At a Glance
- Tasks: Calculate and manage service charges for domestic leasehold properties, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
- Company: Join Tower Hamlets Council, a dynamic and diverse community in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a modern, collaborative hub with a focus on equality and community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant finance qualification or equivalent experience in housing finance or service charge management.
The predicted salary is between 45852 - 49155 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Service Charge Specialist to join our Service Charge Team within the Finance Division. If you are passionate about delivering accurate, transparent, and customer-focused service charge management, committed to achieving positive outcomes for leaseholders and stakeholders, and bring experience in housing finance, service charge accounting, or financial analysis, we would love to hear from you.
In this role, you will:
- Carry out the calculation of estimated and actual service charges for the Council’s domestic leasehold property portfolio, ensuring cost data is accurately collected, verified, analysed, and reconciled.
- Prepare annual service charge estimates, management information, financial reports, comparison data, and supporting information for the Council’s final accounts within agreed timescales.
- Provide high-quality information and support to Leaseholder Services and Customer Services teams, helping them respond effectively to leaseholder and stakeholder enquiries regarding service charges.
- Resolve resident enquiries relating to service charge calculations, utility consumption, meter readings, cost apportionment, and cost reasonableness, working collaboratively with colleagues and escalating complex issues where appropriate.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- A relevant qualification in finance, accounting, housing, or substantial equivalent experience in a service charge, housing finance, or financial administration environment.
- Experience of analysing financial data, preparing reports and reconciliations, and working with complex datasets to support decision‑making and customer service delivery.
- Knowledge of service charge methodologies, financial accounting principles, leasehold management, and the legislative and regulatory framework relating to service charges.
- Strong communication and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse community.
Our Benefits:
- Competitive salary Grade I (£45,852 to £49,155).
- Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
- Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.
- Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.
- Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
- Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.
Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives.
Our award‑winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.
As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.
At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.
Service Charge Specialist employer: Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd
Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Greater London. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to social impact, we provide generous benefits and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Join us to be part of a transformative journey in housing options, where your contributions will make a meaningful difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Charge Specialist
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Charge Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
