At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage service charge budgets and lead on complex property accounting.
- Company: Join a leading UK estate management group with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, study support, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Opportunities for mentorship and career growth within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Elevate your career in a dynamic environment with real impact on client estates.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in accounts, property sector experience, and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 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
Equal Opportunities Statement:
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 in Manchester employer: Deverell Smith
Join a leading residential estate management group that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture. With hybrid working options, competitive salary, and a range of benefits including study support and employee discounts, this role offers not just a job but a pathway for professional growth in a dynamic environment. Experience the opportunity to work on complex projects while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule across multiple UK locations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Service Charge Accountant in Manchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the property accounting field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with phased developments and void calculations. We want to see you confidently discussing your expertise and how it can benefit their team.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the company and its projects before the interview. We recommend preparing some questions about their service charge budgets and quarterly reporting processes. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to dive into the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Service Charge Accountant in Manchester
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 Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your analytical and relationship-management skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can handle complex queries and build strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Make sure these skills stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Deverell Smith
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Service Charge Accountant, you'll be dealing with complex budgets and financial reports. Brush up on your accounting principles, especially around service charge budgets and void calculations. 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 how you can convey complex financial information in an understandable way.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Software
If you have experience with Qube software, make sure to mention it! If not, take some time to learn the basics before your interview. Being able to discuss how you would use technology to streamline processes will show your proactive approach and readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially related to phased developments and quarterly reporting. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage tight deadlines or complex financial situations, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
