Rent & Service Charge Manager in Milton Keynes, Walton

Our client, based in Buckinghamshire, is currently looking to recruit for a Rent & Service Charge Manager to join their central finance function on an interim three-month contract. The role is 36.25 hours per week.

• Start date: Ideally July 2026
• Day rate: Negotiable dependent on experience

Responsible to: Head of Financial Operations

Responsible for: 2 Service Team Leaders, 1 Rent Compliance Officer, 1 Service Charge Accountant, 1 Senior Rent Officer

Purpose of the job:

• The Rent and Service Charge Manager will be responsible for the accurate calculation, management, and communication of rents and service charges across the organisation’s housing portfolio.
• This role ensures robust controls and compliance with relevant legislation, maximises income recovery, and supports financial transparency for both the organisation and its customers.
• A key focus for the role is to work closely with the other finance teams and other directorates working cross-functionally, ensuring the rent and service charge processes are aligned with operational needs and strategic objectives whilst adhering to strict deadlines and supporting the Head of Financial Operations.

Duties will include (but not limited to):

• Lead the Rent and Service Charge Team, ensuring high-quality service delivery, strong financial controls, and effective business partnering across the organisation.
• Oversee the annual rent and service charge review process, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across all tenure types.
• Manage the preparation, approval, and communication of rent and service charge budgets, reviews, and customer notifications.
• Ensure the accurate and timely production of leasehold, homeownership, Right to Buy, and variable service charge accounts in line with lease and tenancy requirements.
• Maintain robust controls over rent setting, re-let checks, reconciliations, and service charge processes, resolving customer queries where required.
• Partner with Finance, Housing, Property, Treasury, and Operational teams to deliver accurate budgets, forecasts, cash flow reporting, and financial insight.
• Support regulatory compliance, including rent compliance, insurance administration, annual returns, audit requirements, and risk management.
• Drive continuous improvement across financial operations, leading team development, succession planning, performance management, and the adoption of technology and AI to enhance efficiency and reporting.

Key relationships:

• Head of Financial Operations
• Rent and Service Charge Team
• Wider Finance Team
• Auditors
• Operational Managers
• Sector Peers

Experience required:

• Finance qualification: AAT, ACCA, CIMA
• Experience in rent planning, analysis, and reporting
• Strong knowledge of Rent and Service Charge processes
• Experience in service charge budget setting and production of accounts
• Experience managing teams and working cross-functionally
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Familiarity with financial operation reporting tools and systems

Skills and competencies:

• Problem solver and financial acumen
• Strong management and team development capabilities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Knowledge of the rent standard and service charge legislation

Working hours:

• 36.25 hours per week
• Monday - Friday
• Hybrid working: Please note you will need to be on site once a week

Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.