Service Charge Accountant (Expert)

Company Description

FirstPort is the UK's leading property management company, supporting customers' homes across England, Wales, and Scotland. With over forty years of experience and more than 3,000 employees, the company partners with developers, investors, freeholders, and over 1,600 Resident Management Companies. FirstPort is an active member of key industry bodies, including ARMA, ARHM, and PMAS, demonstrating a strong commitment to best practice and professional standards. The business holds a Five Star Rating from the British Safety Council, is an accredited Safe Agent, and belongs to The Property Ombudsman, reflecting its focus on safety, integrity, and customer service.

Role Description

The Service Charge Accountant (Expert) is a full-time, on-site role based in Luton, responsible for end-to-end service charge accounting for a portfolio of managed properties. Day-to-day duties include preparing and reviewing service charge accounts, reconciling income and expenditure, and ensuring all charges comply with legal and lease requirements. The role involves working closely with property managers, clients, and external stakeholders to explain accounts, respond to queries, and provide clear financial reports and commentary. The Service Charge Accountant (Expert) will support budgeting and forecasting processes, monitor variances, and recommend improvements to cost control and accounting procedures. This role also contributes to continuous process improvement, supports internal audits, and helps maintain accurate financial records in line with company policies and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Strong service charge accounting expertise, including preparation, reconciliation, and review of service charge accounts for residential or mixed-use properties.
• Proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and variance reporting within a property management or real estate environment.
• Experience using accounting and property management systems, with advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, lookups) and attention to numerical accuracy.
• Solid understanding of UK property legislation and best practice relating to leases, service charges, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders clearly.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and a high-volume workload while maintaining accuracy.
• Collaborative working style, with experience partnering with property managers, clients, and cross-functional teams in an on-site office environment.
• Relevant professional qualification or part-qualification (e.g., AAT, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience in accounting or finance.
• Previous experience in residential block management, property management, or service charge accounting is highly beneficial.
• Commitment to ethical practice, customer service excellence, and continuous improvement