At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage service charge budgets, reconcile expenditures, and respond to resident inquiries.
- Company: Join one of the largest housing providers in the South of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 28 days annual leave, and a friendly work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in housing finance while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in rent and service charges, strong communication skills, and advanced Excel proficiency required.
- Other info: Flexible working options may be available; equipment provided for your role.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client, one of the largest housing providers in the South of England, is currently recruiting for a Service Charge Manager to join their growing Finance team. The role is due to start on an 18 month fixed term contract and the salary per annum is £43,186.
The ideal candidate will have solid experience of rent and service charges including fixed and variable charges in a large, complex setting as well as experience working within a Housing finance function.
Duties will include (but not limited to):
- Lead on the annual rent setting and service charge budget process
- Lead the reconciliation process ensuring all recoverable expenditure is captured
- Have a good understanding of the differing tenures of property and the associated complexities of service charges for each tenure
- Regularly reviewing and monitoring to ensure that the work instructions are updated in line with legislative and regulatory changes
- Produce and analyse reports of recoverable repairs and maintenance expenditure
- Establish improvements in processes and liaise with the service charge project lead to integrate information into the new service charge software
- Monitoring and reporting on resident and Local Authority enquiries to ensure a 'lessons learned' feedback is discussed with senior managers each year
- Frontline response to residents in matters relating to rent enquiries and service charges including telephone calls, corresponding with residents and attending residents' meetings where required. This will include reviewing complaints and Housing Ombudsman requests where necessary
- Main point of contact in the Service Charge Team for the Local Authority Housing Benefit Departments
- Maintaining information on database relating to sinking fund accounts including posting entries and reconciling bank accounts
- Manage internal systems controlling service charge processes
Experience required:
- Solid experience of rent and service charges including fixed and variable charges in a large, complex setting
- Experience, knowledge and understanding of requirements of current rents and service charge legislation, specifically the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and Section 20 legislation
- Demonstrable experience working in a Finance team within a Housing Association
- Confident when dealing with data sets of large volume
- Experienced in the use of Microsoft Excel/Word to an advanced standard
- Excellent communication skills
- Experience of analysing processes and identifying improvements
Rewards and Benefits:
- Hybrid working – two days in the office per week
- Friendly working environment
- Generous annual leave – 28 days per year
- On-site parking
- Equipment provided
- & many more!
Working hours:
- 37 hours per week
- Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
- Please note flexible working could be offered – to be decided with line manager
Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.
Service Charge Manager employer: James Andrews Recruitment
Contact Detail:
James Andrews Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Charge Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and Section 20 legislation. Understanding these laws will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and your knowledge of the housing finance sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing finance industry, especially those who have experience in service charge management. Attend relevant events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could boost your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed service charges or improved processes. This will showcase your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly advanced functions and data analysis techniques. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in handling large data sets will be a significant advantage in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Charge Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Service Charge Manager. Familiarise yourself with the key duties mentioned in the job description, such as leading the annual rent setting and understanding service charge legislation.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in rent and service charges, particularly in large, complex settings. Make sure to include specific examples of your work within a Housing finance function and any achievements that demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that addresses why you are the ideal candidate for this role. Mention your solid experience with service charges, your understanding of relevant legislation, and your ability to analyse processes for improvements.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role that involves managing financial data.
How to prepare for a job interview at James Andrews Recruitment
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and Section 20 legislation. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will demonstrate your understanding of the legal framework surrounding service charges.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've analysed processes in previous roles and identified improvements. This will highlight your ability to enhance efficiency, which is crucial for the Service Charge Manager position.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex financial data. Excellent communication skills are essential for liaising with residents and local authorities.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your solid experience with rent and service charges in a large, complex setting. Use specific examples to illustrate your expertise and how it aligns with the role's requirements.