Apprentice Business Rates Officer (S2506) - Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council

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.

Annual wage

£14,566.15 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

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

Training course: Business administrator

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

Start date: Monday 8 September 2025

Duration: 18 Months

Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

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

Check your travel to work

Training

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.

College or training organisation

ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Your training course

Business administrator

Equal to Level 3 (A level)

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

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.