Financial Controller (Xero)

Michael Page (UK); Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Financial Controller based in Richmond, England. This role involves managing financial reporting for high-value property clients, preparing P&L statements, and ensuring compliance with VAT regulations. Candidates should have extensive accounting experience, proficiency in Excel, and knowledge of Xero software. The position offers a salary range of £65,000 - £70,000, with potential flexibility up to £75,000 for the ideal candidate, alongside hybrid work options and other benefits.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension contribution 3%

Private health care

Qualifications

• Extensive accounting experience either from industry or an accountancy practice.
• Experience in the Property Industry is desirable but not essential.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage own time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting function for major property clients.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual P&L statements.
• Manage cashflow forecasting and reporting.

Skills

Accounting experience

Strong Excel skills

Xero experience

Cashflow management

Service charge reconciliation

VAT returns experience

Numeracy

Detail-oriented

Time management

Communication skills

Education

ACCA or equivalent qualifications

Tools

Xero

Dext

Job description

About Our Client

• Highly Successful and Growing business in the Property Industry
• Brand new role that you can mould and develop

About Our Client

Our client is a Successful and Growing Property & Real Estate business that manages portfolio's of property companies.

Job Description

As the Financial Controller (Xero) based in Richmond your key responsibilities will include:

• Client Accounting & Portfolio Management

• Lead the accounting function for three major property clients, each with multi‑million‑pound assets.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual P&L statements for each company and assets
• Conduct detailed P&L analysis, identifying variances, cost allocations, performance trends, and opportunities.
• Manage cashflow forecasting and reporting for each asset monthly.
• Ensure accurate financial set‑up when onboarding new assets or acquisitions into client portfolios.

VAT & Compliance

• Manage all VAT returns and ensure full compliance with property‑related VAT rules.
• Apply correct VAT coding, especially for complex real‑estate transactions, service charges, and tenant billing.
• Liaise with external auditors and tax advisors when required.

Service Charge Accounting

• Prepare annual Service Charge Budgets, ensuring all expenditure is correctly allocated to the right nominal codes.
• Complete Service Charge reconciliations and respond to auditor queries.
• Ensure transparency and accuracy in service charge cost recovery.

Acquisitions, Disposals & Investment Support

• Prepare completion statements for multi‑million‑pound acquisitions/disposals (e.g., £10m+).
• Allocate forward rent, deductions, apportionments, and all financial adjustments accurately.
• Support investment analysis including reviewing tenancy agreements, forecasting yields, and assessing financial performance of assets under consideration.

Team Leadership & Process Management

• Line‑manage Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable team members (2 direct reports).
• Oversee AP/AR cycles, supplier payments, tenant receipts, and reconciliation processes.
• Maintain strong financial controls, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and integrity of records.
• Continuously improve accounting processes, reporting, and financial systems.

Systems, Reporting & Analytical Skills

• Produce high‑quality financial reporting packs for clients.
• Ensure all data is accurate within property management systems and accounting software.
• Demonstrate strong Excel skills, including formulas and data reconciliation
• Experience using the Xero system

Rent, Tenant Billing & Property Operations

Working with the Property Team on the following

• Manage billing schedules for clients and assets industrial assets.
• Ensure every tenant is billed correctly and charges and rents are collected on time.
• Oversee payment runs including property payroll and supplier payments.
• Partner with the Property Team on rent reviews, lease events, and tenancy changes.
• Monitor arrears and support credit control actions where require.

The Successful Applicant

• Extensive accounting experience either from industry or an accountancy practice
• Experience in the Property Industry is desirable but not essential
• Strong Excel skills
• Xero experience
• Knowledge of Xero add‑on tools, such as Dext is desirable but not essential
• Strong cashflow management experience
• Experience with service charge reconciliation desirable but not essential
• Experience performing VAT returns
• Strong level of numeracy and mathematical ability
• Relevant qualifications for level of employment (ACCA or equivalent)
• Understanding of UK property‑related VAT issues (option to tax, partial exemption) desirable
• Ability to support senior management with financial reporting and insights.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both internally and externally
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage own time effectively and prioritise workload
• Willingness to learn new skills and develop knowledge
• Good oral and written skills

What's on Offer

£65,000 - £70,000 the client might flex to £75,000 for a candidate that is an excellent fit

• Hours: 9am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday
• Hybrid Working - Minimum 4 days a week in office
• Holiday: 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension contribution 3%
• Private health care