Full job descriptionService Charge Accountant - Client-Side, Mixed-Use Portfolio

North West London | Salary: £45,000-£50,000 | Hybrid: three days office, two days home

Our client is a leading property developer that manages its portfolio in-house, acting as its own managing agent. As the property team expands, they wish to appoint an experienced Service Charge Accountant to take responsibility for the service charge finances of a mixed commercial and residential portfolio.

The role will initially cover two buildings, one commercial office and one residential, with full responsibility for the service charge accounts of each. The successful candidate will be an established professional who can manage their accounts independently, provide accurate financial information to senior management, and present well-reasoned recommendations where issues arise.

The Role

The Service Charge Accountant will manage the full service charge accounting function for the assigned buildings, working closely with the in-house property management team.
*Maintain the service charge accounts for an initial portfolio of two buildings, one commercial and one residential


*Process accounts payable and receivable accurately and within agreed timescales


*Load approved service charge budgets onto Qube and keep financial records accurate throughout the service charge year


*Raise service charge demands and invoices, and receipt payments from leaseholders and commercial tenants


*Undertake credit control, arrears management and debt recovery, including issuing arrears correspondence and escalating cases where appropriate


*Ensure the correct VAT treatment of commercial service charges and the appropriate apportionment and accounting of void costs


*Respond to enquiries from senior management promptly, with accurate and well-supported financial information


*Identify financial risks and discrepancies, and present researched recommendations to senior management


*Liaise with property managers on budget preparation, expenditure monitoring and arrears


The Person

The successful candidate will be an experienced service charge accountant who can operate with minimal supervision from the outset. Candidates should be able to demonstrate:
*Proven service charge accounting experience across both residential and commercial property (essential)


*Advanced working knowledge of Qube (essential)


*A thorough understanding of VAT as it applies to commercial service charges, and of the accounting treatment of voids


*Substantial experience in accounts payable and receivable, credit control and arrears recovery


*Sound knowledge of residential leasehold service charge legislation and the RICS Service Charges in Commercial Property professional statement


*The ability to communicate financial information clearly and accurately to senior stakeholders


*A methodical, organised approach and high standards of accuracy


*A relevant qualification such as AAT, or IRPM membership (desirable)


The Package
*Salary: £45,000-£50,000


*Hybrid working: three days in the office, two days from home


*Breakfast and lunch provided daily by an in-house chef


*Healthcare


*Pension


*The opportunity to join an expanding in-house property team, with scope to take on additional buildings


PMR is a specialist property management recruitment consultancy, placing talent across Block Management, Build to Rent and Operational Living.