Head of Real Estate - Finance

Association of International Certified Professional Accountants; Swindon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the Financial Services sector is seeking a Head of the Real Estate & Infrastructure Operations team. This role involves managing a significant portfolio of investments, leading a team, and driving operational excellence. The successful candidate will have a strong background in accounting and team management, with a focus on delivering results in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Retention bonus upon completing a 12-month contract

Valuable experience with a reputable employer

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior management role within Financial Services.
• Experience with UK Real Estate and Infrastructure funds is advantageous.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team with competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Managing departmental planning to facilitate change and achieve strategic goals.
• Driving departmental and cross-team improvements for operational excellence.
• Representing the department at internal and external meetings.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Team management

Operational efficiencies

Client-focused approach

Forward-thinking

Education

Post-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

Job description

Our client

Working for our client offers growth and career opportunities across all their businesses. They have intentionally built their organization to support your success. Their reach is expansive, with a global team of 2,500 people working together. Their expertise is diverse, with over 650 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Their clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and they can create bespoke solutions tailored to clients' specific requirements.

They are a people-centric business, recognizing that their success depends on talented individuals who bring diversity of thought, skills, and capabilities. They are committed to providing an inclusive workplace that supports diversity and reflects their broader communities and client base.

The role

Head of the Real Estate & Infrastructure Operations team, responsible for end-to-end specialist accounting and operational support for investments worth approximately £7BN in UK Real Estate and Infrastructure businesses.

This role involves managing the team delivering business-as-usual accounting and operational support, as well as managing change and delivering operational excellence aligned with the strategic and tactical goals of the business.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing departmental planning to facilitate change and achieve strategic goals.
• Driving departmental and cross-team improvements for operational excellence.
• Managing three direct reports and overseeing a team of approximately 40 indirect reports, including recruitment, training, motivation, and development.
• Representing the department at internal and external meetings, such as board and committee meetings, and with key investors.
• Overseeing all aspects of operations management.
• Participating in the Property Business Management Team, jointly responsible for meeting committee objectives.

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• Post-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Experience with UK Real Estate and Infrastructure funds is advantageous.
• Experience in a senior management role within Financial Services.
• Experience working across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, Jersey, and Luxembourg.
• Excellent communication skills, able to interact effectively with clients and colleagues at all levels (including Fund Managers, boards, committees, fund administrators, investors, suppliers, and auditors).
• Proven ability to manage and motivate a team with competing priorities.
• Skill in identifying and implementing cross-team operational efficiencies and control improvements, managing risks proactively.
• Capability to handle complex issues as they arise.
• Client-focused approach.
• Forward-thinking with strong planning skills.
• Self-motivated, deadline-driven, and proactive.

What you will receive

In return, you will receive a competitive salary, a retention bonus upon completing a 12-month contract, and valuable experience working with a reputable employer within the Wiltshire market.

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