Rent Arrears and Service Charge Accountant

Rent Arrears & Service Charge Accountant Location: Croydon (Hybrid Working) Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum Contract: Permanent, Full Time We are seeking an experienced Rent Arrears & Service Charge Accountant to join a growing finance team in Croydon. This role will be responsible for the accurate accounting, reporting, and reconciliation of rental income, arrears, and service charge accounts while supporting financial compliance and stakeholder reporting. Key Responsibilities • Monitor, reconcile and report on rent accounts and arrears balances. • Produce regular arrears reports, analysis and management information. • Investigate and resolve rent account discrepancies. • Support budgeting, forecasting and bad debt provision calculations. • Work closely with Income Collection, Housing and Property teams to improve arrears performance. • Prepare annual service charge budgets and forecasts. • Produce service charge reconciliations, balancing statements and actual-to-budget analysis. • Review service charge income and expenditure to ensure accurate cost recovery. • Ensure compliance with lease agreements, legislation and accounting standards. • Complete balance sheet reconciliations and maintain strong financial controls. • Assist with month-end and year-end accounting processes. • Support internal and external audits and respond to audit queries. • Prepare financial reports and provide meaningful analysis to stakeholders. • Identify opportunities for process improvements and increased efficiencies. • Build effective relationships with operational teams and provide financial guidance where required. About You • Proven experience in rent accounting, service charge accounting, housing finance or property finance. • Strong understanding of rent arrears management and account reconciliations. • Experience preparing service charge budgets and year-end reconciliations. • Excellent analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills. • Advanced Excel skills and experience working with finance systems. • Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders. Desirable • Housing Association, Property Management or Local Authority experience. • ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualified/part-qualified. • Knowledge of landlord and tenant legislation relating to service charges. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional looking to develop their career within a busy and commercially focused environment while making a tangible impact on financial performance and service delivery.