Business Rates Associate Director

At S&W, we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that make a difference. As one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing accountancy firms, we have been a trusted partner since 1881—helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations.

Built on expertise and driven by ambition, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including tax and accountancy, advisory and assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring. We are defined by our purpose—to help navigate challenges, unlock potential, and achieve the extraordinary.

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Business Rates team in Manchester You will be expected to value commercial property assets across all property valuation methods including the comparable rental, contractors and receipts and expenditure methods. You will be responsible for managing key client accounts and undertaking client meetings

As an Associate Director your responsibilities will include among others

• Manage a diverse business rates caseload covering the comparable, receipts and expenditure and contractors' valuation methods.
• Understand and keep abreast of all the latest business rates case law developments and valuation and upper tribunal cases to aid advice based on the latest legal developments.
• To understand and confidently navigate the Check, Challenge and Appeal Framework in England for business rates and to be familiar with and understand the Government Gateway for reviewing and challenging business rates.
• You will manage key client accounts as well as be responsible for an allocated rating case load.
• Key responsibilities will involve arranging and undertaking client site inspections requiring comprehensive understanding of measuring all types of commercial buildings to assess the opportunity to raise Checks and eligibility for relief applications.
• You will present facts and advise clients accordingly to manage risk and achieve best outcome.
• You will be a confident negotiator when dealing with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) as well as having a very good regional network amongst rating agents and key commercial property professionals.
• Good analytical valuation report writing skills are a pre-requisite to aid comprehensive Challenge documents for submission on behalf of clients to the VOA and for referral to in valuation and upper tribunal settings.
• Have experience of and knowledge of attending Valuation Tribunals as an expert witness and advocate to present client cases.
• Provide guidance and support to other colleagues within the team
• Work closely with the National Head of Business Rates to assist with existing client opportunities and Business Development  

To be successful in this role, you should;

• Possess a BSc/MSc in an MRICS accredited real estate undergraduate/ postgraduate degree or have an IRRV accreditation
• Be a MRICS qualified Chartered Surveyor
• Have demonstrable experience as a business rates surveyor with experience in Manchester and the North of England
• Demonstrate experience and knowledge of key business rates software, the ability to fully utilise Riverlake and Analyse software packages is highly desirable but not essential

As a colleague here at S&W you will have access to benefits that include

• Competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Pension contribution
• Hybrid working model (role dependent)
• Generous holiday package
• Option to purchase additional holiday
• Shared parental leave
• Fully funded training towards professional qualifications
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Eye care support

We are proud to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings, representative of society and our clients. At S&W we have a wide range of highly active employee resource groups and we’re delivering multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation. It is our commitment to provide a workplace where all colleagues, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, feel respected as individuals and feel that they can achieve their full potential and work in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate for your needs throughout the application process. Please let your Recruiter know.