At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage service charge budgets and lead on complex property accounting.
- Company: Established UK estate management group with a focus on growth and development.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, pension scheme, study support, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career progression and mentorship.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role and make a real impact in property accounting.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of accounts experience, ideally in property, with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester, London, Cambridge, Peterborough or Nottingham (hybrid - 1 day per week in office)
Salary: Up to £40,000
Contract: Full-time, Monday-Friday (8:30-17:00, Friday 8:30-16:30)
Highlights:
- Step into a senior-level role within one of the UK's most established residential estate management groups
- Hybrid working with just one day per week in the office across five UK locations
- Opportunity to work on complex phased developments within a growing, structured business
About the opportunity:
A prominent UK estate management group, administering over £20m of client service charge budgets across large residential developments, is seeking an experienced Senior Service Charge Accountant. With offices in Cambridge, London, Bracknell and Nottingham and plans for continued expansion, the group also includes dedicated Facilities Management and Legal divisions - offering breadth of career opportunity within a single organisation.
What makes the role exceptional:
This is a role for a property accountant who is ready to operate at a higher level of complexity and autonomy. You will manage a portfolio of client estates end-to-end, with particular exposure to phased developments and void calculations - areas that require genuine expertise. Working closely with Estate Managers and external accountants, you will also play an active role in quarterly reporting and client-facing work, building relationships across the business.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage annual service charge budgets with accurate apportionments for a complex portfolio
- Lead on phased development accounting and void calculations
- Prepare and submit end-of-year service charge accounts for external review
- Own monthly bank reconciliations across client estates
- Produce and present quarterly management reports with expenditure analysis
- Handle escalated leaseholder and client queries to resolution
- Administer utilities, insurance recharging and corporation tax
- Support and mentor junior members of the client accounting team
Requirements:
- Minimum 5 years of accounts experience, with a senior or specialist background in property
- Part-qualified or qualified CIMA, ACCA or ACA
- Proven experience with phased developments, void calculations and quarterly reporting - non-negotiable
- Property sector accounting experience is essential
- Able to commute to one of the five listed office locations
- Strong analytical, communication and relationship-management skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Experience with Qube software is advantageous
Rewards and benefits:
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Pension scheme
- Study support available
- Holiday purchase scheme and birthday off
- Life assurance and Smart Health platform
- PerkBox employee discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Long service awards, employee referral scheme and regular social events
We are an equal opportunities recruiter, valuing diversity and inclusion and welcoming applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background.
Senior Service Charge Accountant employer: Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd
Join one of the UK's leading residential estate management groups as a Senior Service Charge Accountant, where you will benefit from a hybrid working model and the opportunity to manage complex client portfolios. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers extensive career development opportunities, study support, and a vibrant work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Enjoy competitive benefits including a pension scheme, holiday purchase options, and regular social events, all while working in a supportive environment across multiple UK locations.
Contact Details:
Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Service Charge Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the property sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior 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 knowledge of phased developments and void calculations. Be ready to discuss your experience with these topics, as they’re crucial for this role. We want you to shine and show that you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your career goals. Check out our website for opportunities at leading estate management groups. Tailor your approach to highlight how your skills match their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Service Charge Accountant position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Service Charge Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Service Charge Accountant role. Highlight your experience with phased developments and void calculations, as these are key areas for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements in property accounting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your passion for property accounting and how your background aligns with our needs. Keep it concise but engaging – we want to see your personality!
Showcase Relevant Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your analytical and communication skills in your application. These are crucial for managing client relationships and handling queries effectively. If you have experience with Qube software, make sure to mention it – it could give you an edge!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Service Charge Accountant, you'll be dealing with complex budgets and financial reports. Brush up on your knowledge of service charge budgets, void calculations, and phased developments. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role involves liaising with Estate Managers and clients, so strong communication is key. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully resolved client queries or built relationships within a team. Highlight your ability to present financial information clearly and effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Qube Software
While not mandatory, experience with Qube software can give you an edge. If you have used it before, be prepared to discuss how you utilised it in your previous roles. If not, do a bit of research to understand its functionalities and how it relates to property accounting.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding financial discrepancies or client disputes. Think of scenarios where you had to analyse data, make decisions, or mentor junior staff. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
