Service Charge Accountant

Collective Property Co; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A property management company in the Liverpool City Region is seeking an experienced Service Charge Accountant. The role involves preparing and managing service charge accounts for property portfolios, ensuring compliance with regulations and financial reporting standards. Ideal candidates should have strong knowledge of service charge budgets and excellent Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in service charge accounting or property accounting.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting and reconciliations.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain financial records for property portfolios.
• Produce monthly and annual financial reports.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations.

Skills

Service charge accounting

Financial reporting

Attention to detail

Excel skills

Education

AAT, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualification

Tools

Property management software

Job description

Overview

Job Summary: We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Service Charge Accountant to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing, managing and reconciling service charge accounts for residential and commercial property portfolios. This role requires a strong understanding of service charge budgeting, financial reporting and compliance with relevant regulations.

Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting:

• Prepare and maintain financial records for residential and commercial block management portfolios.
• Produce monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets and cash flow reports.
• Assist in budgeting and forecasting.
• Monitor and reconcile bank accounts related to service charge accounts.

Service Charge Accounting:

• Prepare and issue service charge budgets and year-end reconciliations in accordance with RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) guidelines.
• Ensure timely collection of service charges, ground rents, and other client-related income.
• Allocate service charge expenses accurately and in compliance with lease agreements.
• Liaise with external auditors to facilitate smooth service charge audits.

Accounts Payable & Receivable:

• Process supplier invoices and ensure timely payments to contractors and service providers.
• Manage arrears collections.
• Ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately and in a timely manner.

Regulatory Compliance & Best Practices:

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, RICS Service Charge Code, ARMA guidelines and other industry regulations.
• Maintain knowledge of property management regulations and update internal financial processes accordingly.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

• Previous experience in service charge accounting, property accounting, or a similar role.
• Strong knowledge of service charge budgets, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Experience with property management or accounting software
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Strong Excel skills, including the use of pivot tables and financial formulas.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work independently.

Desirable:

• AAT, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent accounting qualification (or working towards).
• Experience in residential or commercial property management.
• Familiarity with client money handling regulations