Finance Officer Jobs

Salary: £46,920 (London) / £42,373 (National) per annum

Hours: Full time (but open to proposals including part time, job shares etc)

Contract: Permanent

Benefits:

· 27 days annual leave + statutory holidays + 3 closures days over the Christmas period;

· Flexible working for all staff including working from home / hybrid working, and flexi-time/TOIL scheme;

· Attractive family friendly policies;

· Private healthcare cover;

· Season ticket loans;

· Employee awards, and training and development opportunities.

For more information about our benefits please visit our website.

 

Location:  London/Bristol - employees are able to work from home on an arrangement agreed with their line manager and we have colleagues based around the UK.

An exciting opportunity has arisen at the National Housing Federation (NHF) for a Policy Leader (Finance Policy).

The NHF is the voice of housing associations in England. We are the trade body to almost 600 housing associations, who have grown from philanthropic roots to provide 2.6 million homes to around 6 million people.

This role is a crucial and exciting one within our policy team and the wider organisation. You will use your knowledge and understanding of housing associations and their finances to build strong relationships with Finance Directors across our membership, and use their and your specialist knowledge to shape the financial environment so that housing associations can best deliver on their social purpose.

Whether this is making a persuasive and evidence-based case to the government for additional grant funding to build new homes, or working with sector experts on the detail of accounting, pensions, tax or treasury policy, or meeting with banks, lenders, ratings agencies, UK Finance, HMRC, and the Treasury on behalf of our members, this role is central to our work influencing national social housing policy.

Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to download the full job profile and person specification for this role.

Key elements of the role:

· Shape and lead our policy work on key strategic issues for housing associations around housing finance – advocating for solutions and mitigating risks that affect the delivery of housing associations’ social purpose;

· Develop evidence and ideas on technical policy areas into salient policy solutions that will make a difference for the sector and influence government;

· Represent the NHF to senior colleagues in government, members and external stakeholders with credibility, expertise and political judgement;

· Communicate with and provide advice to members on critical changes to policy and the external environment.

The successful candidate:

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

· A strong and in-depth understanding of housing association finances and the operating model of housing associations (finance qualifications are not required, but a technical understanding of finance and accounting issues will be vital);

· An ability to lead the development of credible, robust, evidence based policy, including on complex and technical policy areas;

· An ability to communicate credibly, clearly and persuasively in writing and in person including to Chief Executives, senior government officials and finance professionals;

· An ability to draft, oversee, adapt and deliver complex plans for the delivery of multiple projects or programmes of work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we value the contribution each individual makes to our work.  

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and are working to increase the diversity profile of our workforce. We are currently under-represented by ethnic minorities, people with a disability or disabilities and LGBT+, and would particularly welcome applications from people in these groups.

Disability confident committed employer

We are a disability confident committed employer and if you are a disabled person who demonstrates you meet the skills and experience we consider essential for the role, we will offer you an interview.

We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process if you have a disability or have a condition that you feel may affect your performance during the recruitment process. Please contact Stephanie Green, People Manager with your request or to arrange a time to discuss in more detail.

Our role profile and job advert can also be requested in large print or in accessible format via this email address.

Uploading your CV and cover letter

If you decide to apply for this role, when requested, please upload a version of your CV that does not include any personal details, such as name, gender, age etc.  You should also ensure that you do not add your name at the end of the cover letter. This will help us to shortlist candidates for interview based solely on their knowledge, skills and experience.

 

Right to work in the UK / UK VISA Sponsorship

You must have the right to work in the UK and it is important to note that the NHF does not sponsor individuals to work in the UK.

 

Closing date for applications: 6 May 2024

Interview date: 16 May 2024 

 

 

We're looking for a temporary Revenue & Income Officer to join Your Place and be part of our dedicated team to help us with our mission to solve homelessness in east London, one person at a time!

About the role
Based within the Resident Services team, the Revenue Officer will play a critical role to help deliver an effective and high performing rent collection and recovery service in accordance with legislation, the organisation’s policies, set performance targets and customer satisfaction requirements.

In collaboration with the RSM and RI Team Leader and Finance Team to ensure that Your Place are compliant with all regulations and using robust policy and procedures. Support with the set up of the new Pyramid system and ensuring the right systems are in place to effectively manage the Revenue and Income stream and arrears of the organisation.

