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- Tasks: Manage rents and service charges for council properties, ensuring compliance and effective communication.
- Company: Join Milton Keynes City Council, a modern and diverse employer dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, excellent pension, family-friendly policies, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in housing finance while enjoying a supportive and collaborative work culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing finance, strong communication skills, and a commitment to becoming a qualified accountant.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; one day in the office each week.
The predicted salary is between 36700 - 40800 £ per year.
Milton Keynes City Council is seeking a good communicator with housing finance experience to join as Rent and Service Charge Accountant. The Housing Finance Team works closely with council housing services in various areas, including regeneration and home ownership. This role involves collaborating with colleagues to ensure homes are safe and costs are fully recovered for the services provided.
This role is ideal for someone with experience in setting rents and administering service charges in either a local authority or a registered provider.
Main Responsibilities:- Lead on setting rents for Social Housing Tenants, temporary accommodation, and other categories of potential Tenants, ensuring compliance with government rent setting policies.
- Complete the estimated service charge process for tenants, leaseholders, and shared owners, ensuring correct details are included in notifications.
- Complete the actual service charge procedure, including issuing annual certified service charge certificates and statements of affairs for Leaseholders.
- Act as the point of contact for tenants, leaseholders, shared owners, and auditors regarding costing queries/audits.
- Promote Tenant and Leaseholder engagement around service delivery and standards funded by service charges.
- Apply innovative and creative thinking to service challenges within a fast-paced environment.
- Experience of setting rents and service charges for a Local Authority or Registered Provider.
- Methodical, organised with attention to detail.
- Good communication skills to engage with residents and colleagues.
- Excellent spreadsheet skills and ability to undertake complex financial modelling.
- Qualified accountant (CCAB) or in final year with commitment to finish and evidence of appropriate CPD.
- Experience of housing management IT systems and ability to work with neighbourhood teams and IT teams.
Please note, a Basic DBS will be actioned as part of the pre-employment checks.
Package Description:- 28 days annual leave, increasing to 32 days after five years, with a holiday purchase scheme.
- Access to the national Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity support.
- Access to an employee benefits programme including health cash plan and discounts.
- Salary sacrifice car scheme for low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
- Blue Light Card for additional discounts for employees in social care.
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern, and financially stable employer with around 2,500 staff providing essential services to local residents and businesses. We are committed to diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our values of dedication, respect, and collaboration.
Rent and Service Charge Accountant employer: Milton Keynes City Council
Contact Detail:
Milton Keynes City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rent and Service Charge Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest government rent setting policies and the Rent Standard. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in housing finance, especially those who have experience with local authorities or registered providers. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your spreadsheet skills and financial modelling techniques. Being able to showcase your proficiency in these areas during discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with tenant engagement and how you've successfully communicated with residents in previous roles. This is crucial for the position and showing your ability to foster good relationships will be a big plus.
We think you need these skills to ace Rent and Service Charge Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in housing finance, particularly in setting rents and administering service charges. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements relevant to the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to Milton Keynes City Council. Mention your understanding of their projects and how your background aligns with their goals, especially in relation to tenant engagement and financial modelling.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your communication skills and attention to detail in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with residents or colleagues in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Rent and Service Charge Accountant position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, which are key traits for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Milton Keynes City Council
✨Showcase Your Housing Finance Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in housing finance, particularly in setting rents and administering service charges. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've navigated government policies and regulations in your past roles.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a Rent and Service Charge Accountant, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex financial concepts or responding to queries from tenants and auditors.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to financial modelling and the use of spreadsheets. Brush up on your skills and be ready to explain how you would approach complex calculations or data analysis relevant to the role.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Skills
This role requires a methodical and organised approach. Be ready to share examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, ensuring attention to detail while meeting deadlines.
