Rent & Service Charge Analyst

Rent & Service Charge Analyst
Salary: £40,501 + excellent benefits
Location: Wooburn Green, High Wycombe or Letchworth Garden City
Hybrid working: Two days per week in the office and three days per week working from home
Contract: 9‑month fixed‑term contract (covering an internal secondment)
Hours: 37 per week

Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose?

At Lifestone Homes, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire.

Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we’ve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve

If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we’d love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we’re building a better future.

About the role

We are looking for a Rent & Service Charge Analyst to join our Rent and Service Charges team on a 9‑month fixed‑term contract.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with rent and service charge experience who enjoys working with data, analysing costs and ensuring residents receive accurate and transparent rent and service charge information. You will play a key role in supporting the delivery of rent settings, service charge budgets, annual statements and financial analysis. Working closely with colleagues across Finance, Housing Operations, Asset Management and Property Services, you will provide expert advice and analysis that supports informed decision‑making and helps ensure compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Support the rent setting process, including validating rent calculations, applying approved increases within agreed timescales and in line with policy and regulatory requirements

• Calculate annual service charge budgets in line with legislation, policy and lease requirements

• Analyse service charge costs and identify variances, trends and areas of concern

• Support the accurate production of service charge estimates and annual statements

• Calculate and monitor sinking funds, ensuring adequate provision for future major works

• Liaise with Asset Management and Property Services teams regarding planned and reactive works costs

• Support Section 20 consultation processes and ensure compliance with relevant legislation

• Review invoices from managing agents, freeholders, utility providers and contractors to ensure accuracy and value for money

• Maintain accurate records of management companies, freeholders and third‑party providers

• Respond to service charge enquiries from residents, leaseholders and internal stakeholders

• Support income recovery activities and contribute towards maximising service charge collection

• Produce analysis and reports to support decision‑making and financial planning

• Provide guidance and training to colleagues on service charge processes and requirements

• Support wider Finance Directorate activities when required

Our expectations

• Accurate and timely production of service charge budgets and annual statements

• High levels of data accuracy and financial analysis

• Strong customer service and positive resident feedback

• Service charge changes processed within agreed timescales

• Effective management of enquiries and service charge queries

• Accurate forecasting, budgeting and variance reporting

• Continuous focus on value for money and income recovery

• Positive contribution to wider Finance team objectives and service improvements

About you

Essential

• Previous experience calculating and administering service charges

• Good understanding of accounting procedures and financial processes

• Experience analysing financial information and explaining variances clearly

• Excellent attention to detail and high levels of accuracy

• Strong analytical and numerical skills

• Advanced Excel skills, including the ability to analyse and summarise large datasets using functions such as Pivot Tables and VLOOKUPs

• Ability to manage your own workload and meet challenging deadlines

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, residents, leaseholders and external stakeholders

• Positive and practical approach to problem solving and service delivery

• A‑Level, degree or equivalent qualification

Desired

• Qualified or studying towards a recognised accounting qualification, such as AAT or equivalent

• Experience working within social housing or a service charge environment

• Knowledge of leasehold legislation and Section 20 consultation requirements

• Understanding of rent and service charge policies within a housing organisation

• Experience supporting rent-setting processes

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for occasional travel between sites

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to join a specialist team at a particularly interesting time for Lifestone Homes. You'll gain exposure to a large and varied housing portfolio, work closely with experienced finance professionals and play a key role in supporting both residents and the long‑term financial sustainability of the organisation.

It's also an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further develop their knowledge of rent, service charges, leasehold management and housing finance within one of the region's largest housing providers.

Benefits

At Lifestone Homes, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, development, finances and work-life balance.

• 25 days annual leave, increasing with service to a maximum of 30 days

• 30 days annual leave from day one for Head of Service, Assistant Director and Director roles

• Christmas closure in addition to your annual leave entitlement

• Option to buy up to 5 additional days of annual leave each year

• Generous pension scheme with up to 10% employer contributions

• Annual performance bonus scheme, recognising individual contributions and achievements

• Enhanced family-friendly leave, including maternity and paternity benefits

• Health Cash Plan with support for everyday healthcare costs, virtual health services, gym discounts and free cover for up to four dependent children

• Life assurance worth three times your annual salary

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential support for your mental, physical and financial wellbeing

• Flexible and hybrid working, helping you balance work and personal commitments

• £200 annual flexible benefits allowance to spend through our benefits platform

• Generous sick pay and income protection cover

• Salary: £40,501 + excellent benefits

And that's just the beginning! We also offer:

• Salary sacrifice car leasing scheme with electric and hybrid vehicle options

• Funded training, professional qualifications and apprenticeships

• Two paid Giving Back Days each year to support local communities and charitable causes

• Up to 5 days paid carers leave

• Up to 5 days paid emergency childcare leave

• Paid professional membership or subscription (one per year)

• Peer recognition and reward programme

• Sabbatical opportunities for eligible colleagues

• Mental Health First Aiders across the organisation

• Modern office facilities, including free parking and EV charging where available

Working Hours

• 37 hours per week

• 09:00 - 17:30 Monday - Thursday

• 09:00 - 17:00 Friday

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.

Accessibility and Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.

Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.

Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.

Closing Date: 11th November, 2026.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.