At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage service charge budgets and lead on complex developments in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a leading UK estate management group with a strong growth trajectory.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, study support, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Multiple roles available across various levels; interviews happening now!
- Why this job: Build a rewarding career in a supportive environment with real progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: 5 years of accounts experience; property sector knowledge is essential.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester, London, Cambridge, Peterborough or Nottingham - hybrid (1 day per week in office)
Salary: Up to £34,000 | Up to £40,000 | Up to £45,000 (dependent on level)
Contract: Full-time, Monday-Friday (8:30-17:00, Friday 8:30-16:30)
Highlights:
- Multiple roles available across three levels - from accountant through to management
- Join a UK estate management group overseeing £20m+ in client service charge budgets across large residential developments
- Hybrid-first working with just one day per week in the office, across five UK locations
- A structured, growing business with real career progression and study support available
About the opportunity:
A well-established UK estate management group, operating across Cambridge, London, Bracknell, Nottingham and with a presence in Manchester, is looking to grow its client accounting team at multiple levels. With over 200 people across its estate management, facilities management and legal divisions, this is a business with genuine breadth - and clear ambitions for continued expansion. Seven roles are available in total, and the hiring team is looking to move quickly with interviews taking place now.
Roles available:
- Service Charge Accountant – Salary up to £34,000 – 5 positions – Property accounting experience and ability to commute to one of the five offices
- Senior Service Charge Accountant – Salary up to £40,000 – 1 position – As above, plus phased development, void calculations and quarterly reporting experience (non-negotiable)
- Service Charge Manager – Salary up to £45,000 – 1 position – Management background in service charge accounting plus phased development and void calculation experience (non-negotiable). Manchester preferred
What makes the roles exceptional:
Across all three levels, you will take ownership of a client portfolio of managed estates, working closely with Estate Managers and external accountants on the full service charge cycle - from budgeting and billing through to quarterly reporting and leaseholder queries. At senior and manager level, you will also be expected to lead on complex phased developments and contribute to the development of the wider team. The business is growing, and these appointments represent a genuine opportunity to build a long-term career within a well-resourced and professionally run organisation.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage annual service charge budgets and apportionments across a portfolio of residential estates
- Periodic billing of service charges, ground rent and other leaseholder charges
- Prepare end-of-year service charge accounts for external accountant review
- Conduct monthly bank reconciliations and monitor financial health of client accounts
- Produce quarterly management reports analysing expenditure vs budget, arrears and cashflow
- Handle leaseholder and client queries through to resolution
- Senior/Manager: lead on phased developments, void calculations and team development
Requirements:
- Minimum 5 years of accounts experience
- Part-qualified or qualified CIMA, ACCA or ACA
- Property sector accounting experience is essential for all levels
- Able to commute to one of the five listed UK office locations
- Strong analytical, numeracy and communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Senior/Manager: demonstrable experience with phased developments, void calculations and quarterly reporting
- Experience with Qube software is advantageous but not essential
Rewards and benefits:
- Hybrid and flexible working (1 day per week in office)
- Pension scheme and life assurance
- Study support available
- Holiday purchase scheme and birthday off
- Smart Health platform and PerkBox employee discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme, long service awards and employee referral scheme
- Regular social events
We are an equal opportunities recruiter, valuing diversity and inclusion and welcoming applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background.
Service Charge Accountant in Manchester employer: Deverell Smith
Join a dynamic UK estate management group that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a hybrid working model with just one day in the office each week across multiple vibrant locations including Manchester, London, and Cambridge. With a strong focus on career progression, study support, and a supportive work culture, this company provides an excellent environment for Service Charge Accountants to thrive while managing substantial client portfolios and contributing to exciting developments in the property sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Charge Accountant in Manchester
✨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 Service Charge Accountant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its values, especially since they’re all about growth and career progression. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, particularly around service charge budgets and client queries.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring along examples of your work, like reports or analyses you've done in the past. This will help demonstrate your proficiency in managing service charge accounts and your analytical abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a structured and growing business like theirs.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Charge Accountant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Service Charge Accountant. Highlight your property accounting experience and any relevant qualifications like CIMA, ACCA, or ACA. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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 experience aligns with our needs. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your analytical and communication skills in your application. Mention specific examples where you've managed budgets or resolved client queries. We’re keen to see how you handle real-world challenges!
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’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Deverell Smith
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Service Charge Accountant, you'll be dealing with budgets and financial reports. Brush up on your accounting principles and be ready to discuss your experience with service charge budgets, billing, and reconciliations. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed these tasks in the past.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Phased Developments
If you're aiming for a senior or managerial role, understanding phased developments is crucial. Research what they entail and think about any relevant experiences you have. Be prepared to explain how you've handled void calculations and quarterly reporting in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to handle leaseholder queries and work closely with Estate Managers. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider preparing a few scenarios where you've successfully resolved client issues or collaborated with team members.
✨Get Comfortable with Excel
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential for this role. Brush up on your skills, especially with functions and formulas that are commonly used in accounting. If you can, prepare to demonstrate your Excel knowledge during the interview by discussing how you've used it in your previous positions.
