OR121323 – Accommodation and Housing Finance Officer – Housing

Main Purpose of the Role

To support the effective financial management and income collection of the Council’s Temporary Accommodation (TA), private rented accommodation and resettlement schemes.

The role is responsible for managing rental accounts, monitoring income and arrears, processing payments, reconciling financial information and ensuring accurate financial records are maintained.

Working closely with internal Housing, Finance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax teams, alongside external landlords, accommodation providers and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the postholder will help maximise rental income, minimise outstanding debts and ensure the effective financial management of temporary accommodation placements.

The role will also involve analysing financial and housing data, producing performance reports and identifying opportunities to improve processes, increase income and ensure value for money across the service.

Typical Day Overview

• Reviewing rental accounts, monitoring incoming payments and identifying outstanding arrears.

• Setting up new temporary accommodation placements and creating rent accounts on the housing management system (Huume).

• Monitoring Housing Benefit and Universal Credit payments, ensuring income is correctly allocated to customer accounts.

• Processing invoices and payments to private landlords, temporary accommodation providers and external contractors.

• Reconciling financial information between housing and finance systems, including Huume and Agresso.

• Liaising with Housing Officers, Finance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax teams to resolve account discrepancies.

• Contacting landlords and accommodation providers regarding outstanding payments and invoice queries.

• Producing Excel reports to monitor income, expenditure, arrears and temporary accommodation performance.

• Analysing financial data to identify trends, highlight issues and support budget management.

• Supporting managers with financial reporting, service improvements and income maximisation projects.

Key Skills and Responsibilities

• Manage temporary accommodation rental accounts, setting up new placements, rent accounts and repayment plans.

• Monitor rental income, Housing Benefit and Universal Credit payments, ensuring accurate allocation and reconciliation.

• Manage current and former rent arrears, working with customers and relevant teams to minimise outstanding debt.

• Process invoices and payments to landlords, accommodation providers, utility companies and external contractors.

• Reconcile financial records and maintain accurate data across housing and finance systems, including Huume and Agresso.

• Monitor budgets, expenditure and income, identifying discrepancies and opportunities to maximise revenue and reduce costs.

• Analyse temporary accommodation data, identify trends and produce accurate financial and performance reports for management.

• Maintain effective working relationships with internal departments, landlords, DWP, Housing Benefit and external accommodation providers.

• Ensure accurate record keeping, data quality and compliance with relevant financial, housing and data protection requirements.

• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting systems and overall service delivery.

Essential Requirements and Qualifications

Essential:

• Minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent qualifications, or substantial relevant experience in Housing, Homelessness or Finance.

• Extensive experience in housing, homelessness or housing finance.

• Experience of rent account management, income collection and arrears management.

• Strong financial and numerical skills, including reconciliation and monitoring of accounts.

• Experience analysing data and producing management reports.

• Good understanding of housing and homelessness legislation.

• Understanding of Housing Benefit, Universal Credit and the welfare benefits system.

• Knowledge of local authority housing services and temporary accommodation.

• Strong Microsoft Excel and Word skills, with advanced Excel proficiency.

• Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working within a local authority or social housing environment.

• Experience using Huume housing management software.

• Experience using Agresso financial management systems.

• Experience managing temporary accommodation or private rented sector accounts.

• Knowledge of rent setting, landlord payment arrangements and housing finance processes.

• Experience supporting financial projects, budget monitoring and service improvement initiatives.

• Relevant qualifications in Finance, Housing, Business Administration or Accountancy.