At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage service charge budgets and provide customer support in a housing environment.
- Company: Join LiveWest, a leading employer dedicated to community and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, health perks, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial wellbeing and customer satisfaction in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and finance, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Do you have experience with Service Charges in a housing environment? Do you have a finance background? Are you good with numbers, spreadsheets and can provide excellent customer service? Then this is the role for you.
As a Service Charge Officer, you will ensure that accurate service charge budgets are set and annual accounts are accurately produced within the legal timeframes. You will be involved in setting up new schemes within your patch and will communicate with customers who have queries regarding any aspect of the service charge and will provide supporting documents, guidance and supporting information when requested. You will provide technical and professional expertise, advice and assistance to all areas of the business to help fulfil their role in line with legislative and regulatory requirements in all areas related to Service Charges.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure accurate setting and accounting of service charges for all new and existing properties and customers.
- Ensure correct consultation procedures are followed in relation to raising and altering service charges to ensure full recovery of income.
- Deliver customer focussed technical, legal and administrative support and advice on service charges to enable colleagues to deliver joined up, tenure-blind customer focussed services to LiveWest customers which meet legal and regulatory requirements and customer expectations.
- Complete annual residents service charge meetings when requested by our customers.
Why Join LiveWest?
At LiveWest, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages both professional and personal growth. By joining our Service Charge team, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective management of service charges, directly contributing to the financial wellbeing of our properties and the satisfaction of our customers. Your work will have a lasting, positive impact on both the organisation and the community. This role is being offered on a full time, permanent basis, working 37 hours per week. Hybrid working is available for this role, working 2 - 3 days per week in our Tolvaddon, Exeter or Weston-super-Mare office, dependent on business need.
About The Candidate
To be successful in your application for the role of Service Charge Officer, you will have the essential skills and experience for a level 1 role and the following role specific skills and experience:
- Customer Satisfaction: Experience in improving customer satisfaction and working in customer service environments.
- Financial Acumen: Ability to manage, review and collect up to date information to assist in completing accurate accounts and budget setting.
- Communication: Excellent customer service skills across various communication methods.
- Desirable: Knowledge of social housing policy and experience in related professions.
- Desirable: Experience using purchase order and invoicing.
- Relevant Qualifications: HNC/CIH qualification (desirable) or equivalent experience.
- Desirable: Valid UK/EU driving licence and access to a vehicle to enable travel to our various schemes and offices when required.
Please note: You will be required to evidence your knowledge, understanding and experience of service charges at interview. This role is not eligible for CoS. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the role without requiring a CoS.
Our Reward and Benefits:
- Working Style: Hybrid working with 2 - 3 days in the office to support your work/life balance.
- Generous Annual Leave: Start with 26 days, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with length of service - and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days (pro rated for part time roles).
- Pension Contributions: Enjoy up to 9% employer contributions with our Defined Contribution scheme.
- Health Benefits and Perks: Access to a health care cash plan (worth up to £1,100 annually), virtual GP services, discounted gym memberships, and retail discounts including access to a Blue Light Card.
- Learning and Development: Invest in your future with ongoing personal and professional growth opportunities.
- Family Support: Policies designed to help you balance work and family life, including a new child payment.
- Wellbeing Matters: Prioritise your health with mental health support, enhanced sick pay, wellness campaigns, and free flu jabs.
- Smarter Travel: Save with our Cycle to Work and Car Benefit schemes.
- Giving Back: Up to four paid volunteering days a year to support our communities.
About Us:
At LiveWest, we are united by a shared mission: to create a home for everyone. Each of us takes pride in playing our part in achieving this goal. Our values guide everything we do - from how we work together to how we deliver exceptional services to our customers. Collaboration is at the heart of LiveWest, and we believe that we achieve more when we deliver together. As one of the largest employers in the South West, our team of 1,800 talented colleagues provides a wide range of services to our 80,000 customers. We are passionate about nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for people within the communities we serve.
Inclusion at LiveWest: We are committed to supporting our colleagues, giving them the autonomy and encouragement they need to thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we are building brighter futures for everyone. At LiveWest, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We believe that our differences drive innovation, creativity, and excellence, and we strive to create an environment where all colleagues can thrive. As a proud member of Inclusive Employers, a Disability Confident Employer, and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are dedicated to supporting all our colleagues and ensuring that our workplace is welcoming and accessible to all. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team. LiveWest is dedicated to equal opportunity and actively works to eliminate discrimination and promote diversity at all levels. Join us in our mission to create vibrant and inclusive communities. Make a difference with LiveWest, where every voice is heard, and every contribution is valued.
Service Charge Officer in Exeter employer: LiveWest
Livewest is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where flexibility and teamwork are at the forefront. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, pension contributions, and health benefits, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth within the rewarding field of youth support in the beautiful setting of West Cornwall.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Charge Officer in Exeter
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at LiveWest. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like LiveWest before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Charge Officer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to LiveWest:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at LiveWest specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at LiveWest!
How to prepare for a job interview at LiveWest
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
