Client Accountant - FTC

Cushman & Wakefield; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A global real estate services firm is seeking a Client Accountant for a 12-month fixed term contract in Birmingham. This role involves delivering accurate accounting services, managing client queries, and ensuring compliance with internal regulations. Candidates should have 2-3 years of experience in property or client accounting and possess strong attention to detail along with effective communication skills. The role also requires familiarity with property management systems and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in property accounting or client accounting.
• Understanding of service charges and client money handling.
• Familiarity with RICS guidelines is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate accounting services in line with obligations.
• Prepare financial reports for clients and stakeholders.
• Manage day-to-day queries from Property Managers and Clients.

Skills

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Proactive organisation

Team player

Tools

PM&A Tramps

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Job Title

Client Accountant - FTC

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Cushman & Wakefield is hiring a Client Accountant to join our UK Asset Services Client Accounting team on a 12-month fixed term contract. This is a key delivery role, responsible for providing accurate, high-quality accounting services across a dedicated property portfolio. You’ll work closely with internal teams and clients to ensure smooth financial operations, resolve queries, and support the delivery of excellent service.

12-month fixed term contract

Key Responsibilities

Client Service & Delivery

• Deliver accurate and timely accounting services in line with contractual obligations and internal SLAs.
• Own and have full sight of Client and property Trial balances ensuring any discrepancies are resolved during management.
• Prepare standard and bespoke financial reports for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and reconcile non-recoverable invoices to be paid on behalf of Clients ensuring the prompt issuance of funding requests and receipt of funds.
• Manage day-to-day queries from Property Managers and Clients, providing clear and professional responses.
• Ensure the accounting system is kept up to date to maintain data integrity and promptly complete any data change requests.
• Own service charge year-end reconciliations, rent and service charge postings, and general ledger management ensuring audit queries are resolved in full.
• Critically review SC cash reconciliations including tenant recoverable, clearing any discrepancies.
• Ability to effectively onboard and offboard any new instructions in full including SC handovers.
• Ensure accurate coding, invoicing, and financial records for your assigned portfolio.
• Liaise directly with clients to provide financial updates, clarify information, and address routine accounting issues.
• Support the wider accounting teams with resolution of unallocated cash items.
• Prepare accurate and timely completion statements upon request.
• Ensure Client income is paid across in line with contractual obligations and without error.
• Maintain a schedule of Client delivery ensuring accurate records and filing system at all times.
• Support with Client audit requests.
• Lead Client calls from an accounting perspective and managing external stakeholders.
• Support the development and coaching of Assistant Client Accountant(s) that may deliver to your Client or be part of your wider team.

Operations & Risk

• Ensure all accounting work complies with internal procedures, RICS guidelines, and client money regulations.
• Monitor and validate outputs from internal systems and offshore support teams.
• Assist with onboarding and offboarding of properties and clients, ensuring financial data is transferred correctly.
• Flag potential risks or recurring issues to senior team members with suggested resolutions.

System Use

• Use of PM&A Tramps (or similar property management system) for day‑to‑day financial processing and reporting.
• Maintain up‑to‑date records in line with internal compliance and client reporting standards.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Property Managers, Facilities Managers, and wider Client Accounting teams.
• Support colleagues with ad hoc financial tasks as required to ensure smooth service delivery across the team.

Knowledge & Experience

• 2–3 years of experience in property accounting, client accounting, or a similar finance role.
• Understanding of service charges, rent accounting, and client money handling.
• Experience using property management systems (PM&A Tramps experience preferred).
• Good working knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Office 365.
• Familiarity with RICS, client money rules, or property industry standards is desirable.

Skills & Personal Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Clear communicator with a professional and customer‑focused approach.
• Comfortable working to deadlines in a busy, fast‑paced environment.
• Proactive, organised, and willing to take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Enthusiastic team player with a willingness to learn and develop.