Residential Service Charge Accountant
Location: Birmingham
Working Style: Hybrid, with occasional travel where required
Reports to: Head of Finance & Operations
Overview
We are looking for a capable and commercially aware Residential Service Charge Accountant to oversee a portfolio of residential block management accounts. This role is central to ensuring financial accuracy, maintaining compliance with client money regulations, and supporting the wider operational team with clear and reliable financial information.
The successful candidate will work closely with Property Managers, external accountants and operational stakeholders to manage service charge accounting activities across multiple developments. This is a hands‑on role requiring strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
You will play an active role in improving processes, identifying issues early and helping the business continue to grow successfully.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Manage and reconcile client bank accounts, ensuring all financial transactions are accurately recorded and compliant with relevant client finance requirements
* Produce and issue service charge, ground rent and related demands in a timely and accurate manner
* Liaise with Property Managers regarding the preparation and implementation of annual service charge budgets
* Support the production of year-end service charge accounts, including accruals and prepayments, while coordinating with external accountants where necessary
* Review and monitor arrears across the portfolio, escalating matters appropriately and assisting with debt recovery referrals where required
* Oversee supplier payments and purchase ledger activities, ensuring invoices are processed correctly and outstanding queries are resolved promptly
* Act as a key point of contact for finance-related queries from clients, leaseholders, contractors and internal teams
* Maintain accurate financial records across a varied portfolio of residential developments
* Work collaboratively with operational teams to support credit control activities and improve financial processes
Skills and Experience
To be considered for this role, applicants should demonstrate:
* Previous experience within client accounting in a residential block management or property management environment
* Strong understanding of service charge accounting principles and year-end accounting procedures
* Experience managing reconciliations and financial controls across multiple client accounts
* Familiarity with RICS and ICAEW guidelines and professional standards
* Good working knowledge of accounting software, property management systems and Microsoft Excel
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a high-volume workload accurately
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
* A proactive and solutions-focused approach to problem solving
* AAT qualification, or progress towards one, would be advantageous although practical experience will also be highly regarded
Qualities required
This role would suit someone who:
* Takes ownership of their work and is comfortable managing responsibilities independently
* Can identify discrepancies, overdue items or emerging issues without requiring close supervision
* Enjoys working in a fast‑paced and evolving environment
* Is confident building professional relationships with colleagues, clients and suppliers
* Has the ability to manage multiple developments simultaneously without compromising accuracy or service levels
* Has an interest in improving systems, controls and ways of working within client accounting
Why Join the Business
The company is experiencing significant growth, and the finance function plays an important role in supporting that expansion. This position offers the opportunity to contribute beyond day‑to‑day accounting tasks and become involved in shaping scalable, effective client accounting processes for a growing portfolio.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking genuine responsibility, variety within their role and the chance to make a meaningful contribution within a modern and ambitious property management business.
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