Leasehold Finance Officer - SO1

Job Category : Housing
Location : 2 Hillman Street, Hackney Council
Hours Per Week : 36.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:00
Salary: £18.76

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

To work as part of the Leasehold Finance Team responsible for; the calculation of service charges; major works; reserve fund; shared ownership rent and ground rent; the production of the estimated, interim and actual invoices; and, the billing of service charge and rent payers, including service of Section 20B notices.

To prepare and issue appropriate Section 20 notices for all schemes and services, including Qualifying Long Term Agreements.

To ensure the provision of a high quality customer services to the Council’s residents.

To effectively maintain the service charge and major works database/module making accurate changes to customer accounts.

To carry out a range of financial administrative functions to ensure the successful delivery of Leasehold and Right to Buy Services (LRTBS).

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

1. In collaboration with Leasehold Finance Colleagues calculate annual and major works service charges to produce estimated, interim and actual invoices which are accurate, reasonable, and in accordance with legislation and local procedures and policies.
2. To collate all financial records pertaining to communal and structural expenditure in relation to property service charges and major works, and be responsible for the high level of accuracy and maintenance of financial information provided for the calculation of service charges and major works.
3. To carry out necessary accountancy functions for the production of service charges, major works, reserve fund, ground rent and shared ownership rent.
4. To calculate and issue Section 20B notice to protect the financial position of the landlord.
5. To maintain and update electronic and manual records, including supporting documentation, in relation of annual and major works properties.
6. To provide clear and timely reports for investigations, as and when required, to leaseholders and/or representatives.
7. To record and report any errors or inaccuracies within the accounting processes and financial recording systems, and to implement any appropriate improvements to ensure an efficient service.
8. To liaise with appropriate Council departments, sections, regulatory bodies, auditors and partners to encourage good practice and effective service charge accounting.
9. To provide appropriate background information and to perform necessary calculations for all service charge and major works enquiries, including Section 125 offer notice information.
10. To prepare and compile Leasehold Services monthly performance reports, distributing necessary information to appropriate parties throughout London Borough of Hackney (LBH).
11. To assist the Senior Leasehold Finance Officer with reviewing and benchmarking key performance strategies and effective working practices for managing a successful LRTBS, focusing particularly on local and national housing organisations.
12. To verify all payments made by the Service Area, both externally and internally, ensuring that they are correctly authorised and coded.
13. To liaise with internal and external auditors (or any other similar group, person or body) providing required information and to assist with implementing agreed recommendations as directed by LRTBS Managers.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience Requirements
A broad level of knowledge of the processes and legislation governing service charge and major works
Extensive knowledge and experience of financial aspects of leasehold management
Experience of preparation of annual property accounts, major works and service charge calculation
Experience of working in a financial environment carrying out a range of financial administrative functions
An understanding of S20 consultation processes
Knowledge of accountancy principles and internal controls relating to income and expenditure accounts
Experience of successfully dealing with queries and complaints from customers