Service Charge Accountant - PropCo-London

Ref: (Ref: D21D994 )
Salary: £ 45,000 – 50,000 + Benefits
Specialist Area: Service Charge Accountant
Type: Permanent
Start Date: ASAP

Service Charge Accountant – PropCo – London - Our Client is a leading real estate investment and asset management firm with a pan-European portfolio. The company focuses on owning and managing its assets through an experienced in-house team, delivering hands-on property management and investment services. They have instructed Trident to find an experienced Service Charge Accountant to join their UK Property Team. This client-side role offers the opportunity to work closely with an in-house property and facilities management team supporting a diverse real estate portfolio across Europe. The Service Charge Accountant will play a key role in managing service charge accounting processes and delivering accurate financial reporting.

Reporting to the Service Charge Manager, THE RESPONSIBILITIES of the Service Charge Accountant will include:

• Providing and supporting the service charge budget and reconciliation processes by completing assigned tasks in a timely and accurate manner.
• Undertaking quarterly reviews of all service charge expenses on assigned properties to check for posting accuracy.
• Providing summary reports for the Property and Facilities Managers.
• Performing quarterly, half-yearly, and annual period-end accounting tasks as required by the company’s group reporting timetable.
• Assisting property and facilities managers with the creation of annual service charge budgets and associated reports and analyses.
• Checking and reviewing quarterly service charge demands for accuracy.
• Reviewing service charge caps and updating the property management system when changes are required.
• Reviewing tenant apportionments and working with the Property Manager to resolve inconsistencies.
• Preparing year-end service charge reconciliation accounts for the Property Manager to review, after consultation with the Facilities Manager.
• Working with management accountants to monitor non-recoverable and capital expenditure and assisting with internal reporting.
• Assisting with analysis of large-scale projects for recoverable and non-recoverable expenses.
• Maintaining tenant and property details in the property management system.
• Administering service charge issues relating to new and expiring leases as they arise.
• Assisting in the analysis of service charge accounts during due diligence of new acquisitions and supporting asset disposals as instructed by the Head of Property Management.
• Collaborating with internal teams and external consultants to ensure accurate utility costs and accruals are posted to the service charge.
• Supporting the wider team and company in the continuous improvement of practices, procedures, and internal systems in pursuit of best practice.
• Undertaking other tasks as assigned from time to time.

PERSON Specification and SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of five years’ experience as a Service Charge Accountant.
• Strong technical background, demonstrating good working knowledge of the RICS Code of Service Charge Practice, principles of recoverability, and ability to interpret lease terms.
• Financially literate with excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience calculating and maintaining service charge caps, including complex caps with exclusions by cost heading or schedule.
• Preferably experienced with property management systems such as QUBE, MRI, Yardi, etc., with strong Excel skills and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Good interpersonal skills, capable of liaising with a wide range of colleagues, tenants, and contractors.
• Some experience working with energy suppliers or consultancies would be beneficial.

BENEFITS:

• Hybrid / flexible working – 4 days in.
• Discretionary and service loyalty bonuses
• Study leave / package
• Matched Contributory pension increasing with service.
• 28 days holiday, of which three days must be taken between Christmas and New Year, plus statutory holidays
• Private medical and permanent health cover
• Death-in-service cover
• Annual gym membership contribution
• SIP (eligible to join after successful probation period)
• Interest-free season ticket loan

This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a reputable property investment and management environment, developing your expertise alongside a supportive UK Property Team. If you are a motivated service charge professional ready for a challenging and rewarding role, we would love to hear from you.

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