Interim HRA Finance Manager (Local Government)

Location: London
Rate: 500 – 550 per day Inside IR35
Office Attendance: 3 days per week

A local government client is seeking an experienced HRA Finance Manager to join their team on an interim basis. This is a fantastic opportunity for a CCAB–qualified accountant with significant relevant experience in housing finance to contribute to the ongoing success of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the preparation of the HRA Annual Statement of Accounts and notes, ensuring timely resolution of audit queries.
• Oversee and support annual housing rent setting and tenant service charge reviews.
• Maintain and update financial models for rent setting, service charge reviews, and the HRA Business Plan.
• Contribute to the preparation of the HRA budget for the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) review.
• Submit financial data for the annual core benchmarking exercise to ensure comparability with other housing bodies.
• Prepare and submit statutory housing returns (LAHS, LADR, RO, RA).
• Line management responsibility for 2 Finance Analysts
• Monitor budgets to ensure accuracy, identifying potential overspends and implementing corrective actions where needed.
• Participate in networking activities and collaborate with external parties and national partners.

Essential Requirements:

• CCAB–qualified accountant with evidence of significant continuing professional development (CPD).
• Strong experience in preparing HRA annual statements, setting housing rents, and managing service charge reviews.
• Proven track record in managing budgets, financial reporting, and compliance with statutory returns.
• Experience in providing financial advice to senior stakeholders and supporting project delivery in the public sector.
• Line management experience, particularly with finance analysts and graduate trainees.
• A collaborative approach to working with external partners and other housing organisations.