Apprentice Business Rates Officer (S2506)

Summary

It is our responsibility to send out and collect Business Rates bills for the 9000 business premises in the Rochdale area. The team ensures that accurate bills are sent out once appropriate reliefs and exemptions are applied to the bill. We also issue and collect bills for the Rochdale Business Improvement District.

Wage

£14,566.15 a year

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£14,566.15 for 12 months, £22,656 for the remaining 6 months.

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

37 Hours per week - Monday to Friday. Shifts to be confirmed.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 8 September 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Principal Duties

Apprentices are assigned to one of the teams the principal duties of which are;

Business Rates

To use our ICT systems to create reports to aid collection
To check bills and identify any errors
To set up new properties and report any changes to the Valuation Office Agency.
To gain knowledge of Business Rates liability and valuation legislation and procedures and offer advice to customers accordingly
To determine the correct liability for Business Rates and ensure that records are accurately updated and that correct bills are issued
To determine the correct award of certain exemptions, reliefs or discounts

In addition, you will provide efficient and effective service, including:

Supporting the team by maintaining databases and records of work received and completed
Inputting data into and retrieving data from computer systems
Using IT packages for word processing, spreadsheet and database applications
Supporting colleagues in the service in periods of high demand
General administrative support duties
Scanning and indexing documents to our document imaging system
Using email to distribute messages
Dealing with customer telephone and email enquiries in a courteous and professional manner, taking advice from the line manager when appropriate
Attending appropriate training to achieve the agreed Apprenticeship standard
Any other duties as deemed appropriate by your line manager

Secondary Duties

To participate in Council programmes of in-service training as a trainee and when required, as a trainer facilitator
To undertake such other duties and responsibilities of an equivalent nature as may be determined from time to time by the Service Head (or nominated representative) in consultation with the postholder (and if he/she so wishes, with his/her Trade Union representative)

Where you'll work

Number One Riverside
Smith Street
Rochdale
Greater Manchester
OL16 1XU

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Your training course

Business administrator (level 3)

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What you'll learn

Course contents

Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Your training plan

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

4 Subjects (Including Maths and English) (grade Grade 4/C or above)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Team working
Proud
Pioneering + Open
Committed to gaining Skills
Passionate

Other requirements

Should you wish to apply for this vacancy, you will be invited to fill in the Rochdale Borough Council Application form at Rochdale Training. Please keep an eye on your emails as our recruitment team will be in touch to invite you to one of our sessions. Apprentice rate: Apprentices who undertake Level 3 apprenticeships are paid a salary of 14,566.15 for 12 months and equivalent to Grade 1 SCP 2 currently £22,656 for the remaining months of the contract (18-month contract). Interview Date: Wednesday 2nd July. Induction date - Monday 8th September 2025. Should you apply for 2 vacancies (maximum), we strongly encourage you to attend both interviews and declare this. It will not count against you, and all teams/panels will be aware. This expression of interest is the first stage of your application. The Authority operates a Smoke-Free Policy for all its employees and applies to any building and associated grounds within near the building, which is wholly owned, leased, or operated and occupied by Rochdale Borough Council.

About this company

Rochdale Council builds success and prosperity with our citizens and partners, whilst protecting our vulnerable people.

https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Progression offered to the right candidate.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Jason Wales

jwales@rochdaletraining.co.uk

07860 919 380

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000320690.

Apply now

Closes in 27 days (Tuesday 17 June 2025 at 11:59pm)

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