At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in managing service charge calculations and statements for 20,000 units.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation with a hybrid working model and a focus on teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and high performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring compliance and delivering excellent customer service.
- Qualifications: Experience in service charge management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56059 - 68517 £ per year.
Are you experienced in leading a team within Service Charges? We have a fantastic opportunity to join our Service Charges team as Regional Service Charge Manager. Based from our office in Basingstoke, you'll combine office and home working in line with our hybrid approach, with occasional travel to our Wembley office for team meetings.
The Role
Reporting into the Head of Service Charge Setting and Administration, you'll be responsible for managing and coordinating the Regional Service Charges team in the South West region in the delivery of the service charge calculations (all tenure types) and annual service charge statements to customers in line with legal and regulatory requirements. The portfolio consists of approximately 20,000 units with a total annual service charge income budget of c.£20 million.
Responsibilities include:
- Managing the Regional Service Charge team with a focus on articulating a clear vision, providing direction, and promoting a culture of accountability, high performance, and continuous improvement.
- Setting the annual service charge expenditure and income budget across all tenures within the region.
- Accountability for the annual service charge estimate and final account process, ensuring the risk associated with rechargeable service charges is effectively managed and regulatory time scales are met.
- Working collaboratively across the business to support continuous service improvement and deliver excellent customer service to customers across different tenure types, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Reviewing and approving the certification of annual service charges, documenting the calculation and apportionment process, including the reports and supporting documentation to facilitate the certification.
- Producing and analysing regular reports on recoverable repairs and maintenance expenditure, estimated service charge income and ad-hoc reports dependant on business requirements.
What we're looking for
You should have previous experience in a similar management role within service charges. You'll need to demonstrate strong technical knowledge, being adept in managing fixed and variable charges in a large and complex setting, preferably in a housing context. You'll also need:
- To be an experienced leader, skilled in developing high-performing teams and consistently maintaining high operational standards.
- Thorough understanding of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (as amended) and other guidance and best practice for service charges.
- To be qualified by experience or a qualified accountant with a solid understanding of accounting practices and concepts including account reconciliations.
- Ability to take ownership and work independently whilst meeting tight organisational deadlines.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, demonstrating collaborative, cross-functional working relationships, including experience liaising with external stakeholders, e.g. auditors, regulators and Ombudsman.
- Experience in directly engaging with customers, addressing queries, and delivering clear, concise written communication.
- Strong experience with Microsoft Office applications, including intermediate / advanced excel.
- Knowledge and experience of using housing management and property management systems (e.g. Workday, SUN, Agresso, NEC, Active H or similar).
Service Charge Manager (Hybrid) in Basingstoke employer: Sovereign Network Group
At Sovereign Network Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where your health and safety is paramount. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, and opportunities for personal growth, you will find meaningful work that truly makes a difference in the community. Join our dedicated team in Wiltshire and enjoy the unique advantage of a company van and fuel card, ensuring you can focus on delivering quality homes without financial worry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Charge Manager (Hybrid) in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
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Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Sovereign Network Group. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
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Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Sovereign Network Group.
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We think you need these skills to ace Service Charge Manager (Hybrid) in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Sovereign Network Group and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Sovereign Network Group how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sovereign Network Group
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
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If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Sovereign Network Group.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Sovereign Network Group's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
