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 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 property accounting experience and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 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 (Hybrid) in Manchester employer: Deverell Smith
Join a leading residential estate management group that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. With hybrid working arrangements, 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 within a dynamic and expanding organisation. Experience the satisfaction of managing complex client portfolios while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises your development and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Service Charge Accountant (Hybrid) 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 the role before the interview. We suggest preparing some questions that show your interest in their projects and how you can contribute. It’ll help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely invested in the opportunity.
✨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 (Hybrid) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your property accounting experience and any relevant qualifications like CIMA, ACCA, or ACA to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Service Charge Accountant role. Share your passion for property accounting and how your expertise aligns with managing complex portfolios.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves handling budgets and reporting, be sure to mention any specific examples of your analytical skills. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially with phased developments and void calculations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us!
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 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 working closely with Estate Managers and clients, so strong communication skills are a must. 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 Qube Software
If you have experience with Qube software, make sure to mention it during the interview. If not, take some time to learn the basics before your interview. Being able to discuss how you would use this software in your role will show your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly around managing service charge accounts or handling escalated queries. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
