Service Charge Accountant

Job Title: Service Charge Accountant
Location: Hitchin
Employment Type: Full-time (part-time may be considered)

Job Summary:

The Service Charge Accountant is responsible for managing, reviewing, and reporting on service charge accounts for a portfolio of properties. This role involves the preparation, reconciliation, and audit of service charge budgets and year-end accounts in line with legal and contractual requirements. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of property accounting and service charge regulations and possess excellent analytical and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Service Charge Budgeting:
  • Prepare and set annual service charge budgets in coordination with property managers.
  • Ensure budgets are accurate, realistic, and in line with lease agreements.
  • Provide detailed analysis and commentary on variances and forecasts.
• Service Charge Reconciliation:
  • Reconcile service charge accounts against budgets, identifying discrepancies.
  • Prepare year-end service charge accounts and ensure all reconciliations are completed on time.
  • Provide information for external auditors during the service charge audit process.
• Financial Reporting & Compliance:
  • Produce accurate and timely financial reports related to service charges.
  • Ensure compliance with RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) guidelines and other relevant legislation.
  • Maintain knowledge of legal updates in service charge regulations and communicate these effectively to relevant stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Management:
  • Act as the primary contact for service charge queries from property managers, clients, tenants, and auditors.
  • Provide financial advice and support on service charge matters, ensuring clear communication.
  • Liaise with external auditors and other professional bodies to address audit queries.
• System Maintenance & Development:
  • Maintain and improve accounting systems related to service charges.
  • Ensure all service charge data is recorded accurately in the system.
  • Assist with software upgrades or migrations as needed.
• Ad Hoc Projects:
  • Assist in the review and improvement of service charge processes.
  • Participate in projects related to property accounting and reporting.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education:
  • A degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred.
  • ACCA/CIMA or equivalent professional qualification (part or fully qualified).
• Experience:
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in property accounting, service charge accounting, or a similar role.
  • Experience with property management systems such as Qube, Yardi, or MRI Software is highly desirable.
• Skills:
  • Strong understanding of service charge accounting principles.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, etc.).
  • Analytical mindset with a high level of attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Key Competencies:

• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Team player with a collaborative approach.
• Customer-focused with the ability to build strong relationships.