Service Charge Accountant

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Service Charge Accountant to join our team in Blackburn. You will work closely with the Assistant Director of Finance Operations to deliver timely and precise financial information, supporting budget preparation, management accounts, performance analysis, and key control reviews. Your responsibilities will include overseeing the loading and maintenance of service charges on the housing management system, as well as leading a dedicated team, providing supervision and guidance. Please be aware that this position is a fixed-term contract for 6 months, with the potential for extension or the possibility of becoming permanent.

Together Housing Group : We are one of the largest housing associations in the North of England, managing over 38,000 homes across the North of England. We are a non-profit organisation, meaning any money we make is invested back into the company for the benefit of our residents and local communities. As an organisation we are committed to having a Diverse and Inclusive workforce. We would therefore welcome applications from candidates with any of the nine protected characteristics. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident employer. Further information can be found at this link -

Requirements Outline of key responsibilities for the Service Charge Accountant...

• To lead on year-end production of service charge statements for customers and liaise with auditors for sign off.
• Preparation of monthly service charge management accounts including liaison with key contacts within the business to ensure accuracy.
• To Support the Assistant Director Finance Operations to develop and implement group service charge policies and frameworks, contributing to reviews to ensure ongoing compliance with legislation, government guidelines, and Group policy.
• To act as the lead for all colleague/internal service charge related queries, ensuring accurate and consistent application of charges and service charge calculations across the Group for all customer types including leaseholders and tenants with Secure Rent Status.
• To ensure that the information held on all group IT systems with regards to service charges and other charges is up to date, including new properties built or acquired during the year.
• To provide relevant service charge information to support the Group in providing performance and budget information. Including supporting any reviews on VFM of services delivered to customers.
• Manage internal and external stakeholders effectively, building constructive working relationships to effectively deliver the groups service charge strategy.
• To be responsible for the preparation of financial information required for any first-tier tribunals.
• Manage the workflow within the team, ensure that compliance checks and reviews on service charge expenditure are carried out.
• Respond to customer queries and actively seek new improved ways to support customer needs, expectations to deliver a customer focused service.
• Support the Assistant Director Finance Operations in delivering a high quality, cost effective and accessible finance service to support the business objectives and customers' needs.
• Support the wider finance teams to provide the necessary information in order to complete regulatory/statutory returns.
• Maintain knowledge of service charge regulations in order to support the team in providing an effective service.
• Manage the timely and accurate production of service charge accounts and certificates to enable the tenancy and leaseholder obligations to be met.
• Make effective use of the Finance Systems to interrogate and produce information to support performance, do ad-hoc queries and provide analysis in execution of the role.
• Provide support and guidance to the service charge team to ensure that all staff are appropriately trained and have up to date knowledge to undertake their role competently including Regulations, Group policy and procedures.
• To undertake regular meetings and annual Performance Development Reviews to set targets, measure performance and provide a platform for continuous development and progression.

We are looking for someone who has....

• Experience working within service charge, specifically in the housing sector.
• Experience using Bluebox service charge software.
• Experience in preparing service charges, including the issuance of end-of-year service certificates.
• Experience of dealing with auditors.
• Experience of service charge accounting and preparation of management accounts information.
• The ability to produce financial information to suit different audiences to monitor performance and aid decision making.
• Apply commercial acumen to business discussions and operations to ensure best outcome for the business and to ensure the service charges provide value for money to customers.
• Provide effective challenge and financial insight to support positive outcomes for the group.
• Managing and motivating finance staff, promoting a culture that meets the needs of and engages with customers and staff, in an open and high performing environment.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with internal and external colleagues and customers.
• Knowledge and hands-on practical experience of legislation, regulations and standards relating to service charges within the housing sector.

Benefits In return, we are offering the successful candidate in the Service Charge Accountant...

Please be aware that this position is a fixed-term contract for 6 months, with the potential for extension or the possibility of becoming permanent.

Starting salary of £49,000 27 days holiday (rising to 32 over 5 years' service) + bank holidays A flexible working environment, with a range of family friendly policies Your normal working hours will be 37hrs per week Hybrid role Working arrangements are flexible in line with our Smart Working culture so that we deliver an excellent and accessible service for customers. Wide range of technical, professional, and personal development training opportunities Attractive pension scheme Health and wellbeing benefits including access to GPs A range of financial and lifestyle benefits including cycle to work, vehicle leasing and financial advice We have a range of staff support networks, including menopause, culturally diverse, LGBTQ+ and disability.

To view the full range of our award winning benefits click on the Employee Benefits Link THG reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient numbers of applicants are received. Therefore, please apply without delay! Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form. INDTHG2