*Role Profile*

Job Title: Service Charge Specialist

Duration: Permanent

Salary: £38,223 - £41,418 (pay award pending)

Annual Leave: 27 Days, plus bank holidays

*What will I have to do?*
* Manage and administer service charges for properties managed by the Homes in Sedgemoor, ensuring accuracy, compliance with legal requirements, and effective communication with residents. The role involves overseeing the calculation, billing, and providing financial advice and support to the organisation
* Establish and maintain efficient procedures to calculate service charges in line with Somerset Council’s service charge policy.
* Provided expert advice and support to both internal and external customers on service charge matters.
* Report to the Director of Finance and Performance
* Project manage the move toward a single approach to service charges in both Homes in Sedgemoor and the Housing Team at the Council.

Responsibilities:

*Service Charge Calculation and Administration:*
* Prepare and calculate accurate service charge estimates and actuals for tenants and leaseholders in accordance with agreed deadlines.
* Ensure all service charge calculations comply with relevant legislation and lease agreements.
* Maintain detailed records of service charge accounts, transactions, and reconciliations.

*Service Charge alignment with Somerset Council*
* Project Management lead for the joint Homes Ini Sedgemoor and Somerset Council ‘Service Charge Alignment Project’ delivering:
* a single Service Charge Policy
* Options for a single system to manage service charges across both organisations
* a single Section 20 Policy
* single solutions to the calculation of service charges across both organisations
* Work with Somerset Council to identify options to maximise service charge income collection whilst maintaining value for money
* Identify opportunities to create efficiencies across both organisations.

*Budgeting and Forecasting:*
* Work with asset and housing management teams to develop annual service charge budgets.
* Monitor and report on service charge expenditure, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions.
* Provide regular financial forecasts and reports to senior management.

*Billing and Collection:*
* Oversee the issuance of service charge invoices and statements to residents and leaseholders.
* Support the Income Team and the Council with the management and collection of service charges, including arrears recovery and implementing effective debt management strategies.
* Liaise with the finance team to ensure accurate and timely posting of service charge related expenditure.

*Resident and Leaseholder Communication and Support:*
* Act as the main point of contact for residents and leaseholders regarding service charge queries and disputes.
* Organise and participate in resident and leaseholder meetings to explain service charge calculations and answer questions.
* Provide clear and transparent communication to residents and leaseholders about how service charges are calculated and spent.
* Develop and distribute informative materials to help leaseholders understand service charges and their responsibilities.
* Assist leaseholders in understanding their service charge accounts, payments, and financial obligations.
* Support the Income Team to provide tailored advice and support to leaseholders facing financial difficulties, including setting up payment plans or directing them to relevant support services.

*Compliance and Audit:*
* Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and best practice guidelines.
* Prepare for and assist with internal and external audits of service charge accounts.
* Implement recommendations from audit findings to improve service charge management processes.

*Section 20 Consultation:*
* Manage the Section 20 consultation process for major works and long-term agreements.
* Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including notifying leaseholders and consulting with them on proposed works.
* Prepare and issue Section 20 notices, coordinate responses, and address any objections or concerns raised by leaseholders.
* Liaise with contractors and legal advisors to ensure that the consultation process is thorough and legally compliant.

*Systems and Process Improvement:*
* Develop and maintain robust systems and processes for service charge management.
* Identify and implement improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and resident satisfaction.
* Stay updated with industry trends and changes in legislation affecting service charges.

*What do I need to be successful?*

*Qualifications and Experience:*

*Education:*
* Degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field is desirable
* Professional qualifications (e.g., ACCA, CIMA) is desirable.
* 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A\* to C), or equivalent, including English, Maths

*Experience:*
* Proven experience in managing service charges within a housing management or property management environment.
* Strong understanding of housing finance, service charge legislation, and best practices.
* Experience in budget management, financial reporting, and debt recovery.
* Familiarity with Section 20 consultation requirements and processes.

**

*Skills and Competencies:*

*Technical Skills:*
* Proficiency in financial software and systems used for service charge management.
* Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

*Communication Skills:*
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to explain complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.

*Organisational Skills:*
* Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
* Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.

*Interpersonal Skills:*
* Ability to build positive relationships with residents, leaseholders, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
* Negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

*Personal Attributes:*
* Integrity and professionalism.
* Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
* Empathy and understanding towards residents’ and leaseholders’ concerns and issues.

*How will I evidence my success?*
* Display and demonstrate behaviours that reflect our Values and put Customers First.
* Contribute and be proactive at 121s, team meetings and other forums attended.
* Successfully meet agreed key performance indicators and reporting deadlines.
* Develop positive and productive working relationships both internally and externally with relevant colleagues and other stakeholders.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £38,223.00-£41,418.00 per year

Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Company pension
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
* Work from home
Schedule:
* Flexitime
* Monday to Friday
* No weekends

Experience:
* accounting: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bridgwater

Reference ID: SCS 08 2024

Homes in Sedgemoor

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Service Charge Specialist