At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage service charge accounts and ensure accurate financial reporting for properties.
- Company: Join a leading property management firm with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real difference in property finance.
- Qualifications: Experience in accounting and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Reports to: Controller / Head of Finance
Role Purpose: The Service Charge Accountant is responsible for the accurate preparation, management, and reconciliation of service charge accounts for residential, commercial, or mixed-use properties. The role ensures compliance with leases, legislation, and industry best practices while providing clear financial reporting to Head of Finance, property managers, clients, and leaseholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Service Charge Budgeting & Forecasting: Prepare annual service charge budgets in collaboration with property managers. Forecast expenditure and monitor variances throughout the year. Maintain accurate service charge accounts for multiple properties. Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for stakeholders. Ensure compliance with RICS Service Charge Code and relevant legislation. Search and extract reports from Qube for external reporting. Post necessary journal entries onto Qube system including for inter-fund transfers such as short-term loan, refunds, and other adjustments as required.
- Reconciliations & Year-End Accounts: Prepare year-end service charge reconciliations and statements. Manage service charge audits and liaise with auditors for annual certification. Record and settle service charge, reserve fund, and ground rent, huge volume of receipts. Calculate incorrect payments in account and carry out inter-account transfers including tenant’s receipts, sublet fees, fob, sales pack, and heating payments. Respond to tenant queries regarding service charge budgets and reconciliations. Provide clear explanations of variances and cost allocations. Reconcile service charge bank accounts, resolve any discrepancies. Raise service charge, ground rent, reserve, balancing charge invoices on a periodical basis. Maintain accurate financial records in property accounting systems. Regularly check mail box and respond to tenants’/clients’ queries.
- Cash Flow & Payments: Monitor service charge cash flow and ensure timely payment of invoices. Allocate costs accurately to relevant properties and cost centres. Record interest received from bank for all accounts onto Qube on a regular basis. Transfer funds between accounts as and when requested. Record suppliers' refunds onto the system.
Service Charge Accountant employer: Auriva Recruitment Services
Contact Detail:
Auriva Recruitment Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Charge Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and property management sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of service charge accounting and relevant legislation. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed budgets and reconciliations in the past. Show them you’re the perfect fit for the role by demonstrating your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind them why you’d be a great addition to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Service Charge Accountant role! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to hiring managers. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values your growth and success!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Charge Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Service Charge Accountant role. Highlight your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your cover letter, showcase any relevant experience you have with service charge accounts or property management. We love seeing examples of how you've handled similar responsibilities in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, be clear and concise. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Auriva Recruitment Services
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Service Charge Accountant, you'll be dealing with budgets and financial reports. Brush up on your accounting principles and be ready to discuss how you would prepare and manage service charge accounts. Familiarise yourself with the RICS Service Charge Code and any relevant legislation to show you’re on top of compliance.
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Since the role involves using Qube for reporting and accounting, make sure you highlight any experience you have with property management software. If you’ve used similar systems, be prepared to explain how you navigated them and what you achieved. This will demonstrate your technical proficiency and adaptability.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like reconciling discrepancies or responding to tenant queries. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed similar challenges. This will help you illustrate your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
✨Communicate Clearly
In this role, you'll need to provide clear financial reporting to various stakeholders. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on your communication skills and how you can effectively convey information to clients and property managers, ensuring everyone is on the same page.