Head of Finance (Service Charge)

Abbatt Property Recruitment; Chigwell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Finance to lead their property management division. This senior leadership role involves overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance with UK accounting standards, and managing a team of 14 finance professionals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in finance, particularly in service charge accounting, and will excel in producing financial statements and reports. Join a company that values employee wellbeing and offers competitive benefits, including private medical insurance and support for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive pay structure

24 days of annual leave

Life assurance cover

Private medical insurance

Critical illness protection

Company pension with matching contributions

Regular salary reviews

Wellbeing support

Gym membership discounts

Paid volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong background in senior finance roles with team leadership experience.
• Deep knowledge of UK accounting rules and extensive experience in service charge accounting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial operations for property management, ensuring compliance and strong controls.
• Lead a team of 14, driving process improvements and mentoring staff.

Skills

Senior-level finance roles

Team leadership

Financial statements production

Excel proficiency

UK accounting rules knowledge

Service charge accounting

Leasehold block management

Communication skills

Education

Full professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA)

Tools

Excel

Bluebox

Job description

Role: Head of Finance (Service Charge)

Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum

Location: Essex

We are currently working with is one of London's leading privately owned property developers. They manage residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use projects across London and the Midlands.

The Head of Finance is a senior leadership role overseeing all financial operations for the property management division, including rent and service charge accounts. Reporting to the Director, this role manages a team of 14, including Service Charge Managers and Credit Control. Key responsibilities include ensuring financial compliance, maintaining strong controls, advising senior leadership, and driving process improvements while supporting and mentoring the team.

• Supervised a team of 14, including 3 direct reports, creating a collaborative and high-performing environment that supported development and accountability.
• Directed the financial close process for service charge accounts across a varied and often complex property portfolio, including sole responsibility for first-year accounts on new and multi-phase sites.
• Led the creation of annual budgets, supporting detailed forecasts for utilities, staffing, and wider operational costs.
• Ensured all rent, service charges, and reconciliations were accurately issued in line with legal agreements, applying inflation-linked uplifts and interest where relevant.
• Delivered timely and accurate monthly management reports, including tax provisions and depreciation, ensuring all entries complied with statutory and internal standards.
• Maintained strong financial controls, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP and all obligations related to VAT, Corporation Tax, and Trust Tax filings.
• Reviewed and approved outgoing payments, including landlord distributions and supplier remittances, with a focus on accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Continuously enhanced internal financial processes, improving efficiency and safeguarding compliance.
• Served as Excel lead for the team, developing tools, templates, and models to support data consistency and improve reporting workflows.

Required:

• Strong background in senior-level finance roles, including team leadership and performance management.
• Confident in producing and interpreting monthly financial statements and internal reports.
• High-level proficiency in Excel, using advanced functions like PivotTables, XLOOKUP, conditional formulas, and data analysis tools.
• Deep knowledge of UK accounting rules and tax obligations, with a track record of compliance.
• Extensive experience working with property-related finances, especially in service charge accounting.
• In-depth understanding of leasehold block management and related financial processes.
• Proven ability to inspire, guide, and support finance teams toward strong results.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex financial data for non-financial colleagues.

Preferred:

• Full professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or similar)

• Familiarity with property finance systems such as Bluebox or similar platforms.
• Experience working with complex developments, including multi-phase or large-scale residential schemes.

Benefits

• Competitive pay structure
• 24 days of annual leave plus statutory holidays
• Life assurance cover
• Private medical insurance
• Critical illness protection
• Company pension with matching contributions
• Regular reviews of salary and discretionary bonuses
• Wellbeing support via an employee assistance programme
• Access to gym membership discounts
• Cycle to Work initiative
• Exclusive retail and service discounts
• Paid volunteering opportunities
• Support for gaining professional qualifications and certifications