Maximising the organisation’s Revenue and Income by liaising with both internal and external partners including the Resident Services, Keyworkers, HB, DWP and directly with residents., and effectively managing the arrears.

This role will also manage the impact of welfare reform provisions, ensuring an effective advice and support service to residents to manage risk on revenue and income levels.

Contract: Temporary Contract (until September 2024)
Hours: Monday - Friday 37.5 hours 
Location: Canning Town, London

Other responsibilities include

• Investigating and support clients with Housing Benefit Appeals
• To support our project to transfer all accounts from Inform to Pyramid
• Investigate and support to manage Overpayment Claims from Housing Benefit
• Ensure rent accounts are up to date and correct. Checking HB entitlements against PC rates and requesting adjustments accordingly.
• Chasing ex resident arrears
• To manage resident rent and accommodation charge accounts and other former resident debts, on a regular basis identifying trends and patterns on individual accounts and then liaise with Support Workers or residents to rectify income issues and address arrears in line with policies and procedures
• To contribute towards the continuous improvement of performance in line with the organisation’s service plan targets
• To work collaboratively and closely with the Finance officer and Revenue and Income Team Leader to ensure all rent accounts tally.

About you

• Demonstrable experience of working in a supported housing environment in a similar or related role for at least 5 years
• GSCE (or equivalent) in English and Maths
• Experience of working with software applications including Microsoft office and bespoke IT Systems.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and priorities workloads.
• Able to take ownership and deliver excellent customer service in a professional and confident manner
• Demonstrate a positive, flexible approach to team working.
• Ability to communicate with residents and colleagues effectively.
• Ability to provide customer focused and responsive services.
• Willingness to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the service
• Patient and pro-active
• Commitment to the Your Place values including diversity and inclusion
• Housing or a related qualification - desirable but not essential

About applying

When applying don't forget to answer the questions in our application process to tell us more about how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience to be successful in this role.

At Your Place, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that the different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better resident outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of peoples age, disability, sex, gender, identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and a right to work in the UK.

Housing Tenancy Officer

Location: Head Office, Oldbury B68

Hours: 35-hours per week

Salary: £27,657 per annum (pro rata for part-time)

As an organisation that plans to grow, we are building a new Housing Management team and are looking for a Housing Tenancy Officer to be part of the team.  

The role

The successful Housing Tenancy Officer will carry out a variety of housing management tasks included but not limited to: Supporting with the voids and lettings process, Managing rent arrears with a focus on income maximisation, Working with tenants to ensure they are involved in shaping our services, General tenancy and estate management, Managing day to day repairs, cyclical maintenance and service contracts and Supporting the Senior Housing Manager with longer term asset management planning.

We offer flexibility in how you get your work done, whether that is working from Head Office, being out at the schemes, to occasional working from home. The post is 35 hours flexible working across Monday to Friday with occasional out of hours work.

About You

We are looking for someone with a genuine interest and passion for working to improve the quality of our residents’ lives. You need to be enthusiastic and show capability and ownership to develop in the role. You will also need to have excellent communication skills, previous experience with front facing customer service/administrative work in a housing service, excellent IT skills – proficient with Microsoft packages and the ability to learn new systems quickly, together with a positive can-do and flexible attitude to work.  

Please note, you will also need a full UK Driving License and use of a car for business purpose, and able to apply for enhanced DBS certificate, together with evidence of the Right to Work in the UK. These will need to be shown at the interview stage.

What can we offer in return?

If you are looking for a career in housing and can demonstrate you have the above requirements, this may be the ideal role for you. In return we will commit to providing the successful candidate with support to undertake a recognised Level 3 Housing Qualification.

In addition to ongoing training, we also offer a pension scheme and staff discounts.

 

The Company

New Outlook is a specialist Association that has been providing housing and care services to people with sensory impairment in the West Midlands for over 170 years. We currently have 10 Care and Supported Living services across Birmingham and some general needs properties in Redditch.

Our core values summarise what we ASPIRE to achieve:

· Approachable – friendly and easy to talk to

· Supportive – understanding and encouraging

· Professional – capable and skilful

· Innovative – inventive and adaptable

· Reliable – consistent quality and performance

· Empowering – confident and strong

How to Apply:

Please provide an updated CV along with a covering letter explaining “why you are applying for the role of Housing Tenancy Officer and what skills, experience and knowledge you can bring to this role” All applicants are encouraged to thoroughly read the job description provided, highlighting relevant skills and experience that directly correspond to the outlined responsibilities and requirements.  (Please do not write any more than 500 words).

