Service Charges Analyst

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Service Charge Analyst located at our Head Office in Islington.

£35,000.00 per annum (pro rata), working 35 hours per week.

Fixed Term Contract for 6 months.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x pensionable salary (T&Cs apply)
• Free DBS

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

To play a key role in Look Ahead's review of service charge structures across its commissioned and non-commissioned housing portfolio.

They will draft new service charge schedules, provide clear written rationales for all proposed charges, and liaise directly with local authorities and housing benefit to explain and agree new charges for 2026-27.

What you'll do:

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

Review and Rebuild Service Charge Budgets

• Lead on the zero-based review of existing rent and service charge budgets across Look Ahead's full housing portfolio.

Draft and Implement New Service Charges Schedules

• Produce accurate and transparent service charges schedules for each scheme, distinguishing between eligible and ineligible costs in line with housing benefit guidance and provide summary rationale for each cost element.

Liaise with Local Authorities, Housing Benefit Teams and Owning Landlords

• Act as key contact for Housing Benefit teams, representing Look Ahead in rent and service discussion for 2026-27.

Collaboration and Internal Coordination

• Working closely with finance colleagues to align service charges budgets with proposed schedules for 2026-27.

Compliance, Reporting and Improvement

• Ensure full compliance with DWP guidance (including circulars A4/2014 and A1/2023), HB regulations, and Regulator of Social Housing requirements.

About you:

• Highly organised, able to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines in a time-limited role.
• Analytical and methodical, with a strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, auditable records.

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• Substantial experience reviewing or setting service charges within supported or social housing.
• Proven experience preparing enhanced Housing Benefit claims and engaging directly with local authority housing benefit teams.
• Experience of building or reviewing budgets using a zero-based or baseline-up approach.
• Strong understanding of Housing Benefit regulations relating to exempt and specified accommodation, including eligible and ineligible costs.

Desirable:

• Experience working in an interim, project-based, or time-limited role.
• Experience supporting or contributing to a full service charge review for a registered provider.

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.