Rent Arrears & Service Charge Accountant

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Rent Arrears & Service Charge Accountant to join our growing finance team in Croydon. The role focuses on accurate accounting, reporting and reconciliation of rental income, arrears and service charge accounts while supporting 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.
• Collaborate with Income Collection, Housing and Property teams to improve arrears performance.
• Prepare annual service charge budgets, forecasts and reconciliations.
• Review service charge income and expenditure to ensure accurate cost recovery.
• Maintain balance‑sheet reconciliations and strong financial controls.
• Assist with month‑end and year‑end processes, internal and external audits.
• Provide financial reports and analysis to stakeholders and identify process improvements.

Required profile

• Proven experience in rent accounting, service charge accounting, housing 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 abilities.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non‑finance stakeholders.
• Desirable: experience in housing associations, property management or local authorities; ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualification (full or part‑qualified); knowledge of landlord‑tenant legislation.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel
• Finance systems