At a Glance
- Tasks: Review and draft service charge structures for housing portfolios.
- Company: Look Ahead, a leading not-for-profit care and support provider.
- Benefits: Generous pension, up to 30 days annual leave, and life assurance.
- Other info: Join a compassionate team dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in social housing while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in service charges and strong attention to detail 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 - Islington, London employer: Look Ahead
Look Ahead is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment in Islington, London. With generous benefits including up to 30 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive within the organisation. The company values collaboration and compliance, providing meaningful opportunities for professional development while making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Charges Analyst - Islington, 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 being part of the team.
✨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 to shine.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Charges Analyst - Islington, 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 these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills match 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. Be sure to mention any relevant experience with local authorities or housing benefit teams.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or conducted reviews in the past. We love seeing concrete examples that demonstrate your methodical approach!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you'll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Look Ahead
✨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 budgets or set service charges, as this will show your expertise in the field.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
This role requires a methodical approach and strong attention to detail. Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex problems or conducted zero-based reviews in the past. Highlight your analytical skills during the interview to demonstrate that you can handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to liaise with local authorities and housing benefit teams, so practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on your communication style and how you ensure clarity when discussing service charges or budgets with stakeholders.
✨Be Organised and Ready to Prioritise
With tight deadlines and competing priorities, it's crucial to showcase your organisational skills. Share specific strategies you use to manage your time effectively and how you've successfully delivered projects under pressure in previous roles.
