At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage service charges and ensure fair budgeting for our customers in social housing.
- Company: Join a supportive team focused on customer service and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Agile working environment with a focus on career development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in people's lives while developing your financial skills.
- Qualifications: Good numerical skills and knowledge of MS Office, especially Excel.
The predicted salary is between 31937 - 39922 £ per year.
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday–Friday
Salary: £31,937–£39,922 per annum (salary offered dependent on experience)
Contract: Permanent
You will be providing excellent customer service to our customers by ensuring service charges are budgeted and charged fairly in accordance with legislation and agreements. An operational understanding of the application of service charges in the social housing sector is essential to the role. We support agile working, so you’ll be provided with IT equipment to work flexibly between your home and our Dartford office.
Responsibilities
- Setting service charge estimates for all existing stock annually, complying with tenancy agreements and leases and adhering to current legislation.
- Regular reconciliation of scheme accounts on finance accounting system identifying any discrepancies and provision of reports to relevant departments to investigate and resolve.
- Reconciling actual costs for all stock with a variable service charge and issue year end statement of accounts, complying with agreements, leases and current legislation. Assist Team Leader in liaising with external auditors, providing resolution of queries relating to the year-end accounts.
- Monitoring the financial performance of Managing agents by ensuring compliance with leases and agreements from estimates & final accounts. Work with the Managing Agent Officer to challenge Managing Agents if accounts are inaccurate and to issue legal notices in cases of non‑compliance.
- Reviewing all schemes ensuring existing reserve/sinking funds are up to date and accurately recorded or implemented if necessary and, following the annual reconciliation; notify residents (via audited accounts) of balance of reserve/sinking funds.
- Taking ownership to investigate and respond to any service-related complaints/queries from customers within set timescales at all times. This is to be carried out with reference to tenancy agreements and leases and current legislation.
- Providing advice & support to the business to produce accurate service charge estimates for new schemes, including the calculation of charges for Capital Projects Committee, and collating and interpreting all legal documentation to ensure service charges are set in accordance with the same.
- Attending & representing Moat at first-tier tribunal hearings and resident meetings in collaboration with relevant internal departments.
Qualifications
- A good standard of education, with good numerical ability in particular.
- A working knowledge of MS Office, with proficient intermediate use of MS Excel.
- Good understanding in the use of financial, and other, database systems.
- An operational understanding of all legislation and best practice as it relates to service charges.
- An operational understanding of the application of service charges in the social housing sector, including in the context of lease arrangements.
Start date: 3 August 2026
Closing date for applications: 11pm Wednesday 17 June 2026. Interviews will be held in June 2026.
Service Charge Officer in Kent employer: CIH International Housing Group
At Moat, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values employee growth and development. With flexible working arrangements from our Dartford office, competitive salaries, and a commitment to social housing, we empower our Service Charge Officers to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Charge Officer in Kent
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at CIH International Housing Group. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like CIH International Housing Group before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Charge Officer in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to CIH International Housing Group:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at CIH International Housing Group specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at CIH International Housing Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
