Business Rates Manager / Senior Business Rates Manager (WSP GL Hearn)

About the role

The Rating team at WSP is a highly skilled and specialised group dedicated to providing exceptional Rating and Valuation services to clients in the commercial real estate sector. With an in-depth understanding of the complex rating landscape, our team combines extensive industry knowledge with strategic insights to deliver accurate and insightful assessments. We pride ourselves on our ability to navigate changing regulations and market conditions, providing clients with the expertise they need to optimise their property portfolios and minimise their tax liabilities.

Responsibilities

• Daily operational management of one large complex client portfolio or multiple smaller portfolios.
• Verification of rates bills issued by billing authorities in respect of properties throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
• Resolving queries where rates bills are not approved.
• Liaising with clients and with billing authorities to correct matters relating to occupational changes, changes to the rating list and exemptions and reliefs.
• Obtaining information from clients and responding to queries.
• Ensuring all portfolio movement is actioned appropriately.
• The creation and delivery of quality and accurate reports to clients and senior management.
• The development and maintenance of client relationships, including attendance at client meetings when appropriate.
• Maintaining compliance with KPIs as set out in Client Contracts and Service Level Agreements to agreed deadlines and to standards agreed with the Client Director and Line Manager.
• Absorbing and assisting in carrying out one-off audits of historic rate payments.
• Explaining the functions of the Client Monies service to clients and colleagues and undertaking Client Monies tasks when appropriate.

Requirements

• A good understanding of the complexities of calculating rate liabilities together with rating appeal and rate relief application processes in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Eire and the Channel Islands.
• Working knowledge of business rate legislation and case law and able to explain this clearly to clients and junior colleagues.
• Excellent negotiating and reasoning skills when dealing with billing authorities, utilising knowledge of business rate legislation and case law to support their requests.
• Adequate understanding of the importance of accuracy, timeliness and presentation in client reporting.
• Sound financial and numeracy skills which demonstrate accuracy and financial priority.
• A complete understanding of the functions of the Client Monies Service and the requirements of RICS Rule 8 Protecting Client Money.
• Proficient in use of desktop software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Able to apply intermediate formulas to manipulate data.

Qualifications

A relevant degree or equivalent in a related field, combined with a minimum of 3 years of experience in the rating and valuation sector, preferably in a commercial setting.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Knowledge of business rate legislation and case law.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Benefits

Work-life balance with a hybrid working policy offering the flexibility to work from home two days a week.

Inclusivity & Belonging with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, fostering a supportive environment that enables rewarding careers and encourages bringing your whole and authentic self to work.

Health & Wellbeing with a range of initiatives including a Virtual GP service, Gymflex scheme, and comprehensive menopause support package.

Your development with a supportive environment that invests in your growth through training, mentoring, and Chartership.

Pay

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Hybrid working policy with the option to work from home two days a week.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

A good understanding of the complexities of calculating rate liabilities together with rating appeal and rate relief application processes in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Eire and the Channel Islands.

A working knowledge of business rate legislation and case law and ability to explain this clearly to clients and junior colleagues.

Excellent negotiating and reasoning skills when dealing with billing authorities, utilising knowledge of business rate legislation and case law to support their requests.

An adequate understanding of the importance of accuracy, timeliness and presentation in client reporting.

Sound financial and numeracy skills demonstrating accuracy and financial priority.

A complete understanding of the functions of the Client Monies Service and the requirements of RICS Rule 8 Protecting Client Money.

Proficiency in use of desktop software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Able to apply intermediate formulas to manipulate data.