At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage service charge accounts for diverse properties and collaborate with managers on budgets.
- Company: Join a leading UK and European investment and property management firm.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, enhanced pension, 27 days leave, and professional development support.
- Other info: Regular social events and a commitment to continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, gain valuable experience, and contribute to impactful projects.
- Qualifications: 2 years of service charge experience and AAT Level 3 preferred; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
My client, a leading UK and European privately owned Investment and Property Management company specialising in Commercial and Residential property, are currently seeking an experienced Property Accountant with Service Charge experience, to join their West Birmingham accounts team.
You will be managing the Service Charge accounts for a mixed portfolio of properties, including Industrial, Retail and Residential sites. Proven Service Charge experience is essential.
Key Responsibilities- Collating service charge budgets, working with the Asset and Property Managers to agree costs and reporting to tenants within the RICS guideline timetable.
- Responsible for monitoring service charge recovery and explaining shortfalls.
- Producing Actual v Budget comparisons and working with Asset and Property Managers to ensure expenditure is kept in line with budget.
- Attend site meetings to advise on financials for the relevant properties.
- Liaising with Asset and Property Managers to respond to tenant queries.
- Service charge year end reconciliations - responsible for ensuring compliance with RICS guidelines (service charges reconciled within 4 months of the year end), liaising with auditors where appropriate, dealing with tenant queries in an appropriate timeframe.
- Managing Sinking Fund.
- Reviewing income and expenditure.
- Posting property prepayments and accruals and review of the purchase invoice register to ensure complete and accurate recording.
- Identify opportunities to improve cost management across the portfolio.
- Liaising with Asset and Property Managers and Credit Control regarding collections performance.
- Work with finance and Business Managers to develop specialisms.
- Minimum of 2 years proven Service Charge Experience
- Mixture of both commercial and residential service charge experience would be ideal
- AAT Level 3 or equivalent (desirable)
- Ability to understand and interpret lease provisions to ensure appropriate recovery of costs.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact at all levels of the business and externally.
- Resilient, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and cope with multiple & varied tasks.
- Innovative, with a desire to identify improvements.
- Willingness to learn and demonstrate a flexible approach to working.
- Ideally have some property industry experience preferably in an accounting role.
- Good system skills including advanced excel.
- Salary: £30,000 to £35,000 DOE
- Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (4 days in office, 1-day WFH)
- Enhanced Pension: GPP Aviva 8% ER 5% EE
- Employee Assistance Programme
- 27 Days Annual Leave increasing with length of service 28 days at 4 years and 29 days at 8 years
- Life Assurance 4 x salary
- Regular Social Events
- Commitment to CPD
- Encouragement of self-development through professional accountancy qualifications and study support
Property Accountant Service Charge in Birmingham employer: Dove & Hawk
Join a leading privately owned Investment and Property Management company in West Birmingham, where you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values employee growth and development. With competitive salaries, enhanced pension schemes, and a commitment to continuous professional development, this role as a Property Accountant offers not just a job, but a meaningful career path in a dynamic environment. Enjoy the benefits of a balanced work-life with flexible working arrangements and regular social events that foster team spirit.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Property Accountant Service Charge in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with RICS guidelines, as compliance is a key part of the role. Understanding these regulations will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the standards expected in property accounting.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the property management and accounting sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly advanced functions that are commonly used in financial analysis. Being able to showcase your proficiency in Excel during discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous service charge experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed budgets, reconciled accounts, and improved cost management in past roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Property Accountant Service Charge in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in service charge accounting. Include specific examples of your work with budgets, reconciliations, and communication with property managers.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your proven service charge experience and how it aligns with the company's needs.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, focus on skills such as financial analysis, communication, and problem-solving. Mention your proficiency in advanced Excel and any relevant qualifications like AAT Level 3.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role:Convey your passion for property accounting and your desire to contribute to the team. Mention any innovative ideas you have for improving cost management within the portfolio.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dove & Hawk
✨Showcase Your Service Charge Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience with service charge accounts during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets, reconciled accounts, and liaised with tenants, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role involves interacting with various stakeholders, it's important to showcase your communication skills. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you may need to do this with tenants or property managers.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to accounting principles, particularly around service charges and compliance with RICS guidelines. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in your previous roles.
✨Exhibit Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The ability to identify opportunities for cost management is key in this position. Prepare to discuss instances where you've successfully improved processes or resolved financial discrepancies, demonstrating your innovative approach to challenges.