Internal candidates only



Job Title:
Senior Finance Officer

Reports To: Finance Manager

Main Purpose: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Finance Officer to join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in overseeing the financial operations related to housing benefit income and rents. This position requires an understanding of financial management, rent collection, and compliance within the housing sector.

Key

Responsibilities:

• Manage the rent collection process, ensuring timely and accurate recording of rent receipts from tenants and Local Authorities (HB).
• Address and resolve any queries related to rent arrears, working closely with housing officers and Local Authority HB Teams.
• Maintain accurate records of rent payments and arrears.
• Assist with ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations and housing association policies.
• Conduct regular audits of rent accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor and analyse rent income and expenditure, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial regulations.
• Prepare and submit financial reports to regulatory bodies and senior management as and when required.
• Participate in the annual rent setting process, ensuring alignment with regulatory guidelines and organisational policies.
• Formally communicate yearly rent changes to tenants, Local Authority HB Teams and Support Workers.
• Provide guidance to other Finance staff and Housing Support staff, as and when required, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Conduct informal training sessions to enhance the financial skills of Support team members, regarding tenant rent account monitoring.
• Support the Finance Manager and Finance Director in strategic planning and decision-making processes.
• Cover for Finance Office day-to-day processing as and when required (e.g. invoice processing, petty cash recording and distribution)

Person Specifications:

• A professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, AAT or equivalent) is preferred.
• Previous experience in a finance role, preferably within the housing sector.
• Knowledge of financial management principles and practices, particularly in relation to rent collection and management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Personal Attributes:

• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Competencies:

Communication & Influence Critical

Planning & Organising Critical

Adaptability and Flexibility Critical

Problem Solving Important

Personal Motivation Important

Strategic thinking Important

Judgement and Decision making Important

Closing date: 31/01/2024