Associate Director - Accounting

Altum; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent financial services firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a seasoned accounting professional for a senior leadership role within its Real Estate team. This position demands a minimum of 10 years of experience in financial services, with strong technical knowledge in accounting and tax matters related to real estate. The successful candidate will lead a team, manage client relationships, and ensure compliance with financial standards. A relevant professional qualification is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in financial services.
• Deep technical expertise in accounting and tax matters relevant to real estate.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of accountants.
• Manage a portfolio of real estate clients.
• Provide expert guidance on technical accounting matters.
• Advise on accounting and tax implications of real estate transactions.
• Ensure compliance with professional conduct and quality standards.
• Stay abreast of industry developments.

Skills

In-depth knowledge of IFRS, FRS 102

Strong understanding of UK and Jersey tax regulations

Proven ability to lead and mentor accounting teams

Experience working with real estate funds

Familiarity with regulatory frameworks

Proficiency in accounting systems

Strong interpersonal skills

Experience with Yardi

Education

Relevant professional qualification (ACA, FCA, ACCA)

Job description

Role summary

This is a senior leadership role within Altum's Real Estate team, requiring a seasoned accounting professional with a minimum of 10 years' experience in financial services, ideally with exposure to real estate structures and clients. The successful candidate will hold a relevant professional qualification (ACA, FCA, ACCA, or equivalent) and possess deep technical expertise in accounting and tax matters relevant to real estate investment entities, funds, and corporate structures. The Associate Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Real Estate team, ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and client satisfaction across all accounting deliverables.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of accountants and managers, allocating work effectively and providing coaching to support technical development and career progression.
• Manage a portfolio of real estate clients, ensuring accurate maintenance of accounting records, timely reconciliations, and delivery of financial statements in line with IFRS, FRS 102, and other applicable GAAPs.
• Provide expert guidance to client accountants and managers on technical accounting matters under IFRS, UK GAAP, and other relevant frameworks, with a focus on real estate investment structures.
• Advise on the accounting and tax implications of real estate transactions, fund structuring, acquisitions, disposals, and financing arrangements.
• Ensure compliance with Altum's professional conduct, quality standards, and internal control procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and data security across all client and internal affairs.
• Build strong relationships with Directors, Shareholders, and key stakeholders, establishing credibility and trust.
• Support Boards and Committees on strategic projects, including fund launches, restructures, and regulatory changes.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the Real Estate team.
• Demonstrate strong technical accounting knowledge when liaising with clients, auditors, and tax advisors.
• Stay abreast of industry developments, including changes in accounting standards, tax legislation, and regulatory frameworks affecting real estate and financial services.
• Lead the review of complex financial statements, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.
• Resolve significant accounting issues in collaboration with client directors and document critical judgments for audit purposes.
• Oversee tax compliance processes, including corporation tax, VAT, and CIS, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Provide support during HMRC reviews or audits, including preparing responses and conducting technical research.

Skills & Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of IFRS, FRS 102, FRS 102 1A, and other applicable GAAPs, particularly as they relate to real estate and fund structures.
• Strong understanding of UK and Jersey tax regulations, including VAT and CIS as they apply to property transactions and investment entities.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor accounting teams, fostering technical development and continuous improvement.
• Experience working with real estate funds, SPVs, and investment structures within a financial services environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as AIFMD, FATCA, CRS, and economic substance requirements.
• Proficiency in accounting systems and business tools relevant to fund administration and financial reporting.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and contribution to Altum's knowledge management initiatives.
• Ability to identify and mitigate regulatory risks, escalating concerns appropriately.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to working across departments and jurisdictions
• Promote teamwork and strong relationships with other staff members.
• Preferably, candidates should have experience with Yardi.