Accommodation Accounts & Payments Officer

Accommodation Accounts & Payments Officer

Full-Time 37509 - 38637 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Lewisham Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage financial datasets and process payments for private-sector properties.
  • Company: Lewisham Council, a supportive and inclusive employer.
  • Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
  • Other info: Hybrid working with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic finance team and make a real impact in the community.
  • Qualifications: Strong numerical skills and experience in accounting required.

The predicted salary is between 37509 - 38637 £ per year.

We are seeking an individual with experience in creating and maintaining accurate financial datasets, managing competing priorities, and working effectively within a fast‑paced finance environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in financial transactions, processing high volumes of invoices, and using payment systems such as ContrOCC and Oracle.

The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and managing the monthly landlord rent payment schedule for all private‑sector leased properties, signing off the schedule each month, processing all payments to nightly paid providers and landlords, and providing a professional service to all clients and colleagues. The role involves keeping accurate records of all payments, undertaking payment‑related calculations—including overpayments, handback payments, rent suspensions, claw backs, and handling council tax payments and associated queries.

The role requires strong numerical skills, confidence working with financial data, and advanced Excel skills. A background in accounting and experience dealing with expenditure are essential. Candidates must be organized, methodical, accurate, and attentive to detail.

Primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU.

Hybrid working: 2 days in the office (Monday is a mandatory office day). Regular office presence required along with working from home on other days.

The role is permanent.

Benefits include:

  • Generous holiday allowance
  • Local Government Pension scheme
  • Flexible working and family‑friendly policies
  • Season ticket and bicycle loans
  • Staff discounts, including subsidised gym memberships
  • Supportive staff networks

Salary: £37,509 – £38,637 per annum (Scale 6)

Diversity: Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from all abilities. If you require reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. Our reasonable adjustments policy supports disabled applicants and those with health conditions throughout our recruitment process. We support the Access to Work scheme – further details are available on www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact merlyn.hopper@lewisham.gov.uk.

Accommodation Accounts & Payments Officer employer: Lewisham Council

Lewisham Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous holiday allowances, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to diversity, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to meaningful community services in Catford, London.

Lewisham Council

Contact Details:

Lewisham Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Accommodation Accounts & Payments Officer

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Lewisham Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Accounts & Payments Officer

Financial Data Management
Invoice Processing
Payment Systems (ContrOCC, Oracle)
Numerical Skills
Advanced Excel Skills
Accounting Background
Expenditure Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Lewisham Council.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Lewisham Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Lewisham Council.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Lewisham Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Lewisham Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.