Client Details
I am working with a leading Surrey based Housing Association assisting them recruit a Rent & Service Charge Accountant on a permanent basis.
Description
The post holder will work collaboratively as part of the Financial Control Team to deliver a quality service for Customers, Budget Holders and Service Managers.
The role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements (including the Regulator of Social Housing), accounting standards (FRS 102), and internal controls, while supporting operational teams, auditors and residents with clear, accurate financial information.
Rent Setting
* Lead on the annual review of rent setting and service charges in line with sector standards ensuring compliance with government rent policies and internal approvals Recommend annual changes to the rent and service charges made
* To lead on the financial calculation and production of annual rent changes
* Lead on the setting of rents for new developments
* Lead on organisation's rent convergence project
* Be the organisation's finance expert in the Rent Standard and Rent and Service Charge legislation
Service Charges
* Responsible for producing the annual variable service charge estimates for rented properties
* Responsible for the annual reconciliation of the actuals for the variable service charges and the calculation of the year-end adjustment for tenants
* Lead on the year end audit of the year-end actuals
* Work closely with housing, estates and property teams to ensure service charge costs are accurately allocated.
* Lead on the setting of service charges for new developments as they are completed
* Ensure the services provided to each block are accurately captured across all tenures
* Annually review service charge estimates for the following April, liaising with service delivery teams to cost service charges
* Annually produce the actual service charge costs for all leaseholders and shared owners
* Understanding how leases work, how the organisation charges and recharges and if policy isn't followed at any point, what the implications are
* Liaise with Home Ownership Team ensuring major works schemes are recharged to homeowners, and appropriate notice periods are observed
Financial Analysis & Modelling
* Assist the Business Partner (Customer Experience) with the annual rent and service charge budget setting
* Analysing trends and delving into the expenditure over the past year, cross referencing to allocated budgets.
* Monthly analysis of service charge costs and the regular setting of new service charges; to assist budget holders with recovery
Systems and controls
* Review and improve rent and service charge accounting processes and controls.
* Support system upgrades, testing and data validation relating to rent and service charge modules.
Stakeholder engagement
* Provide clear explanations of financial information to non-finance colleagues and residents when required.
* Assist in training operational teams on rent and service charge finance processes.
Regulatory Returns
Lead in the annual production of the SDR
Profile
* Qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or finalist
* Housing association rent regulatory regime
* Housing association service charge regime across different tenures
* Section 20 process
* Knowledge of leases
* Microsoft F&O
* Housing management system
* Knowledge of FRS 102 and the Housing SORP
* Able to develop and maintain good relationships with external and internal contacts
* Ability to make an informed decisions and/or give clear advice
* Ability to communicate financial and procurement data to non-financial users
* Aptitude for designing and implementing procedures and processes
* Strong questioning and listening skills
* Rent and service charge setting within a housing association
* Experience working in a finance team
* Production of annual statements of account for leaseholders and shared owners
* External auditors in relation to service charges
Job Offer
* Competitive salary ranging from £50,000 to £51,500 per annum.
* Hybrid working - 2 days in the office each week
* Permanent position based in Redhill.
* Opportunity to work in the not-for-profit sector, contributing to meaningful community initiatives.
* Comprehensive benefits package to support work-life balance and professional growth.
If you are an experienced Rent & Service Charge Accountant ready to take the next step in your career, apply now to join a dedicated team making a difference in the Redhill area.
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