Associate Director - Business Rates

About the Company

S&W is one of the top 10 fastest-growing accountancy firms in the UK, trusted since 1881. We help individuals and businesses navigate challenges, unlocking opportunities with expert services including tax, accountancy, advisory, assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring.

Role Overview

We are looking for a skilled Associate Director to join our Business Rates team based in Manchester. This role entails valuing commercial real estate assets using multiple property valuation techniques, managing significant client portfolios, and attending client meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee a varied portfolio of business rates cases using comparable rental, receipts and expenditure, and contractors' valuation methods.
• Stay informed on the latest legal developments in business rates case law and tribunal decisions to provide up-to-date advice.
• Navigate the Check, Challenge, and Appeal Framework in England, and utilize the Government Gateway for business rates reviews and challenges confidently.
• Manage key client relationships and a dedicated caseload.
• Conduct client site inspections, accurately measuring commercial properties to identify opportunities for Check submissions and relief applications.
• Present factual advice to clients to help manage risk and achieve optimal results.
• Engage confidently with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) as a negotiator, maintaining strong regional networks with rating agents and commercial property professionals.
• Create thorough analytical valuation reports to support challenge documents submitted to the VOA and appeals to valuation and upper tribunals.
• Attend Valuation Tribunals as an expert witness and advocate to represent client interests.
• Mentor and support team members.
• Collaborate with the National Head of Business Rates to support client retention and business development efforts.

Qualifications & Experience

• BSc/MSc degree accredited by MRICS in real estate or IRRV accreditation.
• MRICS Chartered Surveyor qualification.
• Proven experience as a business rates surveyor, particularly within Manchester and Northern England.
• Familiarity with business rates software packages; proficiency in Riverlake and Analyse is highly advantageous but not mandatory.

Additional Information and Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Private health insurance and life assurance.
• Employer pension contributions.
• Hybrid working model depending on role requirements.
• Generous annual leave with options to buy extra holidays.
• Shared parental leave and family-friendly policies.
• Fully funded training for professional qualifications.
• Cycle-to-work scheme, season ticket loan, and eye care support.

We strongly value diversity and inclusivity across our workforce and uphold a supportive, respectful workplace where all employees can thrive. Reasonable adjustments are available to candidates throughout recruitment upon request.