Accounts Officer

Accounts Officer – North Northamptonshire Council

The Accounts Officer role will be to manage and administer all utility-related accounts for properties within our commercial portfolio, ensuring accurate billing, timely payments, and compliance with company procedures. Additionally, provide front‑of‑house reception services and tenant liaison support, delivering excellent customer care and assisting with general administrative tasks. This role will be based at the three Business Centres located in Corby and Raunds.

• Manage utilities for vacant and rechargeable properties within the portfolio.
• Coordinate disconnection and reconnection of services, resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Negotiate and agree utility contracts with suppliers.
• Liaise with utility companies to ensure timely invoice processing and avoid late payment fees.
• Calculate and process utility recharges for applicable properties.
• Raise purchase orders, receipt invoices, organise refunds, and close purchase orders at year‑end.
• Raise sales orders to tenants for utility recharges.

• Coordinate utilities for tenants moving in and out of properties.
• Verify meter accessibility and condition, reporting faults or tampering.
• Arrange installation of smart meters where required.
• Maintain accurate meter information (serial numbers, readings, location).
• Provide reception cover and meet‑and‑greet services for visitors, tenants, and dignitaries.
• Assist visitors with queries and direct them appropriately.
• Liaise with tenants and internal colleagues regarding meeting bookings and events.

• Answer telephone calls and general enquiries professionally.
• Undertake mailroom duties including distribution, franking, and special deliveries.
• Photocopy and prepare documents as required by tenants.
• Record data for sundries invoicing and assist with diary coordination for meeting rooms, including catering arrangements.
• Update telephone system for billing purposes.
• Assist with Fire Evacuation process and hold Fire Warden and First Aid certification.

• Open, close, or transfer accounts for vacant units.
• Submit meter readings promptly and accurately.
• Resolve discrepancies with suppliers, including incorrect charges or usage queries.
• Track and manage ongoing supplier communications to ensure timely responses.

• Receive, review, and process utility invoices.
• Check invoices for accuracy, including dates, meter readings, and tariff application.
• Flag and resolve anomalies such as unusual consumption or billing errors.
• Maintain accurate financial records for utility costs during vacancy.

• Maintain an up‑to‑date log of properties, meter details, suppliers, and contract statuses.
• Ensure documentation complies with company processes and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare regular reports summarising meter readings, costs, queries, and outstanding issues.
• Maintain accurate records on the ERP system and utilities spreadsheet.
• Support the wider property management team with utility‑related queries.
• Additional ad hoc duties as required by the service area.

• Organisational
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to prioritise and manage workload effectively.
• Problem Solving:
  Proactive approach to resolving issues with suppliers and tenants.
• Customer Service:
  Professional and courteous when dealing with tenants, suppliers, and visitors.
• Teamwork:
  Willingness to support colleagues and cover additional duties when required.

• Competitive salary.
• Pension scheme with significant contribution and life cover, ill‑health protection.
• Opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council.
• Generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus option to buy up to an extra 10 days.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where practicable for service needs to help you with a healthy work‑life balance.

We are a recognised Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process.