At a Glance
- Tasks: Review and rebuild service charge budgets while liaising with local authorities.
- Company: Look Ahead, a leading not-for-profit care and support provider.
- Benefits: £35,000 salary, up to 30 days annual leave, generous pension, and life assurance.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in 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 Specialist. Job in Islington LilyLifestyle Jobs 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 generous benefits including up to 30 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme, we prioritise employee well-being and professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative culture that fosters development and innovation.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Charges Specialist. Job in Islington LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨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 its values. Understand their service charge structures and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to service charges and housing benefits. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that role! It shows you're genuinely interested and gives you access to all the latest opportunities. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces from our community!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Charges Specialist. Job in Islington LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Service Charges Specialist role. Highlight your experience with service charge budgets and any relevant work with local authorities. 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 perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your analytical skills and attention to detail, as these are key for us.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any substantial experience you've had in reviewing or setting service charges. We love seeing examples of how you've engaged with housing benefit teams or worked on budgets!
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 keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Service Charges Specialist, 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.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
This role requires a methodical approach and strong attention to detail. Prepare examples from your past work where you successfully analysed data or improved processes. Highlight any experience with zero-based budgeting, as it’s a key part of the job.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to liaise with local authorities and housing benefit teams, so practice explaining complex information in a straightforward way. Think about how you can demonstrate your communication skills during the interview, perhaps by discussing a time when you had to clarify charges or budgets to stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Compliance Questions
Understanding compliance is crucial for this position. Familiarise yourself with DWP guidance and relevant regulations. Prepare to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, as this will show that you take regulatory requirements seriously.
