Service Charge Accountant

Service Charge Accountant
Location: South London, Brixton
Contract: Permenant
Hours: 40 per week
Pay: £50,000 per annum + benefits
Working Pattern: Hybrid working - 1 day a week from home

Social Housing Experience Required

Daniel Owen are proud to be representing a well-known client based in the South London, Brixton area who are looking for a highly skilled Service Charge Accountant to join their team

Key Responsibilities - Service Charge Accountant:

Budgeting & Financial Reporting

• Prepare and reconcile annual service charge budgets and actuals.
• Produce and issue year-end service charge accounts in line with lease agreements and statutory guidelines (Landlord and Tenant Act 1985).
• Manage and report on reserve funds, ensuring correct contributions and balances.
• Monitor expenditure, compare against budgets, and post adjustments as needed.
• Provide service charge budgets for new developments at design stage.

Billing & System Management

• Calculate and issue service charge estimates, actuals, major works charges, and ground rent in line with lease terms and within set timescales.
• Lead on the rent increase process, ensuring accurate calculations and communications.
• Troubleshoot and improve service charge billing systems to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintain service charge ledgers and ensure accurate postings in financial systems.

Stakeholder Engagement & Queries

• Liaise with SNG to ensure the bank balance is topped up with the correct amounts.
• Reconcile the individual leaseholder accounts and produce and send out yearly financial statements

• Handle leaseholder and tenant queries on service charge estimates, statements, and variances.
• Liaise with internal teams (Repairs, Development, Finance) to ensure correct cost allocations and billing for works and new developments.
• Support internal and external audits, tribunals, and court proceedings with required financial data.
• Collaborate with the Leasehold Adviser to improve communication with residents, including welcome packs and service charge handbooks.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and obtain dispensation where necessary.
• Review lease agreements to ensure all service charge elements are captured.
• Identify non-collectable charges and prepare write-off documentation as required.
• Conduct Land Registry checks to confirm leaseholder ownership status.

Engagement & Representation

• Arrange and attend leaseholder service charge meetings and community events.
• Provide input to legal and tribunal cases as required.
• Represent the organisation at First Tier Tribunals and in County Court when necessary.