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- Tasks: Review and set service charge structures for housing, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Company: Join Look Ahead, a leading not-for-profit care and support provider in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 30 days annual leave, generous pension contributions, and life assurance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in social housing while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in service charges and housing benefit regulations is essential.
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 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
✨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 apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Charges Analyst
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 these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of Housing Benefit regulations – it’s super important for us.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially since the role involves drafting service charge schedules. Show us you can communicate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
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 prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed or reviewed service charges.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
This role requires a methodical approach and strong attention to detail. During the interview, highlight instances where you've used analytical skills to solve problems or improve processes. Bring along any relevant reports or documents that showcase your ability to produce accurate and transparent service charge schedules.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
You'll need to liaise with local authorities and housing benefit teams, so it's crucial to show that you can communicate clearly and effectively. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated complex discussions in the past and how you ensure all parties are on the same page regarding service charges.
✨Be Ready for Compliance Questions
Understanding compliance is key in this role. Familiarise yourself with DWP guidance and housing benefit regulations. Expect questions about how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, and be ready to explain your approach to maintaining accurate, auditable records.