Once completed, send this to us.

Closing Date: 12th April 2024

Interviews: Week commencing 15th April Face to Face, Head Office, Oldbury B68.

Please note, we are actively reviewing applications, and may close this advert early if a successful candidate is found.

 

New Outlook is a Disability Confident Committed employer.

To provide strategic and operational leadership for the development and delivery of services and evidence their positive impact for people using the services and other stakeholders. To assist the Trustees with overall governance, policy, strategy and financial management of the organisation and to ensure compliance with legal and contractual requirements. To be responsible for the reputation and continuing success of Aim Up.

Strategic Planning/Implementation and Review • Work with the Trustees to create a business plan and annual strategy to work towards achieving key organisational goals, reviewing, updating and reporting progress regularly

. • Together with the Charity Accountant agree an annual operational budget with Trustees, monitor and report financial position and support production of annual accounts

. • Negotiate contracts and identify appropriate sources of funding to maintain and develop services

. • Oversee the delivery of existing services; introduce new and enhanced services in line with strategic aims and as gaps in services are identified

. • Ensure the organisation has all necessary and appropriate policies in place

. • Oversee responsibility for Fundraising, Marketing and Training strategies. 

External Relations • Act as principal spokesperson and advocate for the Charity, working with key stakeholders, partners and funders to maintain and enhance its reputation. • Promote collaborative work with other relevant statutory, charitable/voluntary and corporate bodies to offer the best possible services   • Establish links and build relationships with key people of influence within Gloucestershire County Council, Integrated Care Board and NHS services. • When necessary ensure Framework documentation and associated contracts are in place to support work undertaken and appropriate tenders are submitted • Lead in negotiations for core funding,service specifications, and contracts. • Maintain links with other relevant organisations • Form and sustain links with relevant community links   • Support national campaigns that champion the issues faced by the vulnerable people the Charity supports e.g. Mencap campaigns, 

Management • Responsible for ensuring that best practice is followed in all aspects of people management from recruitment onwards in respect of employees and volunteers including regular training and supervision. • Be directly responsible for supervising members of the senior management team and other key staff as appropriate • Responsible for ensuring the requirements of the sponsorship scheme are met • Ensure tasks and individual objectives are fairly allocated to ensure delivery against the business plan. • Be accountable for quality, including with Trustees the risk management of all operational aspects of the charity business and for the accurate capture of data for reporting, record keeping and invoicing. • Oversee the development of systems, documents and procedures to support the smooth running of services.

Responsible for financial management of the charity including payroll instructions and pension administration. • Develop and produce relevant information for the monthly board of Trustee meetings. • Obtain all necessary resources and equipment. • Ensure the regular monitoring and evaluation of services, with a drive for continuous improvement. • Maintain any accreditations that have been agreed by the Board e.g. IiP

General • Ensure that the board of Trustees are appraised of opportunities and risks • Assist in keeping properties in a suitable state of order • Undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required 

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (Mon-Fri, 7.5 hours per day). May be required to work occasional evenings and public holidays.

Contract: Permanent

Salary: In range of £58,000 per annum

Location: London, E8 4DG

Our client, Peter Bedford Housing Association (PBHA), is a housing association with charitable aims that create positive change in people’s lives. As well as homes and support, they empower people to learn, access work and discover their creative talents. Based mainly in Hackney, Islington, and Newham, they work with people who are homeless, have mental ill health, learning difficulties and multiple needs. PBHA work enables people to move on and lead independent lives.

PBHA are committed to an asset based and psychologically informed approach to their work. Mutual support, participation and personal development for both staff and service users are key to this.

The role:

