Rent & Service Charge Accountant

The post holder is responsible for leading all financial aspects of the rent setting and service charge setting process including accurate calculation, reconciliation and reporting of rents and service charges. Responsible for completing specific regulatory returns and providing financial analysis and reporting as required for the Finance Team.

Client Details

I am working with a leading Surrey based Housing Association assisting them recruit a Rent & Service Charge Accountant on a permanent basis.

Description

The post holder will work collaboratively as part of the Financial Control Team to deliver a quality service for Customers, Budget Holders and Service Managers.

The role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements (including the Regulator of Social Housing), accounting standards (FRS 102), and internal controls, while supporting operational teams, auditors and residents with clear, accurate financial information.

Rent Setting

Lead on the annual review of rent setting and service charges in line with sector standards ensuring compliance with government rent policies and internal approvals Recommend annual changes to the rent and service charges made

To lead on the financial calculation and production of annual rent changes

Lead on the setting of rents for new developments

Lead on organisation's rent convergence project

Be the organisation's finance expert in the Rent Standard and Rent and Service Charge legislation

Service Charges

Responsible for producing the annual variable service charge estimates for rented properties

Responsible for the annual reconciliation of the actuals for the variable service charges and the calculation of the year-end adjustment for tenants

Lead on the year end audit of the year-end actuals

Work closely with housing, estates and property teams to ensure service charge costs are accurately allocated.

Lead on the setting of service charges for new developments as they are completed

Ensure the services provided to each block are accurately captured across all tenures

Annually review service charge estimates for the following April, liaising with service delivery teams to cost service charges

Annually produce the actual service charge costs for all leaseholders and shared owners

Understanding how leases work, how the organisation charges and recharges and if policy isn't followed at any point, what the implications are

Liaise with Home Ownership Team ensuring major works schemes are recharged to homeowners, and appropriate notice periods are observed

Financial Analysis & Modelling

Assist the Business Partner (Customer Experience) with the annual rent and service charge budget setting

Analysing trends and delving into the expenditure over the past year, cross referencing to allocated budgets.

Monthly analysis of service charge costs and the regular setting of new service charges; to assist budget holders with recovery

Systems and controls

Review and improve rent and service charge accounting processes and controls.

Support system upgrades, testing and data validation relating to rent and service charge modules.

Stakeholder engagement

Provide clear explanations of financial information to non-finance colleagues and residents when required.

Assist in training operational teams on rent and service charge finance processes.

Regulatory Returns

Lead in the annual production of the SDR

Profile

A successful Rent & Service Charge Accountant should have:

Qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or finalist

Housing association rent regulatory regime

Housing association service charge regime across different tenures

Section 20 process

Knowledge of leases

Microsoft F&O

Housing management system

Knowledge of FRS 102 and the Housing SORP

• Able to develop and maintain good relationships with external and internal contacts
• Ability to make an informed decisions and/or give clear advice

Ability to communicate financial and procurement data to non-financial users

Aptitude for designing and implementing procedures and processes

Strong questioning and listening skills

Rent and service charge setting within a housing association

Experience working in a finance team

Production of annuals statements of account for leaseholders and shared owners

External auditors in relation to service charges

Job Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from £50,000 to £51,500 per annum.
• Hybrid working - 2 days in the office each week
• Permanent position based in Redhill.
• Opportunity to work in the not-for-profit sector, contributing to meaningful community initiatives.
• Comprehensive benefits package to support work-life balance and professional growth.

If you are an experienced Rent & Service Charge Accountant ready to take the next step in your career, apply now to join a dedicated team making a difference in the Redhill area.