Service Charge Manager

Service Charge Manager

Profession: Finance

We are seeking a dedicated Service Charge Manager to oversee service charge budget setting and income accounting for all tenures. This role ensures accurate and transparent charges with full recovery of eligible costs. The portfolio includes approximately 20,000 units, with around 10,000 service charge payers, including 4,700 leaseholds and shared ownership units, and an annual service charge income budget of approximately £18 million.Financial Responsibility:

• Approximately £18 million (annual service charge income budget)

People's Responsibility:

• 2 Direct reports, 4 Indirect reports

Autonomy:

• Operate with broad direction from the Head of Rent and Service Charge Accounting, with autonomy in team operations, resource deployment, and work execution.

Key Accountabilities:

• Set annual service charge expenditure and income budget for the London and Hertfordshire region.
• Manage the annual service charge estimate and final account process, ensuring effective risk management and compliance with regulatory timelines.
• Collaborate with senior managers and teams to support continuous service improvement and deliver excellent customer service.
• Maintain the integrity of service charge applications, people, processes, and systems.
• Develop and maintain a housing management/service charge system in partnership with the business.
• Review and approve the certification of annual service charges, including documentation and supporting reports.
• Publish the annual service charge team timetable and provide regular updates to stakeholders.
• Produce and analyze reports on recoverable repairs, maintenance expenditure, and estimated service charge income.
• Provide expert advice on service charge, demonstrating thorough knowledge of relevant legislation and best practices.
• Participate in staff engagement activities and uphold the organisation's culture, values, and goals.

Leadership:

• Manage the Service Charge team, providing clear vision, direction, and fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Allocate resources efficiently, manage workload and priorities.
• Ensure oversight of systems, processes, policies, and resources for professional and responsive services.
• Implement corporate plans and objectives.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Support employee wellbeing, engagement, development, and mentorship.
• Take ownership of people-related matters and collaborate with support teams.
• Recruit, manage, and motivate team members, ensuring training and performance appraisals.

General Responsibilities:

• Role model organisational values and leadership behaviours.
• Promote health, safety, and wellbeing principles.
• Engage in learning and development opportunities.
• Undertake additional duties as required to meet organisational needs.

Knowledge and Skills:Essential:

• Expertise in managing fixed and variable service charges in a large, complex setting, preferably in housing.
• Skilled leader with experience in developing high-performing teams.
• Thorough understanding of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and service charge best practices.
• Qualified by experience or as a qualified accountant.
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in balance sheet reconciliations.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience with external and internal auditors.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.

Desirable:

• Experience with SUN finance system, NEC housing management system, or similar systems.

This job description is subject to periodic review and updates to reflect the responsibilities required of the post holder. Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team and contribute to our mission of delivering excellent service charge management!If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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