Reporting to the CEO, the Head of Property and Development will oversee the provision of high-quality asset management and repair services in-line with PBHA values and strategic objectives. Working closely with the Director of Services, the successful candidate will aid in the identification, management and acquisition of opportunities that will enable PBHA’s strategic growth. The role will help to ensure that PBHA’s work, and homes, meet building standards, health and safety obligations, regulatory framework, and will always provide a high-quality service to PBHA tenants.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Spearhead line-management of PBHA’s Property and Development Team through performance management and handling employee relations issues if necessary.
• Organise and coordinate work programmes. 
• Lead Housing Development programmes ensuring compliance with building standards, health and safety and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, induction and onboarding of team members.  
• Participate in on-call rota and respond appropriately to out of hours incidents.
• Provide strategic and operational direction to enhance the long-term management and investment objectives of the property portfolio.
• Ensure PBHA’s assets are surveyed and data records are established and upheld to monitor property condition.
• Oversee and manage stock improvement and maintenance programmes, ensuring that they meet service standards and agreed budgets.
• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, present to Board and Services Committee, offering recommendations in accordance with the Asset Management Strategy.
• Develop high quality policies, procedures and systems relating to Property and Development Service.
• Advise tenants and other PBHA teams on strategy and future policy implementation.
• Propose appropriate partnership development opportunities to the Senior Leadership Team.
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery, collating information for monthly, quarterly and annual performance metrics.
• Respond proactively to complaints regarding services, staff and contractors.
• Develop and implement new procedures in response to legislation changes and emerging best practice.
• Aid team in creating and maintaining good working relations with landlords, contractors and professional consultants.

Person specification:

• Experience delivering and improving Repairs and Maintenance Service, preferably for a Registered Provider or Charity.
• Substantial project or change management experience.
• Experience developing specifications for property related tenders and managing contracts.
• Revenue and Capital Budgets experience.
• Staff management experience.
• Building related qualification and professional body membership, e.g. RCIS/MCIOB, degree or HND in building management.
• Knowledge of project management, e.g. PRINCE 2/APM Techniques.
• Experience of housing development issues, funding, approaches and financing.
• Sound knowledge of health and safety legislation.
• Prioritisation and ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong IT and data management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Communication skills, specifically with stakeholders. 
• Committed to innovation and creating customer value. 

Peter Bedford Housing Association offers in return:

• Excellent support
• Enhanced company sick pay
• Access to an extensive range of training
• A psychologically informed environment
• 26 days annual leave per annum plus bank holidays, rising up to 30 days with service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Agile working.

To apply, please register your interest and we will send you an application form to complete. Using an application form supports equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.

Peter Bedford Housing Association is an Equal Opportunities employer who support an inclusive culture and diversity for their staff and those they represent. They are committed to encouraging further growth from diverse groups, and welcome applications from people of all abilities and under-represented groups. Currently, PBHA have an underrepresentation from men and disabled communities. As such, they particularly welcome applicants from these groups.

The Margins Project, Union Chapel’s Frontline charity, work with people who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness and helps address pertinent social justice issues these communities face.

The charity runs three integrated programmes:

• a community drop-in programme providing access to nutritious hot meals, and limited access to showers & laundry services.

• advice and engagement programme providing one-to-one as well as group advice service on benefits and housing, and onward referrals to pertinent services.

• support employment programme offers a paid catering training to 10 people who have had experience of homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill-health, and or imprisonment.

Our range of services are designed to help guests (service users) at varying stages, from having no roof over their head to getting back into employment.

This role offers an opportunity for an experienced adviser to help shape and evolve Margins services. Experiences on the ground at the drop-in programme inform the charity’s strategic direction. The role will involve expanding our partner network to link into pertinent statutory and other charitable organisations that provide services that will help our guests with their housing, substance misuse, recidivism, and mental health challenges.

We work closely with people on an individual case work basis to get guests off the streets, into hostels or temporary accommodation where possible, and work with private and social landlords on a range of issues. We support and represent the people we work with on the phone and in person, including at the council, the doctors, the job centre, and benefits tribunals.

Our drop-ins run on Mondays and Wednesdays 11:00am to 1:00pm where attendance is currently from 65 to 75 guests. The advice and engagement worker works more intensively with smaller numbers of up to 20. The demand for more follow up work and advocacy support has been increasing over the last two years and this in-house advice worker is critical for this demand.

Working collaboratively with the Drop-in Community worker (currently vacant), the head chef, and a small group of dedicated volunteers, you will be responsible for the support of a caseload of guests, some with complex needs, and will undertake key work responsibilities including registering the guests, identifying their housing, benefit and personal needs and conducting all necessary follow ups including occasional advocacy support, where deemed necessary.

Job Title: ADVICE AND ENGAGEMENT WORKER

Responsible to: Head of Margins

Location: Margins Offices at Union Chapel, Islington, London

Salary: £32,500 - £35,000

Terms: Full time 37.5 hours per week with 1 hour unpaid for lunch.

Three-month probation, two months’ notice.

23 days annual leave + bank holidays. Workplace pension scheme (NEST)

Start date: May 2024

Purpose of Job:

• To advise and assist guests (service users) with benefit claims and related issues, e.g., Housing Benefit, DLA, PIP, Income Support, ESA, Universal Credit, and other benefits. In particular, assisting them to claim Housing Benefit and UC to reduce risk of rent arrears.

• To develop significant contact and liaison with comparable housing and benefits advice organisations.

• To encourage guests engage with Margins activities, and where practicable, with the wider Union Chapel activities.

• To develop, facilitate and deliver group advice workshops/training programmes and open discussions forums to engage guests who historically do not engage with Union Chapel.

• To Refer Margins guests to relevant internal and external services.

• In liaison with the head of Margins and the chef to refer potential candidates to Margins’ Supported Employment Programme.

The Advice and Engagement Worker will have an active role in identifying and engaging guests as well as referring potential candidates to the Supported Employment Programme, a programme anticipated to expand beyond its current services in Margins catering.

Responsible For:

• Working with caseload of guests

• With the support of drop-in services community worker (currently vacant) to ensure the smooth running of the drop-in services

• Identifying opportunities to improve services both at a project and organisational level.

• Assist the Head of Margins in ensuring that the Margins Project remains GDPR compliant.

• Represent the organisation effectively internally and externally.

• Working in partnership with statutory and other charities to deliver co-ordinated support to guests.

• Identify relevant training opportunities in capacity building.

• Initial liaison with and acting as the first referral contact for the Supported Employment Programme

Key Duties:

• To encourage and assist guests achieve the maximum income from benefits to which they are entitled to, and to refer to relevant support services such as mental health, social services, community support.

• To advise guests on basic budgeting and where applicable to refer to Tenancy Support Officers or outside agencies for more complex help.

• To liaise closely with local authorities, social, and private landlords to try to achieve the best outcome for our guests.

• To identify if the guest is accessioning the right benefit that will support their long-term wellbeing.

• To support newly arrived refugees with their housing and benefit advice needs.

• To actively assist guests with formal appeals against Local Authority, DWP and HMRC decisions regarding benefit entitlement. Representing at Appeal Tribunals.

• To signpost guests to resources that can assist them in finding work.

• When needed, signposting guests to specialist providers in mental health or drug and alcohol support services.

• To Support guests on paying their rent, including providing advice on benefits and debt management.

• To Address breaches of occupancy agreements and develop strategies that would prevent and avoid eviction.

• To assist guests with backdated claims for Benefit by supporting their applications through to completion.

• To ensure all guests’ files are up-to-date and that data is captured on our management system.

• To provide written reports and statistics as and when requested.

• To attend supervision, training, and meetings as and when required.

• To provide advocacy support to guests as and when required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Good knowledge of the benefits system, including Universal Credit.

• Experience of working with homeless and marginalised people and understanding of the issues that face them.

• Experience of working or collaborating with people with mental health issues.

• Experience of working with refugees and their needs.

• Ability to manage challenging behaviours.

• Embrace a strength-based approach.

• A clear understanding of professional boundaries.

• A knowledge of the best practice in Safeguarding Adult procedures.

• Excellent written and oral communication skill.

• Ability to work proactively as part of a team.

• Ability to plan, manage and action follow-ups on time and manage and contain workload.

• Proficient in IT skills and competence in Microsoft Office applications.

• Committed to personal and professional development through ongoing training.

 

Desirable:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience of providing advice to vulnerable groups

• Experience of delivering provision for the benefit of vulnerable backgrounds

Equal Opportunities:

• Ensure consistent and effective implementation of Union Chapel Equal Opportunities & Diversity policy and procedures.

• Positively promote an environment which respects and values the diversity of staff, volunteers, and Guests.

 

This is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Advice and Engagement Worker. It is therefore not comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed with the postholder and the line manager from time to time. The post holder may undertake any other reasonable duties within the capabilities and scope of the post as specified by their line manager. In such circumstances appropriate training will be provided.

 

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a support statement, both no more than two pages, outlining your skills and experiences to meet the criteria of the role, why you want to work for Union Chapel Project and your availability to start with “Advice and Engagement Worker” in the subject line. Please also complete our Equal Opportunities Form.

Closing date: Tuesday 30 April 2024, 8am

Interviews will take place w/c 13 May 2024