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Business Rates Officer

Job Summary
Contract Type:
Permanent
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
20/10/2026
Advert End Date:
02/11/2026 23:59
Salary:
Grade 4 (SCP 12 - 17) £29,542 - £32,046
Hours per week:
37
Job Category:
Finance / Benefits / Revenues / Procurement
Vacancy ID:
303519
Employment Location:
City Hall
Number of posts:
1
Closing date:
2 Nov
Further Information
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 include:
  • 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 we'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.
Why join us?
  • Competitive salary
  • Generous annual leave entitlement
  • Pension scheme
  • Opportunities for professional development and career progression
  • Supportive and collaborative working environment
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.

Applications should be made on-line at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. For further assistance contact Customer Enabling Services by email: jobs@sunderland.gov.uk
 
Please note that CVs are not accepted.

Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered online with North East Jobs, including your invitation to any online assessment you are required to undertake and your invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other means. Please remember to check your junk mail items.
 
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