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:
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Service Charge Budgeting:
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Prepare and set annual service charge budgets in coordination with property managers.
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Ensure budgets are accurate, realistic, and in line with lease agreements.
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Provide detailed analysis and commentary on variances and forecasts.
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Service Charge Reconciliation:
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Reconcile service charge accounts against budgets, identifying discrepancies.
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Prepare year-end service charge accounts and ensure all reconciliations are completed on time.
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Provide information for external auditors during the service charge audit process.
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Financial Reporting & Compliance:
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Produce accurate and timely financial reports related to service charges.
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Ensure compliance with RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) guidelines and other relevant legislation.
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Maintain knowledge of legal updates in service charge regulations and communicate these effectively to relevant stakeholders.
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Stakeholder Management:
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Act as the primary contact for service charge queries from property managers, clients, tenants, and auditors.
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Provide financial advice and support on service charge matters, ensuring clear communication.
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Liaise with external auditors and other professional bodies to address audit queries.
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System Maintenance & Development:
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Maintain and improve accounting systems related to service charges.
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Ensure all service charge data is recorded accurately in the system.
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Assist with software upgrades or migrations as needed.
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Ad Hoc Projects:
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Assist in the review and improvement of service charge processes.
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Participate in projects related to property accounting and reporting.
Qualifications and Skills:
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Education:
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A degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred.
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ACCA/CIMA or equivalent professional qualification (part or fully qualified).
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Experience:
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Minimum 3 years of experience in property accounting, service charge accounting, or a similar role.
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Experience with property management systems such as Qube, Yardi, or MRI Software is highly desirable.
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Skills:
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Strong understanding of service charge accounting principles.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, etc.).
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Analytical mindset with a high level of attention to detail.
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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.