Service Charge Accountant

Service Charge Accountant

Full-Time 45000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage service charge accounts and prepare financial reports for a diverse property portfolio.
  • Company: Established residential property management firm in Central London.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and 25 days holiday plus extra at Christmas.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact in property management accounting.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in service charge accounting and Qube experience required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.

Cobalt Recruitment is working with a well-established residential property management business seeking a Service Charge Accountant to join their finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced property accountant to join a growing organisation managing a diverse residential and mixed-use portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage a portfolio of residential and mixed-use service charge accounts
  • Review, code and approve purchase invoices for payment runs
  • Prepare and maintain service charge budgets, demands and recharges
  • Produce monthly and quarterly client reporting, including variance analysis and VAT reporting
  • Reconcile service charge and ground rent accounts
  • Prepare service charge year‑end accounts to Trial Balance stage
  • Liaise with external accountants on year‑end account production
  • Manage take‑on and handover balances for new and existing instructions
  • Respond to client, leaseholder and stakeholder queries
  • Support credit control and arrears management processes
  • Maintain accurate records within Qube
  • Ensure reporting deadlines, statutory requirements and KPIs are consistently met

Requirements:

  • Minimum 3 years' experience within service charge or property management accounting
  • Qube experience essential
  • Experience preparing service charge accounts to Trial Balance stage
  • Strong working knowledge of service charge accounting principles
  • Intermediate Excel skills
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines

Other details:

  • Working hours: 15am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday
  • Hybrid: 2 days WFH / week after probation
  • Holidays: 25 days annual leave plus an additional 2 days over the Christmas period
  • Benefits: Optional private medical insurance following probation

Service Charge Accountant employer: Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd

Join a dynamic and supportive finance team at a leading residential property management business in Central London, where your expertise as a Service Charge Accountant will be valued and nurtured. Enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside competitive benefits such as optional private medical insurance and generous annual leave. With a strong focus on employee growth and a diverse portfolio to manage, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to advance your career in a thriving environment.

Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd

Contact Details:

Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd Recruitment 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 property management sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Service Charge Accountant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your Qube skills and service charge accounting principles. We want you to feel confident discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your attention to detail and communication skills.

Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings that match your skills and interests. Tailor your approach to each company, showing them why you’re the perfect fit for their team.

Tip Number 4

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 of your key strengths that make you the ideal candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Service Charge Accountant

Service Charge Accounting
Property Management Accounting
Qube Experience
Trial Balance Preparation
Variance Analysis
VAT Reporting
Reconciliation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Service Charge Accountant role. Highlight your experience in property management accounting and any relevant skills, like your knowledge of Qube and Excel. We want to see how you fit into our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with service charge accounts and stakeholder management.

Show Off Your Attention to Detail:As an accountant, attention to detail is key. In your application, make sure to showcase examples where you've demonstrated this skill, whether it's through managing accounts or preparing reports. We love candidates who take pride in their work!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd

Know Your Numbers

As a Service Charge Accountant, you'll be dealing with financial data daily. Brush up on your knowledge of service charge accounting principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. Be prepared to explain your experience with preparing accounts to Trial Balance stage.

Familiarise Yourself with Qube

Since Qube experience is essential for this role, make sure you’re comfortable discussing how you've used the software in past positions. If you can, try to get hands-on practice with Qube before the interview so you can confidently talk about specific features and how they’ve helped you manage accounts.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around client queries and stakeholder management. Think of examples where you've successfully resolved issues or improved processes, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

Strong communication is key in this role, so be prepared to demonstrate how you effectively liaise with clients, leaseholders, and stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and consider how you can showcase your attention to detail through your responses.