At a Glance
- Tasks: Review and rebuild service charge budgets while drafting new schedules for housing.
- 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 reviewing service charges and engaging with local authority housing benefit teams.
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. Job in Islington LilyLifestyle Jobs in London employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Look Ahead is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment in Islington, where employees are valued for their contributions to the community. With benefits such as up to 30 days of annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, Look Ahead fosters a culture of collaboration and commitment to social welfare, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Charges Analyst. Job in Islington LilyLifestyle Jobs 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 Look Ahead and understanding their values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission and the specific role of Service Charge Analyst.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions and scenarios related to service charge analysis. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and demonstrate your analytical skills during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your enthusiasm for joining Look Ahead as a Service Charge Analyst.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Charges Analyst. Job in Islington LilyLifestyle Jobs in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Service Charges Analyst role. Highlight your relevant experience in reviewing service charges and working with local authorities, as this will show us you’re a great fit for the position.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your analytical and organisational skills in your application. We want to see how you manage competing priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines, so give us some examples!
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure you articulate your motivations for applying and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨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 strong analytical mindset. During the interview, highlight your methodical approach to problem-solving. Share instances where your attention to detail made a significant impact, especially in compliance with DWP guidance or when preparing enhanced Housing Benefit claims.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
You'll need to liaise with local authorities and housing benefit teams, so showcasing your communication skills is key. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past, particularly in situations involving negotiations or discussions about service charges.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle tight deadlines and competing priorities. Think of examples where you've successfully managed multiple tasks under pressure, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
