Strategic Rent Accountant (L5Z1)

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has an opportunity for Strategic Rent Accountant (L5Z1) on a 2 month contract with a possibility of an extension.

This position will be a total of 36 hours per week, with hours from 09:00am – 17:30pm.

Job Purpose:

To support the Head of Service in the delivery of sound Housing financial information on all matters within the directorate and those which cut across directorates.

This role will lead on assisting in the production of the HRA rent setting Cabinet report and provide business partnering and management reporting for the housing management division.

Job Specific Accountabilities:

• Lead a specialised area of performance monitoring of arrears and develop new initiatives ensuring costs and benefits and strategic and financial risks are identified and fully evaluated so that managers can introduce or sustain new or modified service delivery arrangements.
• Responsible for ensuring that all rent accounting work is carried out in line with legislative, audit and council requirements and as managing agent (Camden Living).
• Provide managers and partner organisations with independent analysis and interpretation of financial and performance material, ensuring decisions are made with consideration for financial resources.
• Manage the provision of a range of specialist financial advice and support to service and corporate managers to ensure the effective management of resources and proper accountability and control.
• Be able to produce both statistical and detailed reports using the systems report writing tools and effectively present to relevant heads of service, Senior Leadership or Senior Management team as required.
• Effective and valued business partnering relationship with relevant heads of service that assists divisions in achieving their outcomes whilst driving financial improvements (income collection, void losses, rent forecast planning)
• Support with Tenant Management Organisation accounting matters as necessary
• Manage and ensure effective controls framework of the Rent charging database (Northgate).
• Challenge where appropriate, especially on affordability and value for money and ensure the financial implications of policy and operational proposals are included in reports and financial advice to members so that decisions are made in the full knowledge of financial implications.

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience:

• CCAB (or equivalent) qualified accountant
• Ability to communicate effectively complex financial issues to differing audiences within and outside the Council
• Ability to understand and analyse the impact of complex government and regulatory financial frameworks
• Understanding of the regulatory and technical frameworks governing the HRA.
• Ability to manage a regular review process to ensure continued effectiveness of controls and standards.
• Understanding of Housing legislation, Housing Law and the Legal Process, particularly in relation to rent recovery issues.
• Ability to develop service financial strategies that are technically robust and support delivery of service outcomes.
• Ability to deal confidently with elected Members.
• Ability to manage an effective team; to support, lead, develop and motivate staff to gain and maintain staff commitment.
• Strong IT literacy and advanced spreadsheet skills.
• Knowledge of financial control frameworks within large IT systems.
• Experience of controlling a significant financial accounting system.
• Proven ability to use statistics and other management improvement tools to manage controlled improvements.
• Ability to manage resources, including budgets, effectively but with a critical understanding of the limitations of budgets

To get more information about this role and how to apply please contact Lisa.