Job Title: Service Charge AccountantLocation: HitchinEmployment 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.