Client Accounting and Service Charge Manager

Axon Moore are exclusively recruiting on behalf of a well-established, growing property business based in Manchester City Centre to appoint an experienced Client and Service Charge Accounting Manager. With PE backing, the business is well established in the market and they will be embarking on an ambitious growth trajectory over the next 5 years.

This is an excellent opportunity for a part-qualified/qualified/QBE accountant to join a strong finance team. They require someone to manage the team of Service Charge Accountants and take responsibility of the client money accounts. You will work closely with the Operational teams and ensure compliance in all areas.

Salary and benefits:

Salary £45-48k DOE plus study support where required, 25 days holidays plus banks, flexible working hours, pension, employee discounts, private medical, plus other benefits available on request.

Responsibilities include:

• Review daily cash and bank reconciliations, proposing adjustments as needed to ensure accuracy.
• Work with the property team to process payments and prepare monthly statements.
• Manage service charge funds and ledgers, including budgeting, reconciliations, and year-end statements.
• Oversee client fund maintenance, including tenant refunds, account transfers, and adequate property funding. Ensure cash-flow is adequate for the service charges.
• Liaise with internal teams to verify payments, reconcile charges, and resolve discrepancies across systems.
• Approve and monitor daily client account transfers, ensuring timely and appropriate handling of deposits and payments.
• Maintain financial systems to ensure functionality, control integrity, and readiness for audits and reporting.
• Prepare and submit quarterly tax returns, banking covenant reports, and other regulatory filings as required.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards for handling client money and maintaining accurate records.
• Lead and develop a finance team, providing coaching and support to meet performance and productivity goals. Coach with regular 1-2-1s.
• Support finance improvement initiatives and collaborate with external stakeholders to meet reporting obligations.

Experience & Skill Requirements:

• ACCA/CIMA path ideal, with experience in Service Charge and Client Monies.
• Experience in a Client Accountant role within the property sector will be needed for this role.
• Experience in managing a team.supervising and coaching is essential.
• Knowledge of the Client Monies Protection scheme (CMP) would be hugely beneficial.
• Strong IT skills, notably in Excel. Use of BC is beneficial.
• A good understanding of financial accounting principles and concepts, including bank and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Ability to communicate to different levels in the organisation.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong team player and able to work independently where required.
• Excellent organisational skills, especially around deadlines, month end, etc.
• Shows initiative and has the ability to manage changing priorities.

If you would like to hear more about this role, please get in touch with Harriett Busby at Axon Moore