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- Tasks: Review and draft service charge structures for housing portfolios.
- Company: Look Ahead, a leading not-for-profit care and support provider.
- Benefits: £35,000 salary, up to 30 days annual leave, generous pension, and life assurance.
- Other info: Join a compassionate team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in service charges and housing benefit regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Service Charge Analyst located at our Head Office in Islington. £35,000.00 per annum (pro rata), working 35 hours per week. Fixed Term Contract for 6 months.
Our benefits include:
- Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
- A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x pensionable salary (T&Cs apply)
- Free DBS
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
To play a key role in Look Ahead's review of service charge structures across its commissioned and non-commissioned housing portfolio. They will draft new service charge schedules, provide clear written rationales for all proposed charges, and liaise directly with local authorities and housing benefit to explain and agree new charges for 2026-27.
What you'll do:
- Review and Rebuild Service Charge Budgets
- Lead on the zero-based review of existing rent and service charge budgets across Look Ahead's full housing portfolio.
- Draft and Implement New Service Charges Schedules
- Produce accurate and transparent service charges schedules for each scheme, distinguishing between eligible and ineligible costs in line with housing benefit guidance and provide summary rationale for each cost element.
- Liaise with Local Authorities, Housing Benefit Teams and Owning Landlords
- Act as key contact for Housing Benefit teams, representing Look Ahead in rent and service discussion for 2026-27.
- Collaboration and Internal Coordination
- Working closely with finance colleagues to align service charges budgets with proposed schedules for 2026-27.
- Compliance, Reporting and Improvement
- Ensure full compliance with DWP guidance (including circulars A4/2014 and A1/2023), HB regulations, and Regulator of Social Housing requirements.
About you:
- Highly organised, able to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines in a time-limited role.
- Analytical and methodical, with a strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, auditable records.
What you'll bring:
- Essential: Substantial experience reviewing or setting service charges within supported or social housing.
- Proven experience preparing enhanced Housing Benefit claims and engaging directly with local authority housing benefit teams.
- Experience of building or reviewing budgets using a zero-based or baseline-up approach.
- Strong understanding of Housing Benefit regulations relating to exempt and specified accommodation, including eligible and ineligible costs.
- Desirable: Experience working in an interim, project-based, or time-limited role.
- Experience supporting or contributing to a full service charge review for a registered provider.
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
Service Charges Analyst in London employer: Look Ahead Care and Support
Contact Detail:
Look Ahead Care and Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Charges Analyst in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Charges Analyst in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Service Charges Analyst role. Highlight your experience with service charge reviews and budget management, as well as any relevant skills that match the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your analytical skills and attention to detail, especially in relation to housing benefit regulations.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since the role requires managing competing priorities, give us examples of how you've successfully handled tight deadlines in previous roles. This will show us you can thrive in a time-limited environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Look Ahead Care and Support
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Service Charges Analyst, you'll be dealing with budgets and financial data. Brush up on your knowledge of service charge structures and housing benefit regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've previously managed or reviewed service charges, and prepare examples that showcase your analytical skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to liaise with local authorities and housing benefit teams, so it's crucial to demonstrate your communication abilities. Prepare to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. Think of instances where you've successfully communicated with stakeholders and how you resolved any challenges.
✨Be Organised and Methodical
This role requires strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities. During the interview, share specific strategies you use to stay organised, especially when working under tight deadlines. Highlight any tools or methods you employ to ensure accuracy and compliance in your work.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Research Look Ahead and its mission. Understand how the role of a Service Charges Analyst fits into their overall objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare in the community.