Service Charge Manager - Housing HRA Leadership

Birmingham City Council; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Birmingham City Council is seeking a Service Charge Manager to oversee housing service charges for tenanted and leasehold properties. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on responsibility to ensure charges are accurate, timely, and compliant.

You will lead the Service Charge Team, work with residents and internal teams, and ensure recoverable costs are identified and applied correctly to maximise HRA income. Previous social housing leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant or proven management-level experience in social housing.
• At least three years’ experience in a social housing environment in a similar role.
• In-depth knowledge of rent and service charge legislation and residential leases.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent customer care and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end service charge and major works calculations, invoicing, estimates and final accounts, ensuring compliance.
• Manage annual service charge budgeting, estimation and year-end reconciliation across all tenures.
• Identify service-chargeable costs and maximise legitimate income to the HRA.
• Lead, manage and develop the Service Charge Team to be high-performing and customer-focused.
• Act as lead officer for service charge matters, liaising with residents and stakeholders across the Council.
• Maintain transparent service charges and ensure policies stay aligned with legislation and guidance.
• Support housing IT system development and work with auditors to drive improvement.

Skills

Accountancy

Management

Leadership

Customer care

Communication

Education

Qualified accountant

Management qualification

Job description

Birmingham City Council is seeking a Service Charge Manager to oversee housing service charges for tenanted and leasehold properties. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on responsibility to ensure charges are accurate, timely, and compliant.

You will lead the Service Charge Team, work with residents and internal teams, and ensure recoverable costs are identified and applied correctly to maximise HRA income. Previous social housing leadership is essential.