Homeownership Billing and Mortgages Officer – AR

Job Description Job Title

Billing and Mortgages Officer

Grade 9

Finance and Governance

Exchequer Services – Home ownership Services

Billing Accountant

The Billing and Mortgages Officer is responsible for the accurate administration of homeowner service charges and the Council’s mortgage portfolio. The post holder will undertake annual and ad hoc billing activities for leasehold and freehold homeowners, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, leases, policies, and procedures.

Working closely with the Billing Accountant and Mortgage Officer, the post holder will administer mortgages and loans, including Right to Buy (RTB) mortgages, housing-related loans, standard loans, and court order charges. The role also supports financial reporting, account reconciliation, digital transformation initiatives, and income maximisation opportunities across Home ownership Services.

• Administer annual billing cycles for variable service charges to homeowners.
• Process ad hoc charges, account adjustments, credit and debit notes, write-offs, and write-backs.
• Produce notifications, statements of account, and associated communications for homeowners.
• Ensure all service charge billing complies with lease agreements, relevant legislation, case law, and Council policies.
• Collate management and overhead costs for inclusion in annual revenue service charges.
• Support the preparation of annual Housing Revenue Account (HRA) service charge statements.

• Act as a first point of contact for enquiries relating to the Council’s mortgage portfolio.
• Administer mortgage accounts, including new loans, further advances, interest rate changes, repayments, redemptions, and charge removals.
• Process loan applications and establish new mortgage accounts.
• Liaise with Finance teams to ensure mortgage accounts are accurately reconciled.
• Maintain accurate records and undertake all associated correspondence.
• Initiate recovery action and legal proceedings where necessary.

• Produce reports, statistics, and reconciliations relating to service charge billing and mortgage activities.
• Analyse financial information to identify trends, benchmark performance, and recommend service improvements.
• Support audit requirements by maintaining accurate financial records and documentation.
• Contribute to the identification and development of income-generating opportunities within the service.

• Respond to enquiries and complaints from homeowners, councillors, and other stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Home ownership Services, Finance, Housing, Asset Management, Legal Services, and other Council departments.
• Liaise with contractors, managing agents, surveyors, valuers, auditors, and external partners.
• Deliver a customer-focused service, ensuring issues are resolved efficiently and effectively.

• Prepare documentation and evidence for County Court and First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) proceedings.
• Ensure all activities are undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, and Council policies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of leasehold management, service charge legislation, and mortgage administration requirements.

• Support the development and enhancement of billing and mortgage systems.
• Contribute to the Council’s digital transformation and modernisation programmes.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and customer experience.

The post holder will work closely with:

• Billing Accountant
• Mortgage Officer
• Finance and Governance teams
• Resident Services
• Asset Management
• Housing and Modernisation teams
• Legal Services
• Surveyors and valuers
• Internal and external auditors
• Contractors and managing agents
• Local MPs, ward councillors, and resident representatives

• Knowledge of Landlord and Tenant legislation, Housing Acts, and associated regulations relevant to leasehold management and service charges.
• Understanding of First-tier Tribunal and County…