Business Rates Officer

We are looking for a candidate with experience of working in Business Rates or similar environment within Revenues, possess a high level knowledge of Business Rates legislation, including the enforcement process. Work accurately to tight deadlines. Able to use Academy Revs & Bens and Enterprise (formally information@work) systems.

Main Purpose of the job:

Responsible for the efficient and effective administration, collection and recovery of Business Rates owing to the Council in accordance with financial procedures and statutory regulations. To prepare cases and represent the Council at court. To provide in-depth advice and information about Business Rates to customers as required. Assist with the management and monitoring of the Enforcement Agents and other collection agents. Maximise collection in accordance with Financial Procedures and statutory regulations. Provide a high standard of service to customers.

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Summary of Responsibilities and Personal Duties:

1 Execute your duties in accordance with legislative requirements, the division’s Service Plan, policy requirements, financial procedures, the recovery timetable and those determined by your manager.

2 Effectively respond to all enquiries received by letter, telephone, in person (where required) and

electronically.

3 Ensure all necessary action is taken to collect revenue efficiently and effectively &

process applications for reliefs and other reductions with due regard to internal and external fraud prevention and detection.

4 Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with procedures, agreed time scales and those dictated by legislation.

5 Deal with difficult queries including complaints by correspondence, telephone, face to face (where required) and electronically, ensuring timely, accurate, appropriate responses and suggest remedial action where weakness in service delivery is identified.

6 Submit irrecoverable debt for write off in line with delegated powers, audit requirements and internal procedures.

7 Comply with procedures to maintain an accurate database, fulfill audit requirements, and meet / exceed internal & external accreditations.

8 Undertake proactive work and participate in outreach work to improve collection.

9 Establish effective liaison with external bodies and partners and maintain good working relationships to assist the collection of revenue.

10 Liaise with and instruct the Enforcement Agents and other relevant bodies i.e. Solicitors / Process Server, on the appropriate course of action to ensure effective revenue collection. Report to your manager on their performance.

11 Prepare cases relating to proceedings at the Magistrates Court, County Court and other courts as directed.

12 Represent the Council and provide evidence at the Magistrates’ Court to successfully obtain Liability Orders. Represent the Council in court to defend Liability Orders when required.

13 Deal with all aspects of Insolvency where the Council is not the petitioning creditor and ensure information is passed to the Official Receiver / Trustee as required. Maintain accurate records of all insolvency cases.

14 Identify and prepare cases for committal hearings, interviewing customers where required.

15 Make application for warrants of arrest with and without bail as appropriate.

16 Prepare records and maintain statistics as directed. Deal with system reports and other output as required.

17 Adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation and be aware of your personal responsibilities.

18 Maintain a detailed knowledge of all relevant legislation, procedures and technology required to meet the demands of the post.

19 Take responsibility of own personal and professional development.

High level knowledge of Business Rates legislation

S3

High level knowledge of issues relating to debt recovery and enforcement

S4

High level knowledge of Court proceedings for the recovery of unpaid revenue

S5

Excellent communication skills including the ability to liaise with external bodies and represent the council at court

Excellent debt negotiation skills

Excellent administrative and organisational skills

Computer skills to update the council’s records accurately

Monitoring targets and performance, collating information and analysing statistical data for input into management reports.

Working in a debt collection, benefit recovery or similar environment

Dealing with customers enquiries by letter, telephone or in person

Working accurately under pressure within tight timescales

Experience of dealing with challenging customers

Conducting hearings on behalf of the council

Experience of preparing statistical information, interpret legislation, produce reports and respond to complaints.