Service Charge Finance Officer - Full time & Part time (job share) opportunities available

GREAT PLACES HOUSING ASSOCIATION; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK housing association is seeking Service Charge Finance Officers to support budgeting and financial analysis. This role offers full-time and part-time hybrid opportunities, focusing on service charge accuracy and compliance. Candidates with various experience levels are welcomed, especially those with knowledge in social housing. A commitment to community advocacy and financial management is essential.

Benefits

Pension DC scheme

Healthcare scheme with savings

Flexible working opportunities

26 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Rewards for exceptional contributions

Professional fees coverage

Discounts at various retailers

Access to savings opportunities

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Commitment to understanding community challenges.
• Passion for advocacy on behalf of people and communities.
• Professionalism, inclusivity, and respect for diversity.

Responsibilities

• Support budget holders in setting service charges accurately.
• Produce annual accounts in line with group timetables.
• Conduct monthly variance analysis of service charge income and expenditure.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Financial management

Cross-organizational collaboration

Understanding of service charge legislation

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Excel

Job description

We're looking for Service Charge Finance Officers to join our team! We have full-time (35 hours per week) and part-time job share (17.5 hours, Wednesday to Friday) opportunities available. These hybrid roles offer flexibility on location—you'll need to be within our operating areas (Manchester, Lancashire or South Yorkshire) and able to travel to our Head Office in Didsbury for your office days (minimum two days a week for full-time, one day for part-time). We welcome candidates with all levels of experience—whether you've worked directly with service charges or have relevant experience in housing, your skills could be a great fit.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting budget holders in the annual setting of service charges, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Producing annual accounts for both audited and non-audited schemes in line with the group timetable.
• Conducting monthly variance analysis of service charge income and expenditure by scheme, ensuring costs are correctly allocated.
• Regularly meeting with and supporting budget holders and contract managers by providing analysis and scheme performance insights, identifying overspends and financial risks.
• Preparing routine journals to ensure service charge accounts accurately report income, expenditure, assets, and liabilities.
• Using monthly variance analysis to support the production of Directorate Packs, analysing in-month and year-to-date variances, forecasting year-end impacts, and informing future budgets.
• Advising and training budget holders on financial management, service charges, and budget control.
• Providing information for the annual service charge audit, responding to auditor queries to ensure a smooth and compliant audit process.
• Identifying discrepancies, spotting patterns, and resolving issues effectively.
• Adapting quickly in a reactive role, handling challenges and changing priorities with confidence.
• Having an understanding of service charge legislation and staying up‑to‑date with relevant changes.
• Exhibiting exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting and data analysis.
• Demonstrating experience in cross‑organisational collaboration, engaging stakeholders effectively.
• Proficiency in data analysis, interpreting financial data to drive informed decisions.
• Strong working knowledge of the full Microsoft Office suite, including basic Excel skills.

What we need from you

• A commitment to understand the challenges and opportunities that exist in the communities in which we work. We particularly value lived experience in social housing.
• A passion to advocate on behalf of people and communities.
• A commitment to work in partnership with others for the benefit of Great Places.
• Professionalism and integrity, inclusivity, and respect for diversity.
• The willingness to attend a number of face‑to‑face training sessions as well as virtual sessions and e‑learning; this part of your role is vital and of equal importance as the day‑to‑day aspects.

What we give you in return for your hard work and commitment

• Pension – DC scheme (up to 10% contribution from both colleagues and Great Places).
• WPA – Healthcare scheme starting at no contribution level with £1250 of savings available per year (option to increase and add family members).
• Ways of Working – We offer some hybrid and flexible working.
• Annual leave – Starting at 26 days annual leave, increasing up to 30 days within 5 years + Bank Holidays.
• Reward & Recognition – You Count Rewards are individual rewards for going 'above & beyond'.
• Professional fees – The business pays the cost of one professional, role‑related membership fee for each colleague.
• The Market Place – Discounts at high street, restaurant & supermarket, gym memberships, cycle‑to‑work, smart tech loans and much more.
• Wage Stream – Access to savings opportunities and early access to wages.
• Health and Wellbeing Initiatives – Wellbeing campaigns throughout the year, with activities designed around four pillars: career, mental, physical and financial wellbeing.