Hybrid Service Charge Accountant

Accounts Manager / Service Charge Accountant  £35,000 – £42,000
Berkshire | Hybrid – 3 days working from home
Full-time or part-time considered   Are you an experienced service charge, property management or block management professional looking for a role where you can take ownership of your work and make a genuine difference?   I’m currently recruiting for an established, independently operated property management business based in Berkshire, who are looking to appoint an Service Charge Accountant to join their growing team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong understanding of service charges, property accounts and block management administration, who enjoys working closely with clients and leaseholders and wants to be part of a friendly, professional and collaborative environment.   The business provides a comprehensive range of residential block and estate management services, working closely with residents, directors and other professional stakeholders. Their approach is proactive and relationship-led, with a strong emphasis on communication, transparency and resolving issues effectively.   The Role   The successful candidate will take responsibility for the accurate administration, management and recovery of service charges, while providing a professional and responsive service to clients, leaseholders, freeholders, property owners and other stakeholders. You will play an important role within the wider property management operation, supporting the financial and administrative management of residential blocks and estates. This is a role that would suit someone who is organised, commercially aware, proactive and comfortable taking ownership, rather than simply processing tasks.   Key Responsibilities

• Administer and manage service charges accurately and efficiently.
• Interpret and act upon client instructions and calculate statements of account and service charge apportionments.
• Process and allocate payments accurately to the relevant accounts.
• Assist with the preparation and management of service charge budgets.
• Monitor and pursue outstanding service charge arrears, communicating professionally with leaseholders and other relevant parties.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date property, client and financial records using block management software.
• Handle inbound and outbound telephone calls, providing a professional and helpful service to clients and other stakeholders.
• Manage inbound and outbound emails and correspondence, ensuring communications are clear, accurate and professional.
• Assist with creating, developing and maintaining client and property databases.
• Assist with year-end service charge account preparation and provide relevant information to the external accountant for the preparation of statutory accounts and Companies House requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure tasks are completed within agreed timescales.
• Work proactively and collaboratively with colleagues to achieve individual and team objectives and daily targets.
• Manage diaries, emails and allocated workloads effectively.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems and the overall client experience.
• Take ownership of issues and see tasks through to completion, escalating matters where appropriate.

About You   We’re looking for someone with previous experience within service charge administration, block management, property management, property accounts or a closely related environment.   You will ideally have experience with:

• Service charge administration.
• Calculating and apportioning service charges and payments.
• Preparing or assisting with service charge budgets.
• Monitoring and pursuing service charge arrears.
• Property or block management software.
• Client and leaseholder accounts.
• Year-end service charge accounts and financial reporting.

You should also have:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A confident and professional telephone manner.
• Strong IT skills and the ability to learn new software systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• The ability to work independently and manage your workload effectively.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• The ability to prioritise and manage competing deadlines.
• A collaborative approach and strong team ethic.
• A willingness to take ownership and responsibility.
• A flexible and adaptable attitude.
• A good sense of humour and the ability to contribute positively to a friendly, relaxed and professional working environment.

Why Consider the Role?   This is an opportunity to join a business where communication, service and client relationships are genuinely important. The company takes a proactive approach to block and estate management, covering areas including service charge demands and collection, debt management, maintenance, safety inspections and certifications, Section 20 works, major projects, budget setting and AGM support. The business also places a strong emphasis on working collaboratively with directors, residents and supporting agencies, with a focus on efficient administration, transparency and responsive communication. You'll be joining a friendly, down-to-earth and professional environment, where there is scope to contribute ideas and improve processes rather than simply follow a rigid structure.   Working Pattern   Hours: 08:30–16:30 Working pattern: Monday–Friday, with flexibility around the working pattern by mutual agreement. Part-time: The business is also open to considering approximately 20 hours per week, with days to be agreed. Hybrid working: 3 days per week working from home. Location: Berkshire. Salary: £35,000–£42,000 depending on experience and working pattern.   Contact: Matty Stratton   www.blockrecruit.co.uk | [phone removed] | [email removed]   WHY USE BLOCK RECRUIT? Our Current Stats: 96% of respondents rated our service as excellent. 92% of respondents rated the level of briefing given about the company & opportunity as excellent. 92% of respondents rated us as excellent against other agencies they have used in the past. 91% of respondents rated our speed of response as excellent.  94% of respondents rated our service levels during the recruitment process as excellent.  100% of respondents said they would recommend Block Recruit to friends or colleagues in the future.   Award winner of News of the Blocks “2019 Recruitment Company of The Year” for having strong Values and Ethics which shape the way we work.