Rates accounts and maintaining accurate records.
- Assessing eligibility for reliefs and exemptions.
- Dealing with customer enquiries by telephone, in writing and face to face.
- Supporting recovery and enforcement processes, including court-related activity.
- Negotiating payment arrangements and assisting customers experiencing financial difficulty.
- Working with partners such as the Valuation Office Agency and other council services.
What weand#39;re looking for
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Strong organisational and administrative abilities.
- Attention to detail and the ability to interpret legislation and procedures.
- Experience of handling challenging situations and working professionally with customers.
- A commitment to delivering high-quality services and supporting continuous improvement.
If you are office based, it is a mandatory requirement that you work from your usual base for at least 2 days per week.
This post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to a DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Please note that CVs are not accepted.
Why join us?
- Competitive salary
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Pension scheme
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
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Business Rates Officer in Sunderland employer: Sunderland City Council
Sunderland City Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a real impact on the community through strategic financial management. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration, you will have opportunities to grow your skills while contributing to significant regeneration projects that enhance the lives of residents. The supportive culture and commitment to governance ensure that your work is both meaningful and rewarding.
