Service Charge Accountant

Service Charge Accountant
Watford, Hertfordshire
£35,000 - £50,000 DOE
 
WestonBrook Associates are delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a well-established and highly respected Watford based independent firm of Chartered Accountants with a strong reputation for delivering specialist advisory and compliance services to the property sector. Having developed a dedicated Service Charge Accounting division, the firm has become a trusted adviser to landlords, resident management companies, managing agents and property investment businesses, providing expert guidance across a highly regulated and technically complex area of accounting.
 
Due to continued growth within this specialist offering, an opportunity has arisen for a Service Charge Accountant to join the team and play a key role in delivering high-quality accounting, compliance and advisory services to a diverse portfolio of property-related clients.
 
The Role
The successful candidate will be responsible for the preparation and review of service charge accounts for both residential and commercial properties, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements and industry best practice. The position offers a blend of technical accounting, client advisory work and stakeholder engagement.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Preparation of annual service charge accounts for residential and commercial developments.
• Production and review of accounts for landlords, resident management companies (RMCs), right-to-manage companies and service charge trusts.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation including the Landlord and Tenant Act, Leasehold Reform legislation and associated regulations.
• Assisting with statutory accounts preparation and Companies House filing requirements where required.
• Preparing detailed expenditure statements, reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Reviewing lease provisions to ensure service charge income and expenditure are accounted for correctly.
• Advising on the allocation of transactions between landlord accounts and service charge funds.
• Supporting clients with service charge accounting queries and technical matters.
• Ensuring accounts comply with RICS guidance and best practice standards for commercial properties.
• Liaising with property managers, managing agents, directors, landlords and leaseholders to resolve queries and provide clear guidance.
• Identifying potential areas of risk and recommending practical solutions to ensure ongoing compliance.

Candidate Requirements

• AAT or qualified by experience.
• At least 2+ years' experience preparing service charge accounts within practice, property management or a specialist service charge environment.
• Strong understanding of service charge accounting principles and property-related accounting matters.
• Knowledge of landlord and tenant legislation affecting service charge reporting.
• Excellent analytical and reconciliatory skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical matters clearly and confidently.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Excel and accounting systems.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and an ability to manage multiple deadlines.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to join a recognised specialist in service charge accounting.
• Exposure to a varied portfolio of property management companies, landlords and managing agents.
• A highly consultative and client-facing role.
• Ongoing technical development within a complex and growing sector.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Genuine opportunity to establish yourself as a trusted adviser within the property and service charge arena.

The Opportunity
 
This position would suit an accountant seeking to develop or further enhance their expertise within service charge accounting. The role offers exposure to a niche and increasingly important discipline where technical knowledge, client service and problem-solving capabilities are highly valued, making it an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to build a long-term career within a specialist area of practice.