Associate Director

Kennedy Pearce Consulting; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennedy Pearce Consulting in London seeks an experienced Associate Director of Client Accounting to lead a senior team responsible for complex multi-entity reporting for real estate, private equity and corporate clients.

You will own client relationships, drive service delivery and business growth while overseeing onboarding, reporting, audits and accounting Governance across UK GAAP and IFRS frameworks.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA or an equivalent professional accountancy qualification.
• Significant post-qualification experience in client accounting, corporate services, fund administration or SPV accounting.
• Strong knowledge of UK GAAP and FRS 102, with IFRS experience and consolidation work.
• Experience with real estate, private equity, investment structures or corporate holding groups.
• Proven ability to oversee complex accounting portfolios and deliver accurate reporting.
• Experience leading audits and managing technical accounting matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead relationships with a portfolio of sophisticated domestic and international clients.
• Act as senior point of contact for complex accounting, reporting and operational matters.
• Oversee onboarding, transitions, changes in scope and reporting processes.
• Manage portfolio profitability, fee arrangements, resource allocation and billing.
• Coordinate with investors, asset managers, auditors and advisers.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly and annual accounting, management reporting and statutory statements.
• Maintain robust reporting standards and appropriate accounting judgements.
• Drive efficiency through process standardisation and system improvements.
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of managers and accountants.
• Support recruitment, succession planning and business growth.

Skills

Client accounting

Leadership

Multi-entity reporting

UK GAAP/IFRS

Real estate experience

Stakeholder engagement

Portfolio profitability

Audits

Pricing & budgeting

Education

ACA/ACCA or equivalent

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director of Client Accounting to join a growing professional services team in London. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a qualified accountant with a strong background in complex client accounting, real estate, investment structures and multi-entity reporting.

The successful candidate will take ownership of a diverse client portfolio, lead a team of accounting professionals and play a key role in service delivery, client relationship management and business growth.

Working with UK and international clients, including real estate investors, private equity businesses and corporate groups, you will combine technical expertise with commercial awareness and people leadership. You will also collaborate with colleagues across tax, treasury, compliance, corporate governance and international service teams to deliver a comprehensive client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead relationships with a portfolio of sophisticated domestic and international clients, ensuring consistently high standards of service and delivery.
• Act as a senior point of contact for complex accounting, reporting and operational matters.
• Oversee client onboarding, transitions, changes in scope and the implementation of appropriate accounting and reporting processes.
• Manage portfolio profitability, fee arrangements, resource allocation and billing, while identifying opportunities to develop existing relationships and support new business.
• Coordinate with clients, investors, property and asset managers, auditors, lenders and professional advisers.

Technical Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Oversee monthly, quarterly and annual accounting processes, management reporting and statutory financial statements across complex, multi-entity structures.
• Review financial statements prepared under UK GAAP, including FRS 102, and IFRS where applicable.
• Provide technical guidance on investment property valuations, financial instruments, intercompany funding, acquisitions, disposals, refinancing, distributions, foreign currency and consolidation matters.
• Ensure accurate reporting across property‑owning entities, holding companies, joint ventures and special purpose vehicles.
• Oversee audit preparation and delivery, resolve technical queries and liaise with tax advisers on relevant compliance requirements.
• Maintain robust reporting standards, supporting documentation and appropriate accounting judgements.

Risk, Controls & Process Improvement

• Ensure effective financial controls, reconciliations, review procedures and approval processes are maintained across the portfolio.
• Work closely with internal specialists to support banking arrangements, payment controls, statutory obligations and governance requirements.
• Monitor changes in accounting standards and regulatory requirements, implementing improvements where necessary.
• Drive greater efficiency through process standardisation, automation and improvements in accounting systems, data quality and management reporting.
• Support the introduction of new systems, technology solutions and scalable operating procedures.

Leadership & Business Development

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of managers and accountants, providing technical guidance, coaching and constructive feedback.
• Oversee workloads, resource planning and delivery standards, particularly during busy reporting, audit and transaction periods.
• Contribute to recruitment, succession planning and the development of a high‑performing, inclusive team.
• Support the wider business strategy through service development, commercial planning, pricing and new business opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational performance, strengthen client relationships and expand the service offering.

About You

To be considered for this opportunity, you will ideally demonstrate:

• ACA, ACCA or an equivalent professional accountancy qualification.
• Significant post‑qualification experience in client accounting, corporate services, fund administration, SPV accounting or a comparable professional services environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and FRS 102, with practical experience of IFRS, statutory reporting and consolidations.
• Extensive experience working with real estate, private equity, investment or corporate holding structures.
• A proven ability to oversee complex accounting portfolios and deliver accurate, timely financial reporting.
• Experience leading audits and managing technical accounting matters, including valuations, financing arrangements and multi‑entity reporting.
• Strong client relationship skills, with the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders, investors, directors and external advisers.
• Commercial awareness, including experience with pricing, budgeting, resource management and portfolio profitability.
• Demonstrable people management experience, with a commitment to developing talent and maintaining high performance standards.
• A proactive approach to risk management, internal controls and continuous improvement.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across multiple disciplines.

Experience with accounting and property management systems such as Microsoft Dynamics, Xero, Yardi, CCH or similar platforms would be advantageous.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the chance to take on a visible leadership position within an international professional services environment, working with complex clients and structures while contributing to the continued development of a growing accounting function.

You will have the opportunity to influence service delivery, develop a talented team, strengthen client relationships and play an active role in the future direction of the business.

A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered, alongside opportunities for ongoing professional development and career